Role Overview for VP, Global Quality Engineering with an Aerospace Supplier – Orlando, FL
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a premier, Tier-1 global aerospace supplier in their search for a visionary and transformative VP, Global Quality Engineering. Based in the vibrant aerospace hub of Orlando, Florida, this executive leadership role is pivotal to the continued success and growth of the organization. The successful candidate will be a strategic architect of quality, responsible for defining, developing, and deploying the global quality and continuous improvement strategy across all business units and manufacturing sites worldwide.
This is not merely a managerial position; it is a call for a leader who can inspire a culture of zero-defect performance and relentless improvement. You will serve as the ultimate authority on quality assurance, regulatory compliance, and process engineering, ensuring that every product delivered not only meets but exceeds the stringent demands of the aerospace and defense industry. Your leadership will directly impact customer satisfaction, operational efficiency, brand reputation, and bottom-line profitability.
The VP, Global Quality Engineering will report directly to the Chief Operating Officer and will be a key member of the executive leadership team. You will be entrusted with building and mentoring a world-class global quality organization, fostering collaboration, and driving data-driven decision-making. You will champion the integration of advanced quality methodologies, such as Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, and Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP), to create a robust and proactive Quality Management System (QMS). Your strategic vision will anticipate future industry trends, technological advancements, and regulatory changes, positioning the company as an undisputed leader in quality and reliability. We are seeking a dynamic individual with a proven track record of leading large-scale quality transformations in a complex, multi-site, global manufacturing environment. If you are a passionate quality advocate with the strategic acumen to shape the future of aerospace manufacturing, we invite you to explore this exceptional opportunity.
Key Responsibilities of VP, Global Quality Engineering with an Aerospace Supplier – Orlando,FL
Strategic Leadership & Vision
Develop and execute a comprehensive, forward-thinking global quality strategy that aligns with the company’s overall business objectives. Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to monitor and report on quality performance across the enterprise.
Global Quality Management System (QMS) Oversight
Lead the continuous development, implementation, and certification of the global QMS. Ensure unwavering compliance with international aerospace standards, including deep expertise in AS9100 and other relevant customer and regulatory requirements (e.g., FAA, EASA).
Team Development & Leadership
Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing global team of quality professionals. Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous learning, and professional growth. Provide guidance and direction to site-level Quality Directors and Managers.
Continuous Improvement Culture
Champion a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence throughout the organization. Drive the deployment of Lean Six Sigma methodologies to eliminate waste, reduce variation, and solve complex problems.
Supplier Quality Assurance
Oversee and enhance the global supplier quality program. Develop robust processes for supplier selection, qualification, performance monitoring, and development to ensure the integrity of the supply chain.
Customer Focus & Satisfaction
Act as the primary executive liaison for key customers on all quality-related matters. Proactively address customer concerns, lead root cause analysis on escapes, and implement effective corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) to enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty.
New Product Introduction (NPI)
Collaborate closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, and Program Management teams to integrate quality principles into the NPI process using tools like APQP and Production Part Approval Process (PPAP). Ensure quality and manufacturability are designed into new products from the outset.
Regulatory Compliance & Audits
Serve as the primary point of contact for all regulatory bodies and customer audits. Ensure all sites are audit-ready and maintain all necessary certifications and approvals.
Data Analysis & Reporting
Implement and leverage advanced data analytics and statistical process control (SPC) to monitor process capability, identify trends, and drive predictive quality initiatives. Present regular, concise reports on quality performance to the executive team and Board of Directors.
Budget & Resource Management
Develop and manage the global quality department’s annual operating budget, ensuring optimal allocation of financial and human resources to achieve strategic goals.
Requirements for the VP, Global Quality Engineering with an Aerospace Supplier – Orlando, FL
Required Qualifications:
Education
Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field is required.
Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in quality assurance and engineering within the aerospace, defense, or a similarly regulated high-technology manufacturing industry. At least 10 years of experience in a senior leadership role, managing multi-site, global quality organizations.
Aerospace Standards Expertise
Expert-level knowledge of AS9100, AS9102, and AS9145 standards. Proven experience hosting and managing successful audits from major aerospace OEMs (e.g., Boeing, Airbus, Lockheed Martin) and regulatory bodies (e.g., FAA, DCMA).
Leadership Acumen
Demonstrated ability to lead, inspire, and develop large, geographically dispersed teams. A proven track record of driving cultural change and implementing strategic initiatives that yield measurable improvements in quality, cost, and delivery.
Continuous Improvement Mastery
Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt or Master Black Belt is strongly preferred. Extensive hands-on experience in deploying Lean and Six Sigma tools to solve complex manufacturing and business process problems.
Technical Skills
Proficient in advanced quality tools such as APQP, PPAP, FMEA, SPC, and MSA. Strong analytical skills and experience with Minitab or similar statistical software.
Communication
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical concepts to a wide range of audiences, from shop floor technicians to the Board of Directors.
Travel
Ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 30% to engage with various sites, suppliers, and customers.
Citizenship
Must be a U.S. Citizen or a lawful Permanent Resident due to the nature of the work with government and defense contracts.
Preferred Qualifications:
Advanced Degree
Master of Science in Engineering or an MBA is highly desirable.
Certifications
ASQ certifications such as Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence (CMQ/OE) or Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) are a plus.
Experience
Experience with precision machining, composites, complex assembly, and/or special processes within the aerospace industry.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top talent by offering a comprehensive and competitive compensation and benefits package. As a key member of the executive team, you can expect:
Competitive Executive Compensation
A highly competitive base salary complemented by a significant annual performance-based bonus and a long-term incentive plan (LTIP).
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
A full suite of benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance with multiple plan options to suit your needs. Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options are also available.
Retirement Savings
A robust 401(k) retirement plan with a generous company match to help you plan for your future.
Paid Time Off
A generous package of paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and company holidays.
Professional Development
A strong commitment to your growth with support for continuing education, industry certifications, and attendance at key conferences.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package is available for the successful candidate and their family.
Work-Life Balance
A commitment to fostering a healthy work-life balance and a positive, collaborative corporate culture.
How to Apply
This is a retained search conducted exclusively by JRG Partners. To be considered for this career-defining opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and strategic vision for quality in the aerospace sector. We invite qualified candidates to connect with our dedicated team. For more information on our expertise in this sector, please visit our aerospace and defense executive search practice page. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at all levels of our organization. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.
