Quality Operations Manager

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Job Description:

This role is contingent upon obtaining all necessary regulatory approvals and the successful closing of a transaction which will result in establishing a new Airbus Affiliate in Kinston, NC (the "Kinston Affiliate"). The Quality Operations Manager would be an employee of the Kinston Affiliate."

Airbus Americas, Inc is looking for a Quality Operations Manager to join our team.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.

Meet the Team:

The Procurement team's mission is to acquire indirect goods and services for Airbus commercial aircraft and helicopters, playing a major role in generating value and contributing to the overall competitiveness of the company. Our team members ensure on-time delivery and on-quality of equipment and systems, drawing on their expertise in Industrial, Operations & Quality Management, and strong relationship building skills to problem-solve and proactively mitigate supply chain issues.

How We Care for You:

Financial Rewards: Competitive base salary, incentive compensation which may include profit sharing schemes, retirement savings plan and the ability to participate in an Employee Stock Ownership Plan ("ESOP")
Work/Life Balance: Paid time off including personal time, holidays and a generous paid parental leave program.
Health & Welfare: Comprehensive insurance coverage including medical (traditional and high-deductible health plans), prescription, dental, vision, life, disability, Employee Assistance Plan ("EAP") and other supplemental benefit coverages.
Individual Development: Upskilling and development opportunities through our global Leadership University, including unlimited access to 10,000+ e-learning courses focusing on ways to develop your employability, certifications, career path as well as the opportunity to participate in accelerated development programmes and both national and international mobility.

Your Challenges:

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.

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.

Your Boarding Pass:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality Management, or a related technical field.
• Minimum of 10 years of quality management experience in a regulated aerospace or defense manufacturing environment.
• 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.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively across all levels of the organization, including operators, engineers, and executives.
• Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), Certified Quality Auditor (CQA), or equivalent ASQ certification.
• Proficient in quality systems (AS9100, ISO 9001), audit practices, and CAPA processes.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and quality management systems (QMS) used in manufacturing environments.
• Willingness to travel up to 5% to domestic and/or international customers or suppliers

Preferred:

• Master's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or related discipline.
• Minimum of 10 years experience leading multi-site quality operations or working with international aerospace regulatory bodies.
• 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.
• Experience presenting quality performance metrics, audit findings, and strategic recommendations to senior leadership and external regulators.
• Experience with aerospace-specific tools such as SAP, MES systems, and statistical software (e.g., Minitab, JMP).
• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt or equivalent continuous improvement certification.
• Familiarity with enterprise quality management software (e.g., ETQ, MasterControl)

Citizenship:

• Eligible for employment in the US

Physical Requirements:

• Onsite or remote: 90% On-site / 10% Remote
• Vision: Daily able to see and read computer screens and other electronic equipment with screens, able to read documents, reports and engineering drawings.
• Hearing: Daily able to participate in conversations in person and via teleconference or phone and to hear sounds on the production floor including safety warnings or alarms.
• Speaking: Daily able to speak in conversations and meetings, deliver information and participate in communications.
• Equipment Operation (personal computer, telephone, copies, fax machine, and related office equipment and using electronic identification card to enter building floors and internal doors):Rarely able to operate most office and personal electronic equipment and some tools including production tools such as hydraulic lifts.
• Carrying: Weekly able to carry documents, tools, drawings, electronic equipment up to 30lbs/14kgs.
• Lifting: Weekly able to lift documents, tools, drawings, electronic equipment up to 30lbs/14kgs.
• Pushing / Pulling: Several times a month able to push and pull small office furniture and some equipment and tools.
• Sitting: Daily able to sit for long periods of time in meetings, working on the computer.
• Squatting / Kneeling: Daily able to squat or kneel to retrieve or replace items stored on low shelving.
• Standing: Daily able to stand for discussions in offices or on the production floor.
• Travel: Once or twice a year able to travel independently and at short notice.
• Walking (include routine walking such as to a shared printer to retrieve documents): Daily able to walk through office and production areas including uneven surfaces.
• Personal Protective Equipment required: Required PPE includes, but is not limited to, Safety Shoes, Safety Glasses, Hearing Protection, Respirators/Masks, and/or Protective Gloves as required by site and/or customer site
• Administrative position only PPE required: Steel-toed shoes are required for all shop floor visits, appropriate hearing/eye protection may also be required when visiting the shop floor.

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A full job description will be provided to candidates who progress to the interview stage or any candidate upon request.

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Equal Opportunity:

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or other legally protected status

As a leader in our field, Airbus provides relocation assistance for qualified positions and a comprehensive compensation and benefits package.

As a matter of policy, Airbus does not sponsor visas for US positions unless specified. Only applicants with current work authorization will be considered.

Airbus does not offer tenured or guaranteed employment. Employment with Airbus is at will, meaning either the company or the employee can terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause, with or without notice.

NOTE: Airbus reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities as the need arises. This position description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.

This job requires an awareness of any potential compliance risks and a commitment to act with integrity, as the foundation for the Company's success, reputation and sustainable growth.

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