Director of Quality Improvement

Our client within the Aerospace sector, is currently seeking an experienced Quality and Continuous Improvement Director within in the Fareham area on a permanent basis.

Are you ready to join a leading global player in the rotorcraft turbine industry? This is an exciting opportunity to work with a world-class company specializing in the maintenance, repair, and support of complex helicopter engine components for the fixed-wing and rotary-wing markets.

Their UK facility serves as a European Maintenance Centre Hub, partnering with a diverse global customer base to deliver technical excellence and innovative solutions.

As the Quality and Continuous Improvement Director, you will play a pivotal role in shaping and driving the strategic direction of our Quality Management System and Continuous Improvement initiatives. You will ensure compliance with regulatory standards, enhance customer satisfaction, and champion a culture of operational excellence across the organization.

Why join our client?

Join a leading organization with a strong reputation for innovation, customer focus, and operational excellence. As part of the team, you'll enjoy:

• 25 days holiday a year (plus bank holidays)
• Flexible working hours and hybrid work options (role dependent).
• Costa coffee on site
• Generous 10% pension contributions (after 3 months)
• Health cash back scheme (after probation)
• Annual bonus of up to 3%
• Purchase of company shares (after 3 months)
• Company sick pay
• Our dedicated Benefits Portal with a range of lifestyle benefits, including life assurance, cycle to work, retail discounts, access to healthcare & wellbeing services)
• Opportunities for personal growth and development in a collaborative and inclusive environment.
• Subsidized on-site facilities, free parking, and a sustainability rewards program.

Key responsibilities include:

• Develop and maintain a robust Quality Management System to ensure compliance with current regulatory approvals and seamless integration of future certifications.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives by implementing a strategic roadmap and empowering teams with the necessary skills and tools.
• Provide leadership to Quality and Facilities teams, embedding a culture of quality and operational efficiency.
• Act as the sponsor for the Quick Response Quality Control (QRQC) system, ensuring fast issue resolution and long-term improvements.
• Oversee customer complaints, delivering timely resolutions and driving customer satisfaction improvements.
• Analyse non-quality costs, trends, and root causes to implement corrective actions in collaboration with cross-functional teams.
• Lead flight safety programs and ensure compliance with airworthiness regulations and safety management systems.
• Design and deliver training programs on quality systems, flight safety, human factors, and continuous improvement methodologies such as 5S and Lean principles.
• Champion supplier quality management, including audits and performance analysis to meet business objectives.
• Plan and oversee continuous improvement projects, including Value Stream Mapping, Kaizen Events, and Lean deployment.

Facility and Risk Management:

• Manage the facilities team, ensuring a safe, compliant, and well-maintained site.
• Develop and manage facilities budgets, infrastructure improvements, and reliability strategies to minimize downtime.
• Monitor and ensure compliance with security standards and risk management processes, including crisis and business continuity planning.

Prior skills and experience needed?

Knowledge and Experience:

• Degree or postgraduate qualification in a relevant field.
• Demonstrable experience in a senior managerial role within the aviation industry, being able to clearly demonstrate achievement of set objectives
• Knowledge of Quality Management Systems and airworthiness regulations (civil and military).
• Familiarity with aerospace processes, configuration control, and technical documentation.

Skills:

• Strong leadership, decision-making, and team-building capabilities.
• Excellent analytical and diagnostic skills, with experience in root cause analysis and corrective action planning.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage at all levels.
• Expertise in lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Ability to promote the safety and quality policy
• Ability to consider and assess flight safety risk
• PC literate and ability to use software tools

What's my next step?

Apply online today. If your skills and experience match our requirements, will be in touch to discuss the next steps.

Please note: Occasional travel to France will be required