Head of Quality Assurance

Overview

In this role you lead the Quality Assurance function to ensure products and processes meet regulatory and customer specifications. You will partner with operations and engineering to embed quality across the value stream, drive continuous improvement, and provide leadership to a skilled QA team. You’ll influence business decisions, manage audits, and uphold the organization’s safety and compliance commitments. This is a strategic, cross-functional position with a clear impact on product quality and customer satisfaction.

Pay / Benefits

• Flexible working within core hours
• 25 days holiday (plus buy/sell)
• Life assurance – 4x salary
• Flexible benefits package
• Funded health benefits
• Pension scheme – up to 8% employer contributions

Responsibilities

• Provide effective leadership and guidance of the QA function to meet tactical and oversight requirements
• Maintain and support an effective Business Management System in partnership with stakeholders
• Lead audits and ensure corrective/preventive actions are completed
• Coordinate quality aspects of supplier and design audits and conformity activities
• Support external quality audits, assessments, and customer visits
• Oversee investigation of quality issues with root cause analysis and preventive actions
• Manage resources, including recruiting, to deliver on time within budget and quality standards
• Ensure product release documentation and quality records are properly maintained
• Promote continuous improvement and ensure QA participation in product/process changes and safety reviews
• Develop processes and procedures to sustain a robust Business Management System
• Travel as needed to support products on customer sites
• Mentor and develop the QA team and manage performance
• Engage with customers, authorities, and suppliers to align on quality requirements

Key requirements

• Degree-level education (ideally) with extensive QA experience in design & manufacturing
• Experience in aerospace quality disciplines (Product, Design, Process) and standards (CAA Part 21, CAA & EASA Part 145, FAA, AS9100)
• Proven experience in QA leadership and managing audits/investigations (RCCA)
• Trained auditor with strong communication skills
• Ability to build relationships with internal/external customers and authorities
• Understanding of cost implications in quality and strong time-management
• Experience with Source Inspection, MRB, and product release processes
• Proactive, data-driven decision-making and ability to lead a team
• Microsoft suite and relevant software proficiency

• strong communication (verbal/written)
• leadership and motivational skills
• collaboration and stakeholder management
• Quality Management System (AS9100/CAA/EASA/FAA)
• RCCA and problem-solving methodologies
• Audit planning and execution

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