Quality Operations Manager

About the role

Expleo Group USA is seeking a Quality Operations Manager to support aerospace manufacturing operations in Kinston, North Carolina. This leadership role focuses on ensuring product conformity, compliance with customer and regulatory requirements, and the execution of quality initiatives for the Airbus A350 program. The position involves leading a high-performing quality team within a dynamic aerospace manufacturing environment where safety, quality, operational excellence, and customer satisfaction are essential.

Responsibilities

• Quality Leadership & Operations Management:
  • Lead daily quality operations supporting manufacturing activities
  • Manage, mentor, and develop Quality Engineers, Quality Inspectors, and quality support personnel
  • Serve as the primary quality escalation point for operational, manufacturing, and customer concerns
  • Provide leadership coverage across both first and second shift operations to ensure continuity and employee support
  • Foster a culture of accountability, quality excellence, teamwork, and continuous improvement
• Quality Assurance & Compliance:
  • Ensure compliance with customer, regulatory, and industry quality requirements
  • Maintain adherence to AS9100 quality standards and aerospace industry best practices
  • Conduct quality reviews, audits, and performance assessments to achieve program objectives
  • Support customer and regulatory audits while ensuring timely closure of findings and corrective actions
  • Ensure quality documentation, inspection records, and manufacturing processes meet established standards
• Non-Conformance Management & Corrective Actions:
  • Lead containment actions, non-conformance management, and discrepancy resolution activities
  • Drive Root Cause Corrective Action (RCCA) initiatives using structured problem-solving methodologies
  • Partner with production, engineering, manufacturing, and supplier quality teams to resolve quality concerns
  • Monitor corrective and preventive actions to ensure timely and sustainable resolution
  • Support risk mitigation activities and promote proactive quality management practices
• Continuous Improvement & Performance Excellence:
  • Monitor and improve key performance metrics related to Safety, Quality, Cost, Delivery, and People (SQCDP)
  • Analyze quality trends and establish action plans to improve product quality and operational performance
  • Develop and implement continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma principles
  • Support Statistical Process Control (SPC) initiatives and data-driven decision-making processes
  • Drive operational excellence through process optimization and performance improvement programs
• Customer & Cross-Functional Collaboration:
  • Partner closely with production, engineering, manufacturing, and supplier quality organizations
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with customer representatives and key stakeholders
  • Support commercial aerospace manufacturing operations while meeting customer expectations
  • Communicate quality performance, risks, and improvement initiatives to leadership and customer teams
  • Contribute to strategic quality planning and execution across the Airbus A350 program

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, Industrial Technology, or a related technical field
• Minimum 7+ years of aerospace manufacturing quality experience
• Minimum 3+ years of leadership or management experience
• Experience supporting commercial aerospace programs
• Strong understanding of AS9100 quality management systems, RCCA, non-conformance management, FAI (AS9102), continuous improvement methodologies, SPC, and risk management
• Experience working directly with OEM customers and production leadership teams
• Strong problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making abilities
• Excellent communication, leadership, and customer relationship management skills
• Ability to support operations across multiple shifts and work a flexible schedule as required
• Airbus aircraft experience strongly preferred, especially Airbus A350 aircraft programs
• ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) or related quality certifications
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification
• Experience managing multi-shift quality teams
• Familiarity with aerospace composite structures and assembly operations
• Knowledge of SAP, MES, and aerospace quality documentation systems
• Experience working in highly regulated aerospace manufacturing environments
• Advanced continuous improvement and operational excellence experience
• Aerospace quality management training and leadership development certifications

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits for you and your dependents including Medical, Dental, Vision, HSA with company contribution
• Company-sponsored Life Insurance, Short and Long-Term Disability
• Legal plans, hospital, accident, and pet wellness plans
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid Holidays and Paid Time Off
• Career Development and Advancement opportunities
• Leadership Opportunity to lead high-performing quality teams
• Strong Team Culture with experienced aerospace professionals

Pay

Competitive Compensation: $100,000 – $120,000 annually. Final compensation will be determined based on role alignment, skill, years of experience, and market-based rates by geography.