At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a Quality team to drive operational excellence and ensure product quality in aerospace.
- Company: Join Safran, a global leader in aerospace, defence, and space technology.
- Benefits: Be part of a diverse team with opportunities for growth and innovation.
- Other info: Collaborate with experts and drive initiatives that enhance product quality and customer satisfaction.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact in a highly regulated environment while shaping a sustainable future.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in leading Quality teams and knowledge of regulatory compliance.
The predicted salary is between 47250 - 57750 £ per year.
Safran is an international high-technology group operating in the fields of aerospace (propulsion, equipment and interiors), space and defense.
Its mission is to contribute sustainably to a safer world, where air transport becomes ever more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible.
Present on every continent, the Group employs 110,000 people and generated €31.3 billion in revenue in 2025.
Safran holds, either independently or through partnerships, leading global or European positions in its markets.
Safran was ranked second in the Aerospace & Defense sector in TIME magazine's ""World's Best Companies 2025"" ranking.
Safran Electronics & Defense is an international company with more than 19,000 employees who bring together expertise and team spirit to design high-technology solutions for the aerospace, defense and space sectors.
By combining human and technological intelligence, the company develops products and services for both civil and military customers, operating on land, at sea, in the air and in space.
Safran - Here, we craft excellence together.
At Safran, excellence is a journey - and we'd love you to be a part of it.
As a trusted global leader in aerospace, defence, and space, we are proud to be a company where diversity, innovation, and opportunity come together to shape a sustainable future where we can all succeed together through a shared vision.
Are you an experienced Quality leader looking for the opportunity to make a significant impact within a highly regulated aerospace environment?
Reporting directly to the Head of Quality, you will lead a dedicated team responsible for driving operational excellence, regulatory compliance, product quality, and continuous improvement across our Military value stream.
This is a highly visible leadership role where you'll influence strategic quality initiatives, support business growth, and drive a culture of quality, accountability, and right-first-time performance.
If you're passionate about leading teams, solving complex challenges, improving processes, and delivering exceptional quality standards, we'd love to hear from you.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide leadership, coaching, and development to the Quality team, creating a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and quality excellence.
- Develop and implement the operational Quality strategy, ensuring alignment with business objectives, customer requirements, and regulatory obligations while owning key quality performance metrics and KPIs.
- Maintain compliance with Part 21G, Quality Management System (QMS), Safety Management System (SMS), customer, contractual, and regulatory requirements across all operational activities.
- Own the management of non-conformances, quality investigations, root cause analysis, corrective actions, and preventative actions, ensuring robust and timely resolution of issues.
- Drive initiatives that improve product quality, process capability, operational efficiency, and customer satisfaction while reducing defects, concessions, quality escapes, and waste.
- Collaborate closely with Operations, Engineering, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain teams to ensure product conformity, quality standards, and successful delivery of business objectives.
- Lead risk-based decision making and ensure appropriate controls are embedded throughout the product lifecycle to protect safety, reliability, compliance, and customer satisfaction.
- Lead and support internal, customer, regulatory, and certification audits, ensuring effective preparation, successful outcomes, and sustainable corrective actions.
- Support New Product Introduction (NPI), engineering changes, manufacturing process improvements, and industrialisation activities by ensuring appropriate quality planning, validation, and control measures are in place.
What You'll Bring
Essential Skills
- Proven experience leading and developing Quality teams within a manufacturing, aerospace, defence, or highly regulated environment, with the ability to drive a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.
- Excellent knowledge of Quality Management Systems (QMS), regulatory compliance, and audit management, with experience ensuring adherence to customer, industry, and regulatory requirements.
- Demonstrated success in leading non-conformance management, root cause analysis, corrective actions, and continuous improvement initiatives that deliver measurable improvements in quality, cost, delivery, and customer satisfaction.
Desirable
- Experience within the aerospace, defence, aviation, or military sector.
- Knowledge of Part 21G, AS9100 and Safety Management Systems (SMS) requirements.
- Experience supporting New Product Introduction (NPI), industrialisation, and engineering change management activities.
- Certification or practical application of Lean, Six Sigma, ZDP™, or other continuous improvement methodologies.
- Experience leading customer, regulatory, certification, and external audits, including direct engagement with customers and regulatory authorities
Quality Manager employer: Safran UK
At Safran, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters diversity, innovation, and collaboration. As a Production Planning Apprentice in our Fareham facility, you will not only gain invaluable hands-on experience in a fast-paced manufacturing environment but also benefit from a comprehensive apprenticeship programme that supports your professional growth. With opportunities to engage in various employee forums and initiatives, you will be part of a community that values your contributions and encourages a sustainable future for all.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Quality Manager
✨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 Safran UK for a Quality Manager. 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 Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at Safran UK, 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 Safran UK, 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 Safran UK
✨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 Safran UK.
✨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 Safran UK. 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 Safran UK love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
