Quality Assurance Lead (Special Process)

Safran; Cwmbran; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Safran Seats GB in Cwmbran is seeking a Quality Assurance Lead for Special Processes to define and drive QA in development and sustaining phases of programs. You will liaise with SST and cross-BU teams to harmonise and ensure compliance across the supplier base, acting as the UK focal point.

You will own on-site, MRO and external SP QA operations, coordinating customers, suppliers and regulators while leading audits and KPI tracking.

Qualifications

• Engineering degree or equivalent in Manufacturing/Engineering.
• Lean / Six Sigma knowledge and general improvement tools.
• Knowledge of Special Process health and safety rules and 8D analysis.
• Proven management experience in a similar role.

Responsibilities

• Develop and sustain the SGB Special Processes management framework across the company scope.
• Deliver Special Process Quality Assurance audit plans for internal and external suppliers.
• Apply HSE instructions with focus on Special Processes.
• Coordinate audits with SQA, M&P and IND to implement the surveillance plan.
• Ensure auditor qualifications are defined and tracked using ETQ.
• Coordinate stakeholders from different functions and ensure compliance with the defined approach.
• Organize and lead Special Processes reviews with Subject Matter Experts.
• Monitor Special Process quality KPIs (DPU, SNCR) and provide support.

Skills

Lean / Six Sigma

Problem solving

Engineering knowledge

Management experience

Education

Engineering/Manufacturing degree

Tools

AS9100 Lead Assessor

EASA Part 21/145

NADCAP

Job description

Quality Assurance Lead (Special Process)

Cwmbran

Safran - Here, we craft excellence together.

At Safran, excellence is a journey - and we'd love you to be a part of it. As a trusted global leader in aerospace, defence, and space, we are proud to be a company where diversity, innovation, and opportunity come together to shape a sustainable future where we can all succeed together through a shared vision.

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.

Your role:

The purpose of this role is to define and lead the implementation of all aspects of Special Processes Quality Assurance in development and sustaining phases of programs at Seats GB for both the internal and external Supply Chain. You'll act as a liaison with SST and cross-BU on all aspects of Special Processes to ensure harmonisation and compliance.

As Quality Assurance Lead, you'll own and manage all Special Processes Quality Assurance operations (on-site / MRO / external supply chain).

It's a unique opportunity where you'll interact with Customers, Suppliers and Regulatory Bodies on all matters associated with Special Processes, acting as the primary focal point and lead for the UK business.

Key Responsibilities:

• In liaison with SST, other BUs and internal Functions as required, develop and sustain the SGB Special Processes management framework across the company scope
• Deliver Special Process Quality Assurance audit plan for both internal and external suppliers
• Be familiar with and apply HSE instructions with specific focus on (but not only to) Special Processes
• Perform qualification audits (or surveillance actions), and coordinate other audit actors, e.g. SQA or M&P, to implement the qualification surveillance plan
• Ensure requirements for auditor qualifications are understood, and captured using ETQ to manage certification requirements
• Coordinate stakeholders from different functions and ensure compliance with the defined approach, e.g. SQA, M&P, IND
• Organize and lead Special Processes reviews with Subject Matter Experts
• Manage and monitor Special Process quality KPIs (DPU's, SNCRs, etc) and support

What you'll bring:

• Degree level or equivalent in an Engineering / Manufacturing related discipline.
• Lean / 6 Sigma knowledge and general improvement tools
• Mechanical / Electrical Engineering knowledge
• Preferred AS9100 Lead Assessor, EASA Part 21/145, NADCAP
• Quality Rules: experience of internal/external quality standards and ability to identify non-conformity
• Knowledge of Special Process Health and Safety rules applicable to the scope 8D analysis, problem solving skills and report writing (inc analysis and decision making)
• Proven experience within a similar role / environment at a management level

We know that some candidates may be put off applying for jobs where they don't meet 100% of the criteria outlined in the advert. We encourage anybody to apply if you can demonstrate a variety of skills and experience relevant to the requirements of this role.

Please let us know if you would like to discuss any reasonable adjustments to the hiring process that may better facilitate your participation.

We celebrate our differences and believe they make us stronger. We know that a fulfilling work environment is a key driver for innovative ideas and team success.