Delegated Head of Quality (NH90 Program)

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 were inspired by the opportunities to innovate and break boundaries. Were proud to play a part in protecting the worlds democracies. And were committed to putting sustainability at the centre of everything we do opening up and protecting our planet.With over 16000 employees across 32 manufacturing sites in 12 countries we serve over 90% of the worlds aircraft and engine manufacturers and achieved sales of 3.6bn in 2025. There are no limits to where you can take your career.

Job Summary

Shape Quality Excellence in One of Europes Largest and Most Important Defense Aviation Programs

Are you an experienced Quality leader looking to make an impact in the international aerospace and defense industry

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 program 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-Province 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.

This is an exceptional opportunity to represent GKN Fokker Aerospace and NHIndustries within a highly international environment working at the heart of a major European aerospace and defense collaboration program.

Job Responsibilities

Your Role

As Delegated Head of Quality you will lead the NHI Quality function ensuring compliance continuous improvement and customer satisfaction across the NH90 program. You will also serve as Chief of the Independent Monitoring Function in accordance with JMAAN 21.

Reporting to the NHI Head of Quality and the Directoire you will:

• • Lead and develop the NHI Quality team manage the quality processes actions and associated budgets.
  • Maintain and improve the NHI Quality Management System and associated certifications.
  • Assess/validate contractual Quality requirements and ensure 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
  • Harmonize or elaborate as necessary general quality rules plans procedures standards to be applied by Industry for a global quality.
  • Ensure that 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 manage the customer satisfaction process and drive improvement initiatives.

Job Qualifications

What Youll Bring

• • Masters 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 with the ability to ability to apply 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 stakeholder management.
  • Critical/Process/Risk based thinking managing complexity 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.

Why This Assignment

• • 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 Defense industry.
  • Gain valuable international leadership experience in one of Europes largest and most important defense aviation programs.
  • An excellent stepping stone for future leadership opportunities within GKN Fokker Aerospace and GKN Aerospace as parent company.

Ready to help shape quality excellence for the NH90 program We look forward to hearing from you.

Well offer you fantastic challenges and amazing opportunities. This is your chance to be part of an organisation that has proven itself to be at the cutting edge of our industry; and is committed to pushing the boundaries even further. And with some of the best training on offer in the industry who knows how far you can go

A Great Place to work needs a Great Way of Working

Everyone is welcome to apply to GKN. We believe that we can only achieve our ambitions through a coming together of diverse minds who enjoy collaborating in an inspirational environment. Through our commitment to diversity inclusion and belonging and by living our five powerful principles weve created a culture where everyone feels welcome to contribute. Its a culture that won us The Best Workplace Culture Award. By embracing and celebrating what makes us unique we encourage everyone to bring their full self to work.

Were also committed to providing an accessible recruitment process so if you require reasonable adjustments at any stage during our recruitment process please get in touch and let us know.

We arethe place where human dreams plus humanendeavour shape the future of aerospace innovation and technology.

Required Experience:

Director

Employment Type : Full Time
Experience: years
Vacancy: 1