Senior Aerospace Quality Assurance Manager

Placements24; South Africa; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Pension fund

Life insurance

Professional development

Relocation assistance

Wellness programs

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Aerospace Quality Assurance Manager to oversee QMS in Upington, ensuring AS9100 compliance and product conformity. Lead QA teams, drive audits, and manage CAPA across engineering, production, and supply chain.

The role requires 8+ years in aerospace QA, strong leadership, and deep AS9100 knowledge to uphold stringent standards and continuous improvement in a demanding manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality Management, or a related field.
• 8+ years of experience in Quality Assurance or Quality Management within aerospace manufacturing.
• Extensive knowledge of AS9100 and other aerospace quality standards.
• Proven experience in developing and implementing Quality Management Systems.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Proficiency with quality tools and methodologies (Six Sigma, Lean, FMEA, SPC).
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Strong auditing skills (internal and external).
• Effective communication and presentation skills.
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements and certification in aerospace.
• Must be eligible to work in South Africa and able to travel.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain the company's QMS in accordance with aerospace standards (AS9100).
• Lead and manage the QA department, including training, performance management, and resource allocation.
• Conduct internal and external audits to ensure QMS compliance.
• Oversee non-conformance handling and customer complaints.
• Implement CAPA programs to address quality issues.
• Monitor quality metrics and report trends for improvement.
• Collaborate with engineering, production, and supply chain to integrate quality across processes.
• Ensure product conformity and lifecycle compliance.
• Drive continuous improvement for quality and efficiency.
• Stay updated with industry best practices and regulatory changes.

Skills

AS9100

QMS development

Leadership

Auditing

Six Sigma

Lean Manufacturing

FMEA

SPC

Problem solving

Communication

Regulatory compliance

Travel willingness

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a reputable manufacturer in the aerospace supply chain, is seeking an experienced Senior Aerospace Quality Assurance Manager to oversee quality operations in Upington, Northern Cape. This leadership role is responsible for establishing and maintaining a robust Quality Management System (QMS) that ensures all products meet stringent aerospace standards and customer requirements. You will lead a team of QA professionals, conduct audits, manage non-conformance, and drive continuous improvement initiatives across all manufacturing and operational processes. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of aerospace quality standards and a proven track record of implementing effective quality assurance strategies in a demanding industrial environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain the company's Quality Management System (QMS) in accordance with aerospace standards (e.g., AS9100).
• Lead and manage the Quality Assurance department, including training, performance management, and resource allocation.
• Conduct internal and external audits to ensure compliance with QMS requirements and regulatory standards.
• Oversee the process for identifying, documenting, and resolving non-conformances and customer complaints.
• Implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) programs to address quality issues.
• Monitor key quality metrics and performance indicators, reporting on trends and areas for improvement.
• Collaborate with engineering, production, and supply chain departments to integrate quality considerations into all processes.
• Ensure product conformity and compliance with specifications and customer requirements throughout the product lifecycle.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing product quality, process efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
• Stay current with industry best practices, regulatory changes, and emerging quality management technologies.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in Quality Assurance or Quality Management within the aerospace or related manufacturing industry.
• Extensive knowledge and practical experience with AS9100 and other relevant aerospace quality standards.
• Proven experience in developing and implementing Quality Management Systems.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Proficiency in quality tools and methodologies, such as Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, FMEA, and statistical process control (SPC).
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision‑making abilities.
• Strong auditing skills, both internal and external.
• Effective communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements and certification processes in the aerospace sector.
• Must be eligible to work in South Africa and be able to travel as needed.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package commensurate with experience, along with performance-based bonuses.

• Medical aid
• A pension fund
• Life insuranceProfessional development, including advanced training courses, certifications, and participation in industry conferences
• Relocation assistance
• Wellness programs

This hybrid role allows for a structured work environment in our Upington facility combined with the flexibility required for audits and strategic planning. You will work with a dedicated team committed to upholding the highest standards of quality and play a vital role in ensuring the integrity of aerospace products.