Quality Operations Manager

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Job Description

Our team at Airbus Aerosystems Kinston manufactures crucial aircraft components. On the shop floor you’ll be surrounded by individuals who are passionate about aviation and skilled in areas like electrical, structure and quality. Join our team and help build the next generation of aircraft.

Job Summary

The Quality Operations Manager ensures that all manufacturing and operational processes meet stringent aerospace industry standards, regulatory requirements, and customer expectations. This role leads quality assurance initiatives, drives continuous improvement, and collaborates across departments to maintain excellence in product safety, reliability, and compliance.

The Airbus Aerosystems Kinston facility sits at the forefront of aerospace manufacturing, specializing in the production of large, advanced composite aerostructures. Our team builds critical components for the state-of-the-art Airbus A350 XWB, including the composite center fuselage and wing spar.

Primary Responsibilities

Quality Assurance & Compliance Oversight: 45%

• Ensure compliance with aerospace industry standards (e.g., AS9100, FAA, EASA) and regulatory requirements throughout the production lifecycle.
• Conduct audits and inspections, both internal and external, to identify risks, non-conformances, and opportunities for corrective action.

Process Improvement & Operational Excellence

35%

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives using Six Sigma, Lean, or other methodologies to optimize quality performance and reduce defects.
• Analyze quality metrics and trends to drive strategic decision-making and implement preventative measures across production lines.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Leadership

20%

• Partner with Engineering, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain teams to ensure quality requirements are integrated into design, production, and sourcing processes.
• Train and mentor quality team members, fostering a culture of accountability, safety, and ongoing development.

Additional Responsibilities

Other duties as assigned: Risk Management & Root Cause Analysis

• Identify and assess quality-related risks across operations, implementing mitigation strategies to prevent impact on safety, compliance, or delivery.
• Lead root cause investigations using tools like 9S, 5 Whys, or FMEA, and ensure effective corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs) are implemented and sustained.

Qualified Experience and Training

Education: Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality Management, or +10 years of experience in a related technical field.

or

Associate’s degree in Engineering, Quality Management, or +12 years of experience in a related technical field.

Preferred Education

• Master’s degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or +8 years of experience in a related discipline.

Experience

Preferred

• Minimum of 10 years experience leading multi-site quality operations or working with international aerospace regulatory bodies.

Licensure/Certifications

Required

• Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), Certified Quality Auditor (CQA), or equivalent ASQ certification.

Preferred Licensure/Certifications

• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt or equivalent continuous improvement certification.

Travel Required

• Willingness to travel up to 5% to domestic and/or international customers or suppliers

Citizenship

• Eligible for employment in the US

Clearance

• None

Qualified Skills

Required

• Proficient in quality systems (AS9100, ISO 9001), audit practices, and CAPA processes.

Preferred Skills

• Familiarity with enterprise quality management software (e.g., ETQ, MasterControl)

Knowledge, Skills, Demonstrated Capabilities

Required

• Strong understanding of aerospace regulations and EASA compliance requirements. Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.Proven track record of driving quality improvements and sustaining compliance in a high-reliability manufacturing environment.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Demonstrated Capabilities

• Working knowledge of APQP, PPAP, or other advanced product quality planning methodologies. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to influence across organizational levels. Demonstrated success leading cross-functional teams through audits, quality transformations, or certifications.

Communication Skills

Required

• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively across all levels of the organization, including operators, engineers, and executives.

Preferred Communication Skills

• Experience presenting quality performance metrics, audit findings, and strategic recommendations to senior leadership and external regulators.

Technical Systems Proficiency

Required

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and quality management systems (QMS) used in manufacturing environments.

Preferred Technical Systems Proficiency

• Experience with aerospace-specific tools such as SAP, MES systems, and statistical software (e.g., Minitab, JMP).

Complexity of the Role

• This role requires sound judgment in navigating complex regulatory requirements, quality standards, and operational constraints unique to the aerospace industry. The Quality Operations Manager must make critical decisions regarding non-conforming materials, determine root causes of systemic issues, and recommend corrective actions that balance compliance, cost, and production timelines. Additionally, the role involves guiding strategic improvements across cross-functional teams, such as recommending process redesigns or quality system upgrades that directly impact product integrity and customer satisfaction.

Level of Decision Making

• The role requires a blend of strategic and tactical decision-making, influencing long-term quality initiatives while managing day-to-day operational challenges. Decisions made by the Quality Operations Manager directly impact product compliance, production efficiency, and the organization’s ability to meet critical aerospace regulatory and customer requirements.

Direct Reports

Is this a people manager?Yes

# of Exempt Reports: 20-25

# of Non-exempt Reports: 0

Job Dimensions

• The Quality Operations Manager may oversee a quality-related budget and has strategic influence over cost of non-quality (CNQ), scrap, rework, and audit readiness, directly affecting operational efficiency and financial performance. This role also supports key customer relationships by ensuring compliance with contractual quality requirements and maintaining high standards that protect company reputation and enable continued business