Head of Operational Quality in Portsmouth

SECURITY CLEARANCE: Eligibility to gain UK SC Security Clearance

TRAVEL REQUIRED: Occasional travel within UK

LOCATION: Portsmouth (60% of your working week must be office based)

TYPE: Full time

Benefits

• Financial Reward: Competitive salary, annual profit share, contributory pension, share options, car leasing scheme, free onsite parking, tax‑free technology scheme, discounted shopping and much more
• Work / Life Balance: 37‑hour week, flexible working around core hours, hybrid working, up to 2 additional days per month as TOIL. There are no core hours on Friday afternoons.
• Personal Development: Personalised development plan and unlimited access to 10,000+ e‑learning courses, internal mobility including international opportunities
• Health & Wellbeing: Wellbeing benefits (24/7 online GP and mental health support), Employee Assistance Programme, discounted family health, dental insurance and eye tests, cycle‑to‑work scheme, on‑site canteen and coffee shop, lunchtime pilates
• Family and Caregiving: Life assurance, enhanced pay for parental leave (23 weeks at 100% pay), adoption, shared parental and caregiving leave
• Inclusive Environment: Wellbeing room, multi‑faith room, Employee Representative Groups (Gender, LGBTQ+, International, Generational, Disability, Social & Cultural Diversity, Neurodiversity)

Role Summary

We are seeking an experienced and dedicated Operational Quality Manager to join our team in Portsmouth. In this role you will be responsible for leading a team of Quality Assurance (QA) professionals and Operational Build Inspectors, ensuring the highest standards of quality and performance across our operations. You will play a pivotal role in monitoring quality metrics, driving continuous improvement, and developing training programmes to upskill your team.

Responsibilities

• Lead direct QA and Inspector teams, engaging, developing, and motivating team members in line with the Airbus leadership model and values using HR processes and development tools.
• Foster a trustful and inclusive environment that promotes collaboration, fact‑driven decisions and an out‑of‑silos mindset.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and provide constructive feedback to the team.
• Monitor and analyse quality performance metrics to identify trends and areas for improvement.
• Develop and implement strategies to enhance quality standards and operational efficiency.
• Conduct regular audits and inspections to ensure compliance with company policies and industry regulations.
• Design and deliver comprehensive training programmes to upskill the team.
• Identify skill gaps and develop personalised training plans for team members.
• Stay updated with industry best practices and incorporate them into training programmes.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to streamline processes and improve overall operational quality.
• Implement best practices and innovative solutions to drive operational excellence.
• Encourage innovation and continuous improvement by detecting and eliminating non‑added value activities.
• Ensure deliverables are met on time, within budget and to the highest quality standards to satisfy customers.
• Escalate risks and opportunities promptly to relevant stakeholders.
• Prepare and present regular reports on quality performance to senior management.
• Maintain accurate and up‑to‑date documentation of quality standards, procedures and training programmes.
• Liaise with internal and external stakeholders to ensure alignment on quality objectives.
• Address and resolve any quality‑related issues or concerns promptly and effectively.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Quality Management, Engineering, Business Administration or a related field.
• Relevant certifications in quality management (e.g. ISO 9001, Lean Six Sigma) are a plus.
• Proven experience in a similar role, preferably in the aerospace or manufacturing industry.
• Strong leadership and team‑management skills.
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving abilities.
• Proficiency in developing and delivering training programmes.
• Knowledge of quality management systems and industry regulations.
• Proficiency in using relevant software and tools for quality management and reporting.

Support & Flexibility

As a Disability Confident Employer, Airbus UK offers interviews to applicants who consider themselves to have a disability or long‑term condition under the Equality Act 2010. Many of our staff work flexibly in many different ways, including part‑time. Please discuss the flexibility you need during the interview and we will do our best to accommodate your request.

Compliance & EEO Statements

This job requires an awareness of any potential compliance risks and a commitment to act with integrity, as the foundation for the Company’s success, reputation and sustainable growth. Airbus is committed to achieving workforce diversity and creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome all applications irrespective of social and cultural background, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation or religious belief. Airbus is, and always has been, committed to equal opportunities for all. As such, we will never ask for any type of monetary exchange in the frame of a recruitment process. Any impersonation of Airbus to do so should be reported to emsom@airbus.com.