Quality Assurance Manager – Team Leader (Aerospace Defense)

Note : This role could be located anywhere between Brystol, London or Derby but 2 days/week in Derby are mandatory.

Who we are:

ALTEN is an engineering and technology consultancy services company. We are a leading Engineering and IT consultancy operating across 30 countries, making waves in all sectors: Aeronautics, Space, Defence, Security and naval, Automotive, Rail and mobility, Energy and environment, Life Sciences and health, Industrial Equipment and electronics, Telecoms, Banking, Finance & Insurance, Retail, Services & Medias, Public Services & Government. With a team of passionate, diligent, and agile engineers, we are united by a common purpose: building tomorrow’s world today. Day by day, we support our customers' development strategies as well as their technological and sustainability transformation.

1. Role Overview

The Quality Assurance Manager (QAM) ensures that projects meet ALTEN Delivery Framework (ADF) standards and client expectations. The role focuses on quality compliance, client relations, KPI management, continuous improvement, and audit preparation.

2. Key Responsibilities

A. ADF Compliance

• Pre-sales: Support project acquisition by contributing to the Quality Assurance Plan (QAP) and attending kick-off meetings.
• Project Management: Ensure projects comply with ADF by conducting regular assessments, training teams, and addressing deviations.

B. Client Relations

• Ensure client quality requirements are documented and integrated into project plans.
• Address client complaints using root cause analysis (RCA) and implement corrective actions.
• Act as the primary contact for quality-related issues between clients and ALTEN teams.

C. KPIs and Performance

• Update and analyze quality dashboards (RFT, OTD, customer satisfaction).
• Monitor performance, identify improvement areas, and prepare reports for stakeholders.

D. Continuous Improvement

• Propose improvements to processes, methods, and tools.
• Use structured methods (8D, 5M, FMEA, 5S, Six Sigma) to analyze problems and document best practices.
• Lead corrective and preventive action plans.

E. External Audits

• Coordinate preparation for client and certification audits (ISO 9001, EN 9100).
• Support teams during audits and ensure follow-up on corrective actions.

F. Additional Responsibilities

• Sector Referent: Lead a network to share best practices and harmonize ADF standards.
• Backup for QAM Team Leader: Allocate workload, facilitate team meetings, and report to the Head of Quality Assurance.

3. Required Skills

A. Technical Skills

• Knowledge of ISO 9001, EN 9100, ISO 27001, ISO 19443, ISO 61513.
• Experience with SM, Office 365, SharePoint, JIRA.
• Fluent English (B2 level minimum).
• 4+ years of experience in project management, operational roles, or quality assurance.
• Past experience in Aerospace Defense environment is a plus.

B. Soft Skills

• Assertiveness: Enforce quality standards without hierarchical authority.
• Critical Thinking: Identify inconsistencies in data and reports.
• Leadership: Align stakeholders around quality goals.
• Resilience: Manage ambiguity and propose practical solutions.
• Communication: Adapt communication style for evaluations, audits, and coaching.
• Proactivity: Anticipate risks and act before issues escalate.