At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Operational Quality Strategy to ensure excellence and customer satisfaction.
- Company: Join Safran, a global leader in aerospace and defence, committed to sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and the chance to impact the aviation industry.
- Other info: Dynamic role with international travel opportunities and collaboration across diverse teams.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of aerospace innovation and enhance passenger experiences.
- Qualifications: Degree in Engineering/Manufacturing and senior-level Quality leadership experience required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Safran is an international high-technology group, operating in the aviation (propulsion, equipment and interiors), defense and space markets. Its core purpose is to contribute to a safer, more sustainable world, where air transport is more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Safran has a global presence, with 100,000 employees and sales of 27.3 billion euros in 2024, and holds, alone or in partnership, world or regional leadership positions in its core markets.
Safran Seats is one of the world's leading manufacturers of aircraft seats, for both crew and passengers. 1 million Safran Seats-manufactured aircraft seats are currently in service with air fleets around the world. Are you interested in working at the business end of Aerospace, where airline brand meets innovative passenger experience? Then your next opportunity could be with Safran Seats, an industry award winning, premium designer and manufacturer of First and Business Class seating and technology.
The Head of Operations Quality is responsible for defining, leading, and executing the Operational Quality Strategy across all production areas to ensure quality excellence, customer satisfaction, and strong regulatory compliance. The role provides senior leadership for all operational quality functions including Quality Engineering, Quality Assurance, Quality Control, and production-integrated quality teams, ensuring that quality performance is fully aligned with the industrial strategy and wider business plan of SGB.
This role partners strategically with Operations, Programmes, Supply Chain, Engineering, and senior leadership to drive improvements in operational processes, non-conformance performance, cost-of-non-quality (CoNQ), and customer satisfaction. The position acts as the senior escalation point for all operational quality issues and provides regular briefings to the Senior Team and customers at senior levels.
Scope of Responsibilities:
- Leadership of a multi-disciplinary Operations Quality organisation, including Quality Leads, Engineers, and Technicians
- Strategic cross-functional collaboration with Production, Engineering, Planning, and Maintenance
- Oversight of quality performance across all operational areas, including FAL, Trim, Seat Cell, MU, and IP where relevant
- Accountability for regulatory adherence, including AS9100 and Part 21G/G
- Regular engagement with customers, suppliers, and senior stakeholders on major quality themes and performance
- Travel as needed for business improvement and customer activities (UK/international)
Qualifications:
- Degree level or equivalent in an Engineering / Manufacturing related discipline
- Demonstrable experience in senior-level Quality leadership roles within aerospace or complex engineered products
- Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, industrial systems, and engineering principles
- Proven leadership of multi-level teams and ability to influence at executive level
- Strong proficiency in root cause analysis, continuous improvement methodologies, and quality tools (8D, 5 Whys, PFMEA)
- Evidence of delivering improvement in cost, quality, and operational performance
- Strong customer and stakeholder management experience
Locations
Head of Operations Quality in Cwmbran, Wales employer: Safran
Contact Detail:
Safran Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Operations Quality in Cwmbran, Wales
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the aerospace and defence sectors, especially those connected to Safran. LinkedIn is your best mate here; drop them a message, ask for a chat, and show genuine interest in their work.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into Safran's values and recent projects. Tailor your responses to highlight how your experience aligns with their mission of quality and sustainability. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview or networking event, send a quick thank-you note. It keeps you on their radar and shows your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s just good manners!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you can tailor your application to highlight your leadership skills in quality management, which is key for the Head of Operations Quality role.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operations Quality in Cwmbran, Wales
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Operations Quality role. Highlight your experience in quality leadership, especially in aerospace or complex engineered products. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at Safran!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about quality in aviation and how you can contribute to our goals. We love seeing genuine enthusiasm for what we do at Safran.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples of how you've improved quality performance or customer satisfaction in previous roles. We’re all about results here at Safran.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of success. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Good luck!
How to prepare for a job interview at Safran
✨Know Your Quality Tools
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of quality tools like 8D, 5 Whys, and PFMEA. Be ready to discuss how you've used these methodologies in past roles to drive improvements in quality and operational performance.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As the Head of Operations Quality, you'll be leading a multi-disciplinary team. Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience, particularly in influencing executive-level decisions and managing cross-functional teams.
✨Understand the Regulatory Landscape
Familiarise yourself with AS9100 and Part 21G/G regulations. Be prepared to discuss how you've ensured compliance in previous roles and how you would approach regulatory adherence in this position.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since this role involves regular engagement with customers and senior stakeholders, think of instances where you've successfully managed stakeholder relationships. Be ready to share how you’ve tackled major quality themes and improved customer satisfaction.