Quality Director in Runcorn

Heroux-Devtek, the world’s 3rd largest producer of landing gear, serves the civil and military aerospace markets from production facilities in North America and Europe.

The Company’s longevity, flexibility, and track record for the development and implementation of innovative production systems have distinguished it as a leader in the domain.

With its most recent acquisitions, Heroux-Devtek is bolstering its status as one of the foremost landing gear, actuation and hydraulic system designers and manufacturers in the global aerospace industry.

Division info

Located in Runcorn, United Kingdom, our newly extended 120,000 sq. ft. facility is a fully integrated site offering comprehensive manufacturing, repair, and overhaul services to the major players in the landing gear industry.

Designated as a Center of Excellence, the facility specializes in surface treatment and assembly of small to medium sized

Job Summary

Heroux Devtek, a leader in aerospace landing gear systems, is seeking a dynamic and experienced Quality Director to lead our Quality Assurance function across all business activities, including design, manufacturing, and MRO services.

This role carries full accountability for the QA system and will ensure robust compliance with aerospace standards, including EASA/FAA Part 21 (production) and Part 145 (maintenance and repair) regulations.

Main responsibilities

• 1. Quality Assurance Leadership
• Own the full Quality Assurance System, ensuring compliance with all applicable aerospace standards and customer requirements.
• Develop, implement, and continuously improve the Quality Management System (QMS) covering new production and MRO activities.
• Ensure certification and regulatory compliance with Part 21G/J (Production/Design) and Part 145 (Maintenance Repair & Overhaul).
• 2. Regulatory & Customer Compliance
• Ensure the organization maintains approvals from relevant authorities (e. g., EASA, FAA) and adheres to AS9100, ISO 9001, and other relevant standards.
• Serve as the primary liaison for audits and quality investigations by authorities, customers, and certification bodies.
• 3. Quality Control Oversight
• Provide a dotted-line leadership connection to the Quality Control (QC) function to ensure alignment between QA policies and operational execution.
• Drive rigorous inspection and testing standards to ensure conformance in all manufactured and serviced products.
• 4. Performance Management & Reporting
• Define, track, and report key quality metrics (e. g., NCRs, first-pass yield, customer returns, audit findings).
• Present performance data and strategic quality plans to the VP & GM (direct reporting line) and VP of Quality (dotted-line reporting).
• 5. Supplier and Internal Quality Assurance
• Ensure supplier quality assurance and compliance processes are enforced across the supply base.
• Conduct internal audits and management reviews, implementing corrective/preventive actions as required.
• 6. Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Partner with Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and MRO teams to ensure seamless integration of quality practices.
• Support root cause analysis (RCA) and continuous improvement activities across the value stream.
• 7. Leadership and Development
• Lead and mentor the QA team, ensuring clear development paths and high engagement.
• Foster a culture of quality excellence and regulatory discipline throughout the organization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Aerospace, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• Minimum 5+ years of progressive experience in aerospace Quality roles, including both manufacturing and MRO environments.
• In-depth knowledge of EASA/FAA Part 21G/J and Part 145 regulations.
• Strong understanding of AS9100, ISO 9001, and other aerospace standards.
• Proven leadership experience managing cross-functional teams and leading audits.
• Professional certifications (e. g., ASQ CQE, CQA, or CQM/OE) are advantageous.

Key Competencies

• Strategic mindset with strong operational execution skills
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Leadership presence with a continuous improvement approach
• High integrity and commitment to regulatory compliance

What we offer?

• Competitive salaries tied to performance, reviewed annually
• Standard 37-hour week, Annual leave 25 days + bank holidays
• Generous group pension plan with up to 7.5% employer contribution
• Life Assurance 4 x salary
• Company funded medical benefits package from day one
• Access to retail and gym discounts
• Loyalty bonuses
• Supportive environment where you can learn and grow
• A culture where diversity is valued, empowering individuals to contribute positively to the organization's success.
• Team Building social events

Héroux-Devtek aims to grow as an industry by meeting customer expectations through the dedication and commitment of its people.

Heroux-Devtek emphasizes a culture cantered on the "4 Rs": Respect, Responsibility, Recognition, and Resilience.

This entails fostering quality relationships with customers, colleagues, and suppliers, ensuring quality delivery and fairness, acknowledging employee achievements, and promoting flexibility, openness, and tenacity among employees.

This approach contributes to a stable workforce and reinforces an entrepreneurial spirit, guiding employees towards shared objectives.

Equal Opportunity to

Employees: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company.

We do not discriminate based on race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, or disability status.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any of these characteristics.

User privacy is paramount, we are committed to safeguarding your personal data in compliance with GDPR regulation.