At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead quality improvement initiatives and collaborate with international teams on cutting-edge defence projects.
- Company: Join Leonardo, a leader in defence electronics with a focus on innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, mental health support, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Dynamic, multicultural environment with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on next-gen fighter jet technology while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Degree in STEM or business, experience in quality roles, and strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Salary £60k - £75k – Lead level Salary £75k - £88k – Manager level. Leonardo UK operates a grade‑based salary framework with broad bands. The salary range shown reflects the approved grade band for this role, or a narrower hiring range published within that band, and is benchmarked against the external market.
Are you an innovative and adaptable Quality professional, with a passion for problem solving and improvement? At Leonardo we have an exciting opportunity for a Quality Improvement Lead to work on our GCAP Electronics Evolution Consortium (G2E) at our Reading site. G2E brings together four world‑leading defence electronics champions, from three nations (Italy, UK and Japan), as a single strategic enabling partner, with one vision … to deliver the Integrated Sensors And Non‑Kinetic Effects and Integrated Communications Systems (ISANKE & ICS) that will make the GCAP next‑generation fighter jet, a sensor powerhouse.
As a Quality Improvement Lead you will be a UK representative for the G2E Domain Quality Management Office (DQMO), working under the Quality Director to drive improvement activities. The role will involve international and national travel between Leonardo UK sites, and may start at our Luton site before moving to Reading, depending on timelines.
Responsibilities
- Implement process improvements and manage data to monitor quality performances and KPIs.
- Integrate advanced technologies (AI, cybersecurity, cloud computing, IoT) to enhance quality monitoring.
- Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to support continuous improvement initiatives.
- Implement tools to support the five phases: Planning, Product Design and Development, Process Design and Development, Product and Process Validation, and Ongoing Production, Use, and Post‑delivery Service.
- Support internal departments in the application of these tools by providing training, resources, and guidance on the tool principles and practices.
- Coordinate with international partners to ensure their supply chain supports these tools to meet quality standards and requirements.
- Conduct audits and assessments to verify compliance with those tools and processes.
- Facilitate effective communication between G2E and partner teams to ensure alignment on quality expectations and deliverables.
Qualifications
Essential:
- A degree in a STEM or business related topic.
- Experience working in a quality or business improvement role.
- Understanding of ISO 9001.
- Analytical and problem solving skills.
- Good communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Evidence of good collaboration skills and cross‑geographic working to reach agreements and form partnerships.
Desirable:
- AS9100 series of standards (incl AS9145).
- Agile Development Frameworks (e.g. SCRUM).
- Quality Management software and tools.
- Lean / Six Sigma Principles.
Security Clearance
This role requires National Security Vetting to SC level. The successful applicant must achieve, maintain, and comply with SC clearance, meeting eligibility requirements for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV).
Benefits
Leonardo offers a comprehensive, company‑funded benefits package that supports wellbeing, career development, and work–life balance.
- Generous leave with opportunity to accrue up to 12 additional flexi‑days each year.
- Competitive pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.
- Free access to mental health support, financial advice, and employee‑led networks promoting inclusion and diversity.
- Bonus scheme for all employees at management level and below.
- Free access to 4,000+ online courses via Coursera and LinkedIn Learning.
- Referral programme providing financial reward.
- Annual allocation of £500 for flexible benefits (private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech & lifestyle discounts, gym memberships, etc.).
- Flexible hours with hybrid working options; part‑time possibilities may be discussed.
Location & Seniority
Primary: Reading, GB. Additional: Luton, GB.
Contract type: Permanent. Hybrid working: Hybrid, international, multicultural, innovative, technological.
Quality Improvement Lead / Manager in Reading employer: Leonardo UK Ltd
Leonardo UK is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration within the defence electronics sector. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, generous leave policies, and extensive career development opportunities, including access to over 4,000 online courses, employees are empowered to grow and thrive. The Reading site, as part of an international consortium, provides a unique chance to work on cutting-edge technology while enjoying flexible working arrangements and a supportive culture that values diversity and inclusion.
