Quality Manager

Oaklands Global Aviation Recruitment & Executive Search; England; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace recruitment firm is seeking a Quality Manager to join a respected company in Kent, UK. The successful candidate will ensure compliance with key aerospace standards including AS9100D and CAA regulations. Responsibilities include managing quality systems, leading investigations, and conducting audits while collaborating with suppliers and stakeholders. Ideal candidates will have at least 2 years' experience in aerospace quality, strong analytical skills, and effective communication abilities. This role is crucial for maintaining high standards of quality and safety.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years' experience in aerospace quality.
• Part21G essential and Part 145 desirable.
• Excellent communication skills required.
• Effective stakeholder management skills needed.

Responsibilities

• Oversee quality systems and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Lead investigations and manage audits across departments.
• Work with suppliers to ensure ongoing compliance.
• Develop and conduct internal training on quality standards.

Skills

Aerospace quality experience

Strong initiative

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Data analysis capabilities

Interpersonal skills

Education

Quality-related qualifications

Lead auditor certification

Job description

Oaklands Global have been exclusively retained to recruit a Quality Manager – Part 21 on behalf of one of our leading aerospace clients based in Kent.

We are looking for an experienced and motivated Quality Manager to strengthen our aerospace client’s team in a standalone role. This role is essential in ensuring the organisation maintains full compliance with industry regulations and delivers products and services that meet the highest standards of safety, reliability, and customer satisfaction.

You will oversee quality systems, lead investigations, manage audits, and support continuous improvement initiatives across the business. This is an excellent opportunity for an individual who thrives in a regulated environment and enjoys working collaboratively to drive quality excellence.

Compliance & Quality Management

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of key aerospace standards, including AS9100D, CAA Part 21G, CAA Part 145 and EASA Part 145 (Third Country Approval).
• Ensure full regulatory compliance throughout the organisation.
• Review, update, maintain, and release quality standards, procedures, and specifications.
• Oversee and approve updates to the Quality Management System (QMS).
• Control and document all changes to quality procedures through to approval.

Documentation & Reporting

• Maintain the document configuration matrix.
• Review and approve quality records, including FAIs, non-conformances, and concessions.
• Monitor monthly departmental KPIs and prepare reports for senior management.

Auditing & Non-Conformance

• Lead non-conformance investigations and coordinate corrective actions.
• Manage non-conformances using the 8D process where required.
• Plan and conduct internal audits in line with the internal audit schedule.
• Coordinate external audits, ensuring departments provide all necessary information and supporting activities through to completion.

Supplier Quality & Stakeholder Collaboration

• Work with suppliers to ensure ongoing compliance with quality standards.
• Conduct supplier audits and support continuous quality monitoring.
• Coordinate requirements with the supply chain team for appropriate flow-down.
• Liaise with regulators, surveyors, and customers, ensuring timely submission of corrective actions and closure of findings.

Training & Improvement

• Support continuous improvement initiatives across the business.
• Deliver continuation training to employees in line with regulatory expectations.
• Attend management meetings to present updates on quality performance and activities.

Skills & Requirements

• Minimum 2 years’ experience in aerospace quality.
• Part21G essential / Part 145 desirable.
• Strong initiative and the ability to work independently.
• High attention to detail and a methodical, diligent approach.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong data analysis and statistical capability.
• Effective interpersonal and stakeholder management skills.
• Quality-related qualifications (advantageous).
• Lead auditor certification (preferred).

Why work with Oaklands Global?

We are the world’s leading aviation and aerospace recruitment and executive search firm, trusted by the most respected names in the industry to deliver results with integrity, discretion, and excellence.

With over 50 years of combined experience, we don’t just fill roles, we shape careers and give our clients a competitive talent advantage. We take immense pride in the quality of our searches and are committed to representing only the very best candidates to the very best businesses.

At Oaklands Global, every application is handled with the utmost professionalism and complete confidentiality. If this opportunity interests you, please apply in confidence to [e-mail]. Due to the number of applications, we are only able to get back to those who meet the criteria and have been shortlisted.

We’re not just here to help you land your next role. We are here to elevate your career.