Platform Lead Author

At Allan Webb, we are currently seeking an experienced Platform Lead Author to join our Technical Publications team, working on Leonardo Helicopters projects.

As Platform Lead Author, you’ll be responsible for the timely delivery of all tasking assigned to the platform by Leonardo Helicopters workflow controllers, ensuring all work is completed within budget. You’ll lead a team of authors, manage day-to-day operations, and act as the key liaison between the author team and the Leonardo Project Manager on all matters affecting delivery schedules.

This is an excellent opportunity for a senior technical author with rotary wing aircraft experience to take on a leadership role on high-profile defence projects.

This is a homebased role with occasional travel to our offices (Yeovil or Stonehouse in Gloucestershire) required.

This is full time, permanent position.

• Run the day-to-day business of the platform and manage workflow distribution
• Close down Build lists at completion of work and inform Leonardo Helicopters accordingly
• Ensure all authors have adequate work and maintain team productivity
• Maintain status reports and provide regular updates to the Leonardo Project Manager
• Highlight any deficiencies or requirements in training to the Leonardo Project Manager
• Recommend manpower adjustments during execution of the Statement of Work
• Rectify all platform non-conformances allocated by the QA Manager
• Maintain the RFCATP and TIR Logs
• Ensure timely completion of assessments and controlled use of data
• Discuss requirements with the Leonardo Project Manager on issue of a Statement of Work
• Maintain acceptable quality standards in all platform outputs
• Ensure new data modules are submitted for practical validation as necessary
• Ensure NATO codification is submitted in a timely manner
• Submit all required reports to the Leonardo Project Manager in a timely manner
• Escalate any issues to the Leonardo Project Manager at the earliest opportunity
• Ensure activities are undertaken in accordance with Allan Webb Ltd Health and Safety Manual requirements

• Senior author with a minimum of 3 years’ experience, preferably on a Leonardo platform
• Very good knowledge of rotary wing aircraft to answer authors’ questions and provide technical guidance
• Good working administrative knowledge of Eagle/EPS including up-issuing and tasking data modules
• Good working knowledge of Helix to task Helix tasks and assessments to authors
• Educated to at least HNC level or equivalent in a relevant aviation-related subject, OR completed a recognised engineering apprenticeship followed by employment in all aspects of aircraft maintenance and overhaul
• Detailed knowledge of Supportability and Air Publication specifications (ASD S1000D Issue 2.1 and 2.2, Def-Stan 00-60, S2000M, ATA2-02-90)
• Good working knowledge of Simplified Technical English (ASD-STE-100)
• Knowledge of technical authoring and production tools (EAGLE, Eagle Publishing System (EPS) and Helix)
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings and use Enovia and Catia
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office programmes
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to lead a team
• Ability to work to changing deadlines under pressure
• Knowledge of Merlin or Wildcat aircraft

• Proven leadership experience in a technical publications environment
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to manage competing priorities
• Excellent communication skills with both technical teams and project management
• Proactive approach to quality assurance and continuous improvement
• Experience working on defence sector aviation projects

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