Quality Operations Manager

Job Summary

The Quality Operations Manager ensures that all manufacturing and operational processes meet stringent aerospace industry standards, regulatory requirements, and customer expectations. This role leads quality assurance initiatives, drives continuous improvement, and collaborates across departments to maintain excellence in product safety, reliability, and compliance.

This role is contingent upon obtaining all necessary regulatory approvals and the successful closing of a transaction which will result in establishing a new Airbus Affiliate in Kinston, NC (the "Kingston Affiliate"). The Quality Operations Manager would be an employee of the Kingston Affiliate

Quality Assurance & Compliance Oversight (45%):

• Ensure compliance with aerospace industry standards (e.g., AS9100, FAA, EASA) and regulatory requirements throughout the production lifecycle.
• Conduct audits and inspections, both internal and external, to identify risks, non-conformances, and opportunities for corrective action.

Process Improvement & Operational Excellence (35%):

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives using Six Sigma, Lean, or other methodologies to optimize quality performance and reduce defects.
• Analyze quality metrics and trends to drive strategic decision-making and implement preventative measures across production lines.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Leadership (20%):

• Partner with Engineering, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain teams to ensure quality requirements are integrated into design, production, and sourcing processes.
• Train and mentor quality team members, fostering a culture of accountability, safety, and ongoing development.

Risk Management & Root Cause Analysis:

• Identify and assess quality-related risks across operations, implementing mitigation strategies to prevent impact on safety, compliance, or delivery.
• Lead root cause investigations using tools like 9S, 5 Whys, or FMEA, and ensure effective corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs) are implemented and sustained.

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality Management, or a related technical field.

Preferred:

• Master's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or related discipline.

Required:

• Minimum of 10 years of quality management experience in a regulated aerospace or defense manufacturing environment.

Preferred:

• Minimum of 10 years experience leading multi-site quality operations or working with international aerospace regulatory bodies.

Required:

• Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), Certified Quality Auditor (CQA), or equivalent ASQ certification.

Preferred:

• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt or equivalent continuous improvement certification.

• Willingness to travel up to 5% to domestic and/or international customers or suppliers

• Eligible for employment in the US

• None

Required:

• Proficient in quality systems (AS9100, ISO 9001), audit practices, and CAPA processes.

Preferred:

• Familiarity with enterprise quality management software (e.g., ETQ, Master Control)

Required:

• Strong understanding of aerospace regulations and EASA compliance requirements. Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
  
  Proven track record of driving quality improvements and sustaining compliance in a high-reliability manufacturing environment.

Preferred:

• Working knowledge of APQP, PPAP, or other advanced product quality planning methodologies. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to influence across organizational levels. Demonstrated success leading cross-functional teams through audits, quality transformations, or certifications.

Required:

• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively across all levels of the organization, including operators, engineers, and executives.

Preferred:

• Experience presenting quality performance metrics, audit findings, and strategic recommendations to senior leadership and external regulators.

Required:

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and quality management systems (QMS) used in manufacturing environments.

Preferred:

• Experience with aerospace-specific tools such as SAP, MES systems, and statistical software (e.g., Minitab, JMP).

• This role requires sound judgment in navigating complex regulatory requirements, quality standards, and…