Business Line Quality Director

GKN Defence Airframes Business Line is seeking a highly talented Business Line Quality Director to drive performance improvements across multiple quality, operations and supply chain domains within our organization. This strategic leader will focus on enhancing quality systems, business management processes, and problem-solving frameworks to meet the company's operational goals and customer expectations. The Business Line Quality Director will ensure that processes remain robust and durable through effective implementation of GKN Global Quality Standards,Zero Defect Manufacturing, supplier quality programs, and manufacturing process controls. This role involves close collaboration with site leaders and site functional staffs to implement best practices, conduct root cause analysis, and foster a culture of excellence through mentoring, coaching, and leadership.

Collaboration & Communication:

• Represent the Business Line in support GKN Aerospace's global quality strategies and objectives;
• Defining & measuring Business Line Quality Systems Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and ensuring appropriate actions are taken to address any deficiencies;
• Providing a risk escalation route in any instances where the lack of timely management action could jeopardise any Certification, Regulatory,

Quality Systems & Business Management Process:

• Support the implementation, standardization, and optimization of quality management systems (QMS) and business management systems (BMS) across all sites.
• Develop and drive annual quality improvement plans aligned with business goals and KPIs for product quality, customer satisfaction, and operational efficiency.
• Monitor and improve key performance metrics, including cost-of-poor quality, defect rates, scrap reduction, and on-time delivery performance.

Problem Solving & Continuous Improvement:

• Develop and implement root cause analysis (RCA) and Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA) instruction and coaching training modules to address non-conformances, customer complaints, and internal quality issues.
• Mentor teams in the use of structured problem-solving tools, such as 8D, DMAIC, and A3 reporting methodologies.
• Ensure robust process control systems are in place at both internal and supplier sites, using tools such as SPC (Statistical Process Control) and PFMEA (Process Failure Modes and Effects Analysis).

Coaching, Mentorship, and Leadership:

• Provide instruction, coaching, and mentorship to site leaders and quality teams on best practices for quality systems, process management, and operational excellence.
• Partner with senior leadership on strategic planning initiatives, providing insights from quality trends and improvement projects to shape long-term business objectives

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business, or a related field (Master's degree preferred).
• 10+ years of experience in quality management, business management, or operations within manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, or related industries.
• Expertise in root cause analysis (RCA), CAPA, problem-solving tools (8D, DMAIC, A3), and Lean Six Sigma methodologies.
• Strong background in supplier quality management, including supplier audits, performance assessments, and corrective action plans.
• Demonstrated success in leading cross-functional teams and mentoring staff in continuous improvement processes.
• Working knowledge of QMS standards (ISO 9001, AS9100) and familiarity with SPC, PFMEA, and control charts.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and project management skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels of the organization.