Head of Operational Quality

Portsmouth, United Kingdom
2 weeks ago
£40,000 – £60,000 pa

Salary

£40,000 – £60,000 pa

Job Type
Permanent
Work Pattern
Full-time
Work Location
Hybrid
Seniority
Director
Education
Degree
Security Clearance
Required
Posted
17 Apr 2026 (2 weeks ago)

Benefits

Annual profit share Contributory pension Share options Car leasing scheme Free onsite parking Tax-free technology scheme Discounted shopping 37 hour week Flexible working Hybrid working 2 additional days per month as TOIL 24/7 online GP and mental health support Employee Assistance Programme Discounted family health / dental insurance / eye tests Cycle-to-work scheme On-site canteen and coffee shop Lunchtime pilates Life assurance Enhanced pay for parental leave (23 weeks at 100% pay) Adoption / shared parental / caregiving leave Wellbeing room Multi-faith room Employee representative groups

Job Description:

SECURITY CLEARANCE:Eligibility to gain UK SC Security Clearance

TRAVEL REQUIRED: Occasional travel within UK

LOCATION: Portsmouth (60% of your working week must be office based)

TYPE: Full time

WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU

  • Financial Reward:Competitive salary, annual profit share, contributory pension, share options, car leasing scheme, free onsite parking, tax-free technology scheme, discounted shopping and much more

  • Work / Life Balance: 37 hour week, flexible working around core hours, hybrid working, up to 2 additional days per month as TOIL.

There are no core hours on Friday afternoons. Employees may use this flexibility at their discretion, provided they fulfil their contractual working hours and meet business needs (such as urgent deadlines or client requirements)

  • Personal Development: Personalised development plan and unlimited access to 10,000+ E-learning courses, internal mobility including international opportunities

  • Health & Wellbeing: Wellbeing benefits (including 24/7 online GP and mental health support), Employee Assistance Programme, discounted family health / dental insurance / eye tests, cycle-to-work scheme, on-site canteen and coffee shop, lunchtime pilates

  • Family and Caregiving:Life assurance, enhanced pay for parental leave (23 weeks at 100% pay), adoption / shared parental / caregiving leave

  • Inclusive Environment: Wellbeing room, Multi-faith room, Employee Representative Groups (Gender, LGBTQ+, International, Generational, Disability, Social & Cultural Diversity, Neurodiversity)

Our world is changing. And so are we. From our commitment to zero-carbon flight) to cleaning up space, sustainability is at the heart of our purpose. So what's your next change?

We are seeking an experienced and dedicated Operational Quality Manager to join our team in Portsmouth.

In this role, you will be responsible for leading a team of Quality Assurance (QA) professionals and Operational Build Inspectors, ensuring the highest standards of quality and performance across our operations.

You will play a pivotal role in monitoring quality metrics, driving continuous improvement, and developing training programs to upskill your team. In line with the Airbus leadership model, you will manage direct teams, fostering a culture of trust, collaboration, and innovation.

HOW YOU WILL CONTRIBUTE TO THE TEAM

Team Leadership and Development:

  • Manage direct teams in line with the Airbus leadership model, engaging, developing, and motivating team members within Airbus Values using HR processes and development tools.

  • Foster a trustful and inclusive environment that promotes collaboration, fact-driven decisions, and an out-of-silos mindset.

  • Lead, mentor, and manage a team of QAs and Operational Build Inspectors, conducting regular performance reviews and providing constructive feedback.

Quality Monitoring and Improvement:

  • Monitor and analyze quality performance metrics to identify trends and areas for improvement.

  • Develop and implement strategies to enhance quality standards and operational efficiency.

  • Conduct regular audits and inspections to ensure compliance with company policies and industry regulations.

Training and Development:

  • Design and deliver comprehensive training programs to upskill the team.

  • Identify skill gaps and develop personalized training plans for team members.

  • Stay updated with industry best practices and incorporate them into training programs.

Process Optimization and Innovation:

  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to streamline processes and improve overall operational quality.

  • Implement best practices and innovative solutions to drive operational excellence.

  • Encourage innovation and continuous improvement by detecting and eliminating non-added-value activities.

Deliverables and Customer Satisfaction:

  • Ensure deliverables are met on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards to ensure customer satisfaction.

  • Escalate risks and opportunities promptly to relevant stakeholders.

Reporting and Documentation:

  • Prepare and present regular reports on quality performance to senior management.

  • Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation of quality standards, procedures, and training programs.

Stakeholder Management:

  • Liaise with internal and external stakeholders to ensure alignment on quality objectives.

  • Address and resolve any quality-related issues or concerns promptly and effectively.

ABOUT YOU

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

  • Relevant certifications in quality management (e.g., ISO 9001, Lean Six Sigma) are a plus.

  • Proven experience in a similar role, preferably in the aerospace or manufacturing industry.

  • Strong leadership and team management skills

  • Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.

  • Proficiency in developing and delivering training programs.

  • Knowledge of quality management systems and industry regulations.

  • Proficiency in using relevant software and tools for quality management and reporting.

Not a 100% match? No worries! Airbus supports your personal growth with customised development solutions.

HOW WE CAN SUPPORT YOU
Many of our staff work flexibly in many different ways, including part-time. Please talk to us at interview about the flexibility you need and we’ll always do our best to accommodate your request.

Please let us know if you need us to make any adjustments for the selection process – you can share this with your Talent Acquisition Partner if you are invited to interview. Examples may include (but not exclusive to) accessible facilities; auxiliary aids; room layout, etc. Any information disclosed will be treated in the strictest confidence.

As a Disability Confident Employer, Airbus UK will offer an interview to any applicant that considers themselves to have a disability or long-term condition under the Equality Act 2010 and meets the minimum criteria of the role (as set out in the job advert). To ‘opt in’, just select the option during your application submission and your application will be considered accordingly.

This job requires an awareness of any potential compliance risks and a commitment to act with integrity, as the foundation for the Company’s success, reputation and sustainable growth.

Company:

AIRBUS Defence and Space Limited

Employment Type:

Permanent

-------

Experience Level:

Professional

Job Family:

Leadership

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