Delegated Head of Quality (NH90 Program)

Job Summary

Shape Quality Excellence in One of Europe’s Largest and Most Important Defense Aviation Programs

Are you an experienced Quality leader looking to make an impact in the international aerospace and defense industry?

GKN Fokker Aerospace is seeking a Delegated Head of Quality to join NHIndustries (NHI) in Aix-en-Provence, France. This is a fully on-site assignment for up to 5 years, offering a unique opportunity to work at the heart of the NH90 helicopter program and build a strong foundation for future career opportunities within GKN Fokker Aerospace and GKN Aerospace as parent company.

NHIndustries is a French SAS company headquartered in Aix-en-Province, wholly owned by Airbus Helicopters, Leonardo, and GKN Fokker Aerospace. NHI is responsible for the management, development, certification and entry into service of the NH90 helicopter for NAHEMA (NATO Helicopter Management Agency) and export customers worldwide.

This is an exceptional opportunity to represent GKN Fokker Aerospace and NHIndustries within a highly international environment, working at the heart of a major European aerospace and defense collaboration program.

Job Responsibilities

Your Role

As Delegated Head of Quality, you will lead the NHI Quality function, ensuring compliance, continuous improvement, and customer satisfaction across the NH90 program. You will also serve as Chief of the Independent Monitoring Function in accordance with JMAAN 21.

Reporting to the NHI Head of Quality and the Directoire, you will:

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  • Lead and develop the NHI Quality team, manage the quality processes, actions and associated budgets.
  
  
  • Maintain and improve the NHI Quality Management System and associated certifications.
  
  
  • Assess/validate contractual Quality requirements and ensure consistency and implementation of Quality plans, standards, and processes across the NH90 industrial network.
  
  
  • Support NHI process owners in the development and deployment of Quality improvement initiatives
  
  
  • Harmonize or elaborate as necessary general quality rules, plans, procedures, standards, to be applied by Industry for a global quality.
  
  
  • Ensure that the conformity process for helicopter and deliverable items is fulfilled.
  
  
  • Conduct internal audits, report and monitor quality opportunities risks and issues.
  
  
  • Act as the key Quality interface with customers, partner companies, and regulatory stakeholders.
  
  
  • Manage customer quality complaints, manage the customer satisfaction process and drive improvement initiatives.
  
  
  
  

Job Qualifications

What You'll Bring

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  • Master's degree (or equivalent experience/certificates) in Quality, Engineering, Aviation, or a related field.
  
  
  • At least 5 years of experience in Quality Management or similar systems.
  
  
  • At least 2 years of leadership experience with the ability to ability to apply high standards of team mindset and trust.
  
  
  • Knowledge of ISO 9001, EN/AS9100, AQAP 2110/2310, ISO 14001, and EMAR 21/145.
  
  
  • Lead Auditor qualification and Project Management certification.
  
  
  • Strong communication, stakeholder management.
  
  
  • Critical/Process/Risk based thinking, managing complexity, root cause analysis and problem-solving skills.
  
  
  • Experience working in multicultural and international environments.
  
  
  • Fluent English required; French, German, Italian, or Dutch is an advantage.
  
  
  
  

Why This Assignment?

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  • Work on-site in Aix-en-Provence within a unique international aerospace joint venture.
  
  
  • Long-term assignment of up to 5 years.
  
  
  • Collaborate with key companies and customers in the Aerospace and Defense industry.
  
  
  • Gain valuable international leadership experience in one of Europe's largest and most important defense aviation programs.
  
  
  • An excellent stepping stone for future leadership opportunities within GKN Fokker Aerospace and GKN Aerospace as parent company.
  
  
  
  

Ready to help shape quality excellence for the NH90 program? We look forward to hearing from you.