Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
University Education
Timeline
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Helena Donald

Cheltenham,Select One

Summary

Enthusiastic, ambitious and result driven lean six sigma professional with strong analytical, quality and compliance background. Persuasive and diplomatic communicator with excellent negotiation and presentation skills. Exceptional problem-solving specialist with ability to initiate business improvement solutions. Passionate about product development and enhancement in production environment, particularly in Aerospace industry. Experienced in working and collaborating with cross-functional teams in a organisation, with Local and National Governments and on Military Contracts. Proficient in Microsoft Packages and various process flow systems. Dedicated to meeting customer requirements and collaborating with organisational stakeholders on continuous improvement projects.

Overview

14
14
years of professional experience

Work history

Lead Quality Engineer

GE Aerospace Defence & Systems
Bishops Cleeve, Gloucestershire
06.2024 - Current
  • Working on quality improvements by completing company, system and compliance audits (I.e. Part 21, product/process risk audits and regulatory compliance)
  • Taking part in Shingijutsu Kaizen, continuous improvement event on rework reduction to reduce company losses and improve product enhancement and delivery
  • Collaborating with engineering team on PFMEA process review and implementation
  • Analysing product defects during Process Health Reviews and writing plans for defect eradication
  • Conducting Gemba walks to identify process gaps and drafting process improvements for production team
  • Defining corrective actions for non-conforming products and verifying CA implementation
  • Inspecting and troubleshooting product and production discrepancies
  • Engaging with cross-functional teams in problem solving activities to resolve process failures and to identify further improvements
  • Managing a team of site Quality Engineers, writing their objective and supervising their work in 4 values streams (PCB, Avionics, Military Power and Civil Power)
  • Driving Zero Defect culture in Organisation and maintaining Aerospace Regulatory Compliance and Customers’ Contractual requirements

Lead Quality Management Specialist

GE Aerospace Defence & Systems
Bishops Cleeve, Gloucestershire
07.2022 - 06.2024
  • Responsible for the maintenance of the QMS to ensure alignment with Corporate Governance & compliance with Aerospace regulations
  • Worked as Customer Quality Specialist for Gulfstream, Northrop Grumman & COMAC
  • Managed RMA process & reported on failure mode analysis for customer returns
  • Conducted product related RCCAs and worked on process improvement with cross-functional teams
  • Gathered and analysed quality related data (KPIs) and prepared reports for customer review meetings, such as: PMR, QQR and PRR
  • Took part in internal audit process and facilitated customer, 3rd party & Regulatory audits
  • Supported Engineering team in product related investigations

Quality Manager

Ringway Infrastructure Services -National Highways
Bristol
09.2020 - 06.2022
  • Managed Divisional IMS in alignment with Corporate Governance, ISO Compliance (HSEQ) and NH contractual requirements (Government contract)
  • Responsible for Process Development & Revision, drafting Business Plans & Divisional Strategies
  • Drafted Annual Audit Program & and acted as internal auditor for ISO 9001, 14001, 18001 and 44001
  • Facilitated 3rd Party and Client Audits for National Highways
  • Managed & monitored NCR and RCA process
  • Responsible for CA evaluation and verification
  • Responsible for management of Divisional Risk Register
  • Involved in Incident/Accident investigations & reporting
  • Trained internal stakeholders on process improvement methodologies (i.e. 5s, 5why, 8D and Ishikawa)
  • A s a Social Value Champion collaborated with local charities to organise volunteering days and fundings
  • Acted as chair-person for the SW Community Collaboration Group and was responsible for maintenance of ISO 44001 on behalf of National Highways
  • As Lean Facilitator, worked on Lean implementation projects, training and preparation for HELMA (Highways England Lean Maturity Assessment)

Business Systems Manager

Campden BRI
Chipping Campden
09.2016 - 09.2020
  • Managed and maintained IMS systems at multiple testing labs across 2 UK sites
  • Responsible for ISO 9001 certification and ISO/IEC17025 UKAS accreditation
  • Applied risk management skills in RCA process through the application of 5 Why, Ishikawa and 8D Methodology
  • Developed new processes in line with UKAS and ISO requirements
  • Performed IMS trend analysis and progress reporting for SMTs
  • Designed and implemented centralised annual audit programme
  • Conducted internal audits and supplier compliance & verification
  • Participated in setting up Governance, Risk and Compliance department (Legal, Quality, H&S and GDPR)
  • Managed team of 12 Quality Co-ordinators

Integrated Management Systems Specialist

Honda Trading Europe
Swindon
10.2015 - 09.2016
  • Responsible for management and maintenance of the IMS Systems in the UK for ISO 9001:2008, 14001:2004, 18001:2007
  • Implemented IMS at Honda manufacturing site in Atessa - Italy which led to a successful ISO certification
  • Responsible for alignment of the HT Corporate Governance with the HT Global Corporation - Japan
  • Developed and managed Internal Audit Programme and conducted internal & supplier compliance audits
  • Delivered training to all staff on Honda Corporate Governance, Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) regulations and IMS compliance
  • Prepared and delivered business analysis for Regional Risk Management Committee
  • Developed countermeasures to eliminate potential risk using various problem-solving techniques (PDCA, 5 Why, & 8D)

Management Systems Executive

JSP Manufacturing, Ltd.
Oxfordshire
07.2013 - 10.2015
  • Managed and supervised product testing activities across various labs on multiple manufacturing sites in the UK and internationally
  • Drafted, developed and streamlined company policies, procedures and work instructions in line with ISO 9001, ANSI z89.1 & NIOSH (US Gov.) article 42 CFR 84
  • Conducted internal and supply chain audits in the UK and abroad
  • Responsible for QMS implementation and its escalation to manufacturing personnel in UK, Dubai and China
  • Prepared for BSI’s Kitemark assessments, and international audits (SEI, CA etc) across all manufacturing sites
  • Implemented lean principles across the shop floor and monitored its progress (i.e. reduction of scrap, NCR process & RMA monitoring)
  • Conducted performance analysis and wrote problem solutions proposals
  • Managed NCR process and carried out Root Cause Analysis
  • Worked with Technical Director on the development of product technical files & product EC type approvals
  • Implemented Change Management process in the business (Lean Six Sigma, Green Belt Project)
  • Worked on product development and enhancement with R&D Department
  • Managed a team of 5 Quality Inspectors

IMS Auditor - Business Analyst

Amey Plc & C- Vehicles (MOD secondment)
MOD Bicester, Oxfordshire
08.2011 - 07.2013
  • Carried data analysis, validation and consolidation for monthly Balance Safety Score-Card
  • Delivered monthly reports on divisional performance and HSEA KPI dashboard
  • Conducted Quality and HSE Inspections and internal audits across multiple sites and Ministry of Defence bases (in UK, Cyprus and Germany)
  • Developed IMS and HSEA Policies, Guidance and Tools in line with ISO 9001:2008, 14001:2004, 18001:2007
  • Carried out risk assessment and vehicle operation trials at RAF Brize Norton (MOD contract)
  • Audited fleet maintenance and their records for C-Vehicles before going on deployment (MOD contract)
  • Devised and managed annual audit programme and collaborated with HSEQ audit team on its execution
  • Conducted supplier compliance audits and subcontractor audits in line with operating ISO standards & MOD requirements
  • Developed divisional policies and procedures in alignment with corporate requirements (Amey and Babcock - JV)
  • Responsible for Incident/Accident reporting and monitoring on AirsWeb

Education

Electronics Assembly for Engineers & Inspection of Electronics Assemblies

IPC - Training Certificate

Toyota Production Systems Consultants -

Shingijutsu Kaizen
UK

British Standards Institute -

Green Belt Lean Six Sigma in Manufacturing
UK

British Standards Institute -

Diploma in Quality Management
UK

British Standards Institute -

ISO 9001 Internal Auditor Course
UK

Perry Johnson Laboratory Accreditation, Inc. -

ISO \ IEC 17025:2017 Requirements

Reeds Learning -

Introduction to Management & Leadership
UK

IEMA -

Environmental Awareness & BS EN14001
UK

Skills

  • Shingijutsu Kaizen / Continuous Improvement
  • At Point Problem Solving
  • Production Process Improvement (PFMEA)
  • QMS/IMS Management
  • Corporate Governance Alignment
  • Government Contracts
  • Lean Six Sigma Operational Green Belt
  • NCR & Root Cause Analysis (5 Why, 8D, 9S, Ishikawa)
  • Internal & External Audits including supply chain
  • KPI Reporting and Analysis
  • Risk Management
  • Strategy Development & Business Planning
  • Policy and Procedure Improvement
  • Product Life Cycle
  • Testing Laboratory Management
  • Technical File Development
  • ISO Certification & Regulatory Compliance
  • Team Leadership


Languages:

English - Proficient

Croatian - Native

Italian - Basic



Interests:

  • Fitness and Training
  • Reading books on Neuroscience, Quantum Theory & Consciousness
  • Studying subject of interests ie Continuous Improvement, TPS, women in leadership etc
  • Being in the nature and walking my dog
  • Travelling and learning about other cultures
  • Socialising with friends & family

University Education

1. Masters of Arts, Creative and Transactional Writing / 2001 - 2002

    Brunel University London - UK


2. BA Hons, English Literature and History / 1996 - 1999

    Sunderland University - UK

Timeline

Lead Quality Engineer

GE Aerospace Defence & Systems
06.2024 - Current

Lead Quality Management Specialist

GE Aerospace Defence & Systems
07.2022 - 06.2024

Quality Manager

Ringway Infrastructure Services -National Highways
09.2020 - 06.2022

Business Systems Manager

Campden BRI
09.2016 - 09.2020

Integrated Management Systems Specialist

Honda Trading Europe
10.2015 - 09.2016

Management Systems Executive

JSP Manufacturing, Ltd.
07.2013 - 10.2015

IMS Auditor - Business Analyst

Amey Plc & C- Vehicles (MOD secondment)
08.2011 - 07.2013

Electronics Assembly for Engineers & Inspection of Electronics Assemblies

IPC - Training Certificate

Toyota Production Systems Consultants -

Shingijutsu Kaizen

British Standards Institute -

Green Belt Lean Six Sigma in Manufacturing

British Standards Institute -

Diploma in Quality Management

British Standards Institute -

ISO 9001 Internal Auditor Course

Perry Johnson Laboratory Accreditation, Inc. -

ISO \ IEC 17025:2017 Requirements

Reeds Learning -

Introduction to Management & Leadership

IEMA -

Environmental Awareness & BS EN14001

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Helena Donald