Quality Director (Hoogeveen)

GKN Aerospace; Hoogeveen; On-site; EUR 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Profit-dependent allowance

Company car

Relocation compensation

Job summary

GKN Aerospace in Hoogeveen is seeking a Quality Director to spearhead the quality organization at our site. This pivotal role requires developing a quality strategy aligned with our growth ambitions and ensuring compliance with aerospace standards. You'll lead the Quality organization, oversee product quality, and monitor quality KPIs.

The ideal candidate will have a technical degree and over 10 years of relevant experience in quality management, with expertise in aerospace standards. Fluency in Dutch and English is also essential. Join our innovative environment and enjoy excellent benefits.

Qualifications

• At least 10 years of relevant experience in quality management.
• Fluency in Dutch and English.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement site’s quality strategy.
• Ensure compliance with aerospace standards and act as AS9100 Management Representative.
• Drive process and performance improvements using Lean and Six Sigma.
• Monitor and steer quality KPIs and audit outcomes.

Skills

Aerospace quality standards knowledge

Lean/Six Sigma

Strategic thinking

People leadership

Analytical skills

Education

Technical bachelor's or master's degree

Job description

As Quality Director, you hold overall responsibility for the quality organization at the Hoogeveen site. You define and execute a forward‑looking quality strategy that aligns with growth ambitions, customer expectations, and stringent aerospace standards. You act as a strategic partner to the site leadership team and a motivating leader for your department. You also serve as the AS9100 Management Representative for the site, ensuring integrity, effectiveness, and continuous improvement of the Quality Management System. You champion a culture where quality, safety, and continuous improvement are embedded in every process and mindset, and where the organization is consistently challenged to raise the quality bar.

What do you do as a Quality Director at GKN Fokker Aerospace?

• Develop and implement the site’s quality strategy in line with business objectives;
• Lead and coach the Quality organization, covering both Quality Assurance and Quality Control;
• Ensure compliance with aerospace standards such as AS9100, NADCAP, and customer‑specific requirements, and act as the AS9100 Management Representative;
• Oversee product quality, including inspection, conformity assessment, and product release;
• Drive process and performance improvements using Lean, Six Sigma, and data‑driven decision‑making;
• Challenge the organization on PDCA discipline, SMART action setting, system thinking, and the structural embedding of improvement;
• Serve as the primary point of contact for customers, suppliers, and authorities regarding quality and compliance;
• Monitor and steer quality KPIs, risks, and audit outcomes, translating them into actionable improvement programs;
• Foster a culture of ownership, transparency, and collaboration across the site;
• Contribute actively to the site leadership team and strategic decision‑making.

What do you need to be successful in this role?

• A seasoned quality leader with experience in aerospace, automotive, high‑tech manufacturing, or another highly regulated industry;
• Strategic thinker with the ability to translate vision into action;
• Strong people leader who can inspire, coach, and drive change;
• Excellent communicator who builds trust and alignment at all levels;
• Analytical, decisive, and committed to continuous improvement.

You also bring:

• A completed technical bachelor’s or master’s degree;
• At least 10 years of relevant experience in quality management;
• In‑depth knowledge of aerospace quality standards and certifications;
• Experience with Lean/Six Sigma (Green or Black Belt preferred);
• Fluency in Dutch and English.

Our offer

A position with a great focus on quality in an innovative and international environment. You become part of the renowned Fokker community. Our organization exudes passion for technology and employees are proud of what they develop and build.

• Excellent benefits, such as a profit‑dependent allowance and company car;
• Relocation compensation in case of relocation within 1 year.