IMS Compliance Controller

Colchester, Essex | Manufacturing / Defence / Quality & Compliance

Woods Air Movement is seeking an experienced IMS Compliance Controller to join our Defence operation in Colchester. Reporting to the IMS & QC Leader, this role is responsible for ensuring that the organisation’s Integrated Management Systems (IMS) for quality, environmental and safety standards are effectively developed, maintained and aligned with strategic objectives.

This is a key compliance role, working cross‑functionally to drive best practice, support continuous improvement, and ensure ongoing alignment with ISO standards, defence requirements and regulatory obligations
.

• Ensure Integrated Management Systems (IMS) are aligned with organisational objectives, industry standards, and regulatory requirements
• Develop, manage and maintain IMS documentation, including policies, procedures and work instructions
• Plan and conduct internal audits to assess system effectiveness and compliance
• Support and coordinate external audits and engagement with certification bodies and regulatory authorities
• Manage and maintain compliance with ISO standards (ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001)
• Ensure compliance with customer‑specific and defence standards, including JOSCAR
• Promote a culture of quality excellence, safety and environmental stewardship
• Facilitate cross‑functional collaboration to embed best practice and continuous improvement
• Produce accurate records, reports and audit documentation
• Support corrective actions, improvement activities and governance processes

• HNC or Degree in an Engineering discipline, relevant QA qualification, or equivalent experience
• Proven experience in Quality Assurance, Environmental Management and Safety Management
• Strong working knowledge of ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 4501
• Experience implementing and maintaining defence and customer‑specific standards (including JOSCAR)
• Demonstrated experience conducting internal audits and supporting external audits
• Strong documentation, reporting and record‑keeping capability
• Good understanding of manufacturing and assembly environments
• Strong communication, influencing and stakeholder‑management skills
• High ethical standards and professional integrity
• Competent IT skills

This is an excellent opportunity to play a pivotal role in safeguarding compliance and supporting defence programmes within a well-established manufacturing organisation, where strong management systems are critical to success.

• Competitive salary
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Hybrid working
• Christmas shutdown
• 4% pension scheme
• Life assurance
• Company sick pay
• Enhanced family‑friendly benefits
• Holiday purchase scheme
• Employee discount scheme
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Early finish on Fridays
• Free tea & coffee
• Free on‑site parking
• Employee Assistance Programme & mental health support
• Sports & social club
• Learning and development opportunities
• Long service awards

Woods Air Movement is an equal opportunities employer
. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and communities and recruit based on suitability, experience and qualifications.

Please note:

visa sponsorship is not available for this role. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK.