Head of Regulatory Compliance, Business Systems and Safety in Cwmbran

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. With more than one million seats installed across the fleets of the world's leading airlines, Safran Seats is one of the global leaders in passenger, crew, aircraft and helicopter seating, delivering innovative, high value-added solutions.

The Head of Regulatory Compliance, Business Systems and Safety Management is accountable for the Safran Seats GB Business Management System, Safety Management System and regulatory compliance framework within the Quality function. The role ensures that Safran Seats GB remains compliant with applicable aerospace requirements, including EASA, CAA, AS9100 and Part 21/145 where applicable. It also ensures that aviation safety risks are identified, assessed, controlled, monitored and reported in line with ICAO Annex 19, EASA/CAA expectations and Safran governance requirements.

Working through a small team and cross-functional influence, the role provides leadership for system governance, compliance monitoring, audits, corrective actions, safety performance and continual improvement.

• Leads a small Quality Compliance, Business Systems and Safety Management team.
• Provides cross-functional governance across Safran Seats GB.
• Acts as the focal point for regulatory compliance, BMS governance and SMS performance.
• Interfaces with Safran Group, Safran Seats governance, customers, certification bodies and regulatory authorities.
• Owns governance of audits, BMS/SMS reporting and corrective action oversight.
• Occasional UK and international travel may be required.

Essential Skills for the role

• Degree level qualification or equivalent experience in engineering, manufacturing, quality, aviation safety or a related discipline.
• Strong knowledge of aerospace regulatory and quality requirements, including EASA, CAA, AS9100 and Part 21/145 where applicable.
• Experience managing business management systems, regulatory compliance, certification approvals and audits in a regulated aerospace or manufacturing environment.
• Understanding of aviation safety management principles, including hazard identification, safety risk management, safety assurance and safety promotion.
• Experience defining and reporting quality, compliance and safety performance indicators.
• Competence in audit planning, root cause analysis, corrective action management and risk analysis.
• Knowledge of Human Factors and their application to aviation safety and operational risk.
• Experience engaging with regulatory authorities, customers, certification bodies and senior stakeholders.

Desirable Skills for the role

• AS9100 Lead Auditor or equivalent recognised audit qualification.
• Formal SMS, aviation safety investigation, Human Factors or occurrence reporting training.
• Lean, Six Sigma, continuous improvement or leadership qualification.
• Experience with digital BMS, audit, risk or compliance management tools.