Head of Operations Quality

Safran is an international high-technology group, operating in the aviation (propulsion, equipment and interiors), defense and space markets. Its core purpose is to contribute to a safer, more sustainable world, where air transport is more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Safran has a global presence, with 100,000 employees and sales of 27.3 billion euros in 2024, and holds, alone or in partnership, world or regional leadership positions in its core markets.
Safran is in the 2nd place in the aerospace and defense industry in TIME magazine's "World's best companies 2024" ranking.

Safran Seats is one of the world's leading manufacturers of aircraft seats, for both crew and passengers. 1 million Safran Seats-manufactured aircraft seats are currently in service with air fleets around the world.

Are you interested in working at the business end of Aerospace, where airline brand meets innovative passenger experience?

Then your next opportunity could be with Safran Seats, an industry award winning, premium designer and manufacturer of First and Business Class seating and technology.

The Head of Operations Quality is responsible for defining, leading, and executing the Operational Quality Strategy across all production areas to ensure quality excellence, customer satisfaction, and strong regulatory compliance.

The role provides senior leadership for all operational quality functions-including Quality Engineering, Quality Assurance, Quality Control, and production-integrated quality teams-ensuring that quality performance is fully aligned with the industrial strategy and wider business plan of SGB.

This role partners strategically with Operations, Programmes, Supply Chain, Engineering, and senior leadership to drive improvements in operational processes, non-conformance performance, cost-of-non-quality (CoNQ), and customer satisfaction.

The position acts as the senior escalation point for all operational quality issues and provides regular briefings to the Senior Team and customers at senior levels.

Scope of Responsibilities:
*Leadership of a multi-disciplinary Operations Quality organisation, including Quality Leads, Engineers, and Technicians
*Strategic cross-functional collaboration with Production, Engineering, Planning, and Maintenance
*Oversight of quality performance across all operational areas, including FAL, Trim, Seat Cell, MU, and IP where relevant
*Accountability for regulatory adherence, including AS9100 and Part 21G/G
*Regular engagement with customers, suppliers, and senior stakeholders on major quality themes and performance
*Travel as needed for business improvement and customer activities (UK/international)

- Degree level or equivalent in an Engineering / Manufacturing related discipline.
- Demonstrable experience in senior-level Quality leadership roles within aerospace or complex engineered products
- Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, industrial systems, and engineering principles
- Proven leadership of multi-level teams and ability to influence at executive level
- Strong proficiency in root cause analysis, continuous improvement methodologies, and quality tools (8D, 5 Whys, PFMEA)
- Evidence of delivering improvement in cost, quality, and operational performance
- Strong customer and stakeholder management experience