Quality Manager

SUMMARY:
A leading manufacturer in Johannesburg South is looking for an experienced Quality Manager.  Individuals who apply must have experience in aviation, automotive or similar high-precision industries.

POSITION INFO:
The Quality Manager will lead the transformation of quality function from a mostly compliance-focused department into a data-driven, proactive, and continuously improving system.

This role is not just about maintaining standards — it is about raising them significantly, embedding quality culture across all departments, and ensuring that every aircraft leaving our factory reflects world-class craftsmanship and engineering excellence. This role reports directly to the CEO.

Key Responsibility Areas

Quality Strategy & Transformation

Develop and implement a comprehensive quality strategy aligned with the company's premium market positioning
Drive the transition to a measurable, data-driven quality management system (QMS)
Establish clear quality KPIs and dashboards (e.g., defect rates, rework, first-pass yield, customer returns)
Lead continuous improvement initiatives using methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, or similar

Quality Systems & Compliance

Own and continuously improve the company’s Quality Management System (QMS)
Ensure compliance with aviation regulatory standards (e.g., SACAA, or as applicable)
Develop, implement, and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs), inspection plans, and quality documentation
Drive audit readiness and manage internal and external audits

Production & Process Quality

Work closely with production to ensure process capability and repeatability
Implement in-process quality controls and reduce reliance on end-of-line inspection
Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions for defects and non conformances
Reduce rework and scrap through structured problem-solving

Supplier & Incoming Quality

Establish and manage supplier quality standards and performance metrics
Implement robust incoming inspection systems and supplier audits
Work with procurement and suppliers to improve material quality and consistency

Customer Quality & Feedback
Develop systems to capture and analyse customer feedback, warranty issues, and field performance
Drive corrective actions and continuous improvements based on real-world aircraft performance

Team Leadership & Culture

Lead, mentor, and develop the Quality team
Foster a company-wide culture of quality ownership, where quality is built in—not inspected in
Train cross-functional teams on quality principles, standards, and best practices

Minimum Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or related field
3+ years’ experience in quality management within manufacturing
Proven experience implementing or transforming a Quality Management System
Strong knowledge of quality tools and methodologies (e.g., Six Sigma, Lean, root cause analysis)
Experience working with regulated industries (preferably aerospace, automotive, or similar high-precision sectors).
Demonstrated ability to work cross-functionally and influence change

Preferred Experience
Experience in aviation or aerospace manufacturing
Familiarity with airworthiness and regulatory frameworks
Certification in Six Sigma (Green/Black Belt) or equivalent
Experience building quality dashboards and using data analytics tools

Key Attributes

Experience in growing and developing teams toward high performance
Relentless attention to detail and commitment to excellence
Strong analytical and problem-solving mindset
Hands-on, practical approach to quality in a production environment
Ability to challenge the status quo and drive meaningful change
Excellent communication and leadership skills