Delegated Head of Quality (NH90 Program)

GKN Aerospace; Papendrecht; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

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 five years, offering a unique opportunity to work at the heart of the NH90 helicopter programme 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-Provence, wholly owned by Airbus Helicopters, Leonardo,

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Quality, Engineering, Aviation or related field.
• At least 5 years in Quality Management.
• At least 2 years of leadership experience.
• Knowledge of ISO 9001, EN/AS9100, AQAP 2110/2310, ISO 14001 and EMAR 21/145.
• Lead Auditor qualification and Project Management certification.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management.
• Experience in multicultural international environments.
• Fluent English; French, German, Italian or Dutch is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the NHI Quality team, managing quality processes, actions and budgets.
• Maintain and improve the NHI Quality Management System and associated certifications.
• Assess and validate contractual quality requirements, ensuring 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.
• Harmonise or elaborate general quality rules, plans, procedures and standards for global application by Industry.
• Ensure 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, drive the customer satisfaction process and improvement initiatives.

Skills

Quality Management

Leadership

Auditing

Stakeholder Mgmt

Process Improvement

Root Cause Analysis

Risk Management

Multicultural Environment

Communication

English Fluency

Quality Standards

Education

Master’s degree in Quality/Engineering/Aviation

Job description

Fantastic challenges. Amazing opportunities. GKN Aerospace is reimagining air travel: going further, faster and greener! Fuelled by great people whose expertise and creativity sets the standards in our industry, we’re inspired by the opportunities to innovate and break boundaries. We’re proud to play a part in protecting the world’s democracies. And we’re committed to putting sustainability at the centre of everything we do, opening up and protecting our planet. With over 16,000 employees across 32 manufacturing sites in 12 countries we serve over 90% of the world’s aircraft and engine manufacturers and achieved sales of £3.6bn in 2025. There are no limits to where you can take your career.

Overview

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 programme 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-Provence, 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.

Job Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the NHI Quality team, managing quality processes, actions and associated budgets.
• Maintain and improve the NHI Quality Management System and associated certifications.
• Assess and validate contractual quality requirements, ensuring 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.
• Harmonise or elaborate general quality rules, plans, procedures and standards for global application by Industry.
• Ensure 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, drive the customer satisfaction process and improvement initiatives.

Job Qualifications

• 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, applying 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 and stakeholder management skills.
• Critical, process and risk‑based thinking; 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.

Key Benefits

• 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 Defence industry.
• Gain valuable international leadership experience in one of Europe’s largest and most important defence aviation programmes.
• Excellent stepping stone for future leadership opportunities within GKN Fokker Aerospace and GKN Aerospace.

Ready to help shape quality excellence for the NH90 programme? We look forward to hearing from you. We’ll offer you fantastic challenges and amazing opportunities, and a chance to be part of an organisation that is at the cutting edge of our industry.

A Great Place to work needs a Great Way of Working – Everyone is welcome to apply. We believe in diversity, inclusion and belonging; we celebrate what makes us unique and encourage everyone to bring their full self to work. We are also committed to providing an accessible recruitment process and accommodating reasonable adjustments. We are the place where human dreams, plus human endeavour, shape the future of aerospace innovation and technology.