At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead quality assurance in aerospace projects and ensure compliance with industry standards.
- Company: Join ALTEN, a global leader in engineering and technology consultancy.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid work, private medical insurance, and generous leave policies.
- Other info: Dynamic team culture with opportunities for professional development and networking.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the aerospace and defence sectors while growing your career.
- Qualifications: 4+ years in quality roles, knowledge of ISO standards, and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
This role could be located anywhere between Bristol, London or Derby but 2 days/week in Derby are mandatory.
ALTEN is an engineering and technology consultancy services company. We are a leading Engineering and IT consultancy operating across 30 countries, making waves in all sectors: Aeronautics, Space, Defence, Security and naval, Automotive, Rail and mobility, Energy and environment, Life Sciences and health, Industrial Equipment and electronics, Telecoms, Banking, Finance & Insurance, Retail, Services & Medias, Public Services & Government. With a team of passionate, diligent, and agile engineers, we are united by a common purpose: building tomorrow’s world today. Day by day, we support our customers' development strategies as well as their technological and sustainability transformation.
Role Overview
The Quality Assurance Manager (QAM) ensures that result-committed projects comply with the ALTEN Delivery Framework (ADF) and meet client expectations. This role focuses on quality KPIs, continuous improvement, audit preparation, and client relationship management to drive operational excellence and client satisfaction.
Key Responsibilities
- Compliance
- Pre-sales Phase
- Anticipate contract renewals or tenders to support project acquisition.
- Contribute to drafting the Quality Assurance Plan (QAP) and ensure compliance alignment.
- Attend internal project kick-off meetings.
- Project Management Phase
- Understand the contractual framework and ensure the QAP is updated.
- Conduct regular follow-ups to assess ADF compliance and provide objective evaluations.
- Train and coach Cluster Leaders (CL), Project Managers (PM), Project Directors (PD), and Technical Directors (TD) on compliance requirements.
- Highlight compliance and escalate deviations from standards.
- Pre-sales Phase
- Client Relations
- Managing Client Requirements
- Ensure client quality requirements are documented and integrated into project plans.
- Monitor changes to maintain continuous compliance.
- Address client complaints using root cause analysis (RCA) and implement corrective actions.
- Communication and Reporting
- Serve as the primary liaison for quality-related issues between clients and ALTEN teams.
- Participate in client/ALTEN meetings (PRM/CRM) and contribute with presentations.
- Organize quality reviews and provide performance reports as required.
- Managing Client Requirements
- KPIs and Performance
- Quality Dashboards
- Update dashboards with accurate and relevant data.
- Analyze KPIs (RFT, OTD, customer satisfaction) and prepare reports for stakeholders.
- Ensure data reliability and monitor performance to identify improvement areas.
- Gap Analysis
- Communicate with ACQP Direction and Technical Direction on quality control.
- Identify trends and propose action plans to enhance performance.
- Quality Dashboards
- Continuous Improvement
- Capitalizing on Best Practices
- Propose process, method, and tool adaptations for project monitoring.
- Share updates with QAMs and use structured methods (8D, 5M, FMEA, 5S, Six Sigma, 5WHY’s, Ishikawa).
- Facilitate lessons-learned sessions and document best practices.
- Project Management
- Lead corrective/preventative action plans and engage stakeholders.
- Track non-compliances, conduct RCAs, and monitor actions.
- Capitalizing on Best Practices
- External Audit
- Preparation and Monitoring
- Coordinate preparation for client/certification audits (ISO 9001, EN 9100, etc.).
- Support teams in audit preparation and follow up on corrective actions.
- Auditor Relations
- Act as the interface between external auditors and project teams.
- Preparation and Monitoring
- Additional Potential Missions
- Sector Referent
- Lead a network for sharing best practices and audit learnings.
- Harmonize ADF standards and maximize certification audit impact.
- Monitor regulatory changes and provide expert coaching.
- Backup for QAM Team Leader
- Allocate workload, facilitate team meetings, and report to the Head of Quality Assurance.
- Sector Referent
Required Skills
- Technical and Professional Skills
- Standards & Audits: Knowledge of ISO 9001/EN 9100/ISO 27001/ISO 19443/ISO 61513.
- Tools: SM, Office 365, SharePoint, JIRA.
- Language: Fluent English (minimum B2 level).
- Experience: 4+ years in result-committed projects, operational management, or quality roles.
- Past Experience in the aerospace, space, defense or Nuclear sector is a plus.
- Behavioral Skills
- Technical Assertiveness: Enforce quality requirements without hierarchical authority.
- Critical Thinking: Detect inconsistencies in data and demand evidence.
- Transversal Leadership: Align stakeholders around quality goals.
- Operational Resilience: Manage ambiguity and propose pragmatic solutions.
- Adaptive Communication: Tailor communication for evaluations, auditors, and coaching.
- Proactivity: Anticipate risks and act preemptively.
Benefits
- 9.00 am. to 6.00 pm. Monday to Friday, with a 60-minute unpaid break.
- Hybrid- Standard (3 days from office and 2 days from home).
- Social in London office – Breakfast Tuesdays, Thirsty Thursdays, and Pizza on the last Thursday of each month as well as commitment to charitable causes.
- Private Medical Insurance – 100% paid by ALTEN (taxable benefit), including access to dental and optical cover and can add your dependents on the insurance. (additional benefits available).
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – Free, confidential support available 24/7, including up to six face-to-face counselling sessions and a dedicated bereavement service.
- Life Insurance – 3× your base salary.
- Travel Insurance- Covers work travel only.
- Pension Scheme– Company contribution up to 5% or 6% (matching the employee contribution). Automatic enrolment after three months of service (subject to eligibility), with the option to opt out if you choose.
- Cycle to Work Scheme – Save 25%–39% on bikes and accessories through tax-efficient salary deductions (available after probation).
- Tech Scheme – Save 25%–39% on technology purchases via Currys, also through tax-efficient salary deductions (available after probation).
- 24 days of annual leave plus 8 bank holidays (calculated on a pro rata basis according to your start within the year).
- Maternity, paternity, adoption, shared parental leave with pay in line with statutory entitlements in place from time to time.
- Up to 5 days of company sick fully paid pay per calendar year (pro rata), followed by statutory sick pay if required.
Any doubts? Studies have shown that some groups of people are less likely to apply to a role unless they meet 100% of the job requirements. Whoever you are, if you like one of our jobs, we encourage you to apply as you might just be the candidate we are looking for. As an equal-opportunity employer, we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected attribute. Our commitment is to provide equal opportunities, an inclusive work environment, and fairness for everyone.
Locations
Quality Assurance Manager Aerospace Defense in Cheshire, Warrington employer: ALTEN
ALTEN is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration across various sectors, including Aerospace and Defence. With a strong commitment to employee growth, ALTEN provides comprehensive benefits such as private medical insurance, a robust pension scheme, and opportunities for professional development, all while promoting a healthy work-life balance through hybrid working arrangements. Located in vibrant cities like Bristol, London, and Derby, employees enjoy a supportive environment enriched by social events and a focus on charitable initiatives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Quality Assurance Manager Aerospace Defense in Cheshire, Warrington
✨Join Aerospace Forums and Groups
Get involved in aerospace engineering forums and online communities, like the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics). It's a great way to meet industry peers and stay updated on job openings and trends in the field.
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye on upcoming aerospace conferences and events where you can network with professionals and showcase your interest. Events like the Farnborough International Airshow are not just about flying machines; they're a goldmine for connections and potential job leads.
✨Spotlight Your Projects
Make sure to highlight any hands-on experience or projects on your portfolio that showcase your skills in aerospace engineering. Employers love seeing practical applications of theoretical knowledge. Show us what you've got!
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
When you find companies you want to work for, head straight to their careers page to apply for full-time roles, like the one with ALTEN for a Quality Assurance Manager Aerospace Defense. This often puts your application in front of the right people faster than just waiting for job boards!
We think you need these skills to ace Quality Assurance Manager Aerospace Defense in Cheshire, Warrington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at ALTEN, make sure to highlight your technical expertise. Include specific software skills, like CAD tools or simulation software, and any relevant engineering projects you’ve worked on. This is your chance to really shine and showcase your engineering toolkit!
Don't Skip Your Projects!:Include a section in your CV dedicated to projects that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities in aerospace engineering. Whether it's a university project, an internship, or personal work, we love seeing how you’ve applied your skills in real-world scenarios. Make it clear what your role was and the impact of the project.
Show Your Passion in Your Cover Letter:At ALTEN, we're not just looking for skills – we want to know why you’re passionate about aerospace engineering. Use your cover letter to express what excites you about aviation technology and your career goals. Share any relevant experiences or inspirations that have led you to apply for this full-time position.
Tailor Your CV for Aerospace:Make sure your CV is specifically tailored to aerospace engineering. Focus on your education, any certifications, and your work experience, ensuring you highlight aspects that relate directly to the role. Don’t forget to mention any internships or apprenticeships that have given you hands-on experience.
How to prepare for a job interview at ALTEN
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Aerospace engineering is all about technical precision, so make sure you’re comfortable with key concepts like aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science. We recommend going through any relevant coursework or projects you’ve worked on – these real-world examples can illustrate your understanding during the interview with ALTEN.
✨Showcase Your Projects with Confidence
Make sure to have a portfolio ready that details any significant projects you've worked on, whether it’s a group assignment or a personal endeavour. Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced, the tools you used, like CAD software, and what you learned from the experience, as this will show your problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Technical Interviews
Expect some technical questions or even problem-solving exercises during your interview with ALTEN. Get familiar with design challenges or theoretical problems related to aerospace; this can range from calculating lift and drag forces to materials selection under stress. Practising these can help you feel more at ease when faced with tricky questions.
✨Emphasise Your Passion and Teamwork Skills
As a full-time candidate, it’s crucial to convey your passion for aerospace engineering and your ability to work in teams. Highlight any group projects or internships you've done, focusing on how you collaborated with others to achieve a goal. Companies like ALTEN love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
