Role Overview for VP Quality (AS9100) with a Defense Electronics Company – Orlando, FL
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a premier, Tier-1 defense electronics company in their search for a visionary and strategic Vice President of Quality. Located in the vibrant technology hub of Orlando, Florida, our client is a leader in designing and manufacturing mission-critical electronic systems for the world’s most demanding aerospace and defense applications. This is a rare opportunity to join a dynamic executive leadership team and shape the future of quality for an organization at the forefront of national security technology.
As the Vice President of Quality, you will serve as the ultimate authority and advocate for quality across the entire enterprise. You will be responsible for the strategic direction, leadership, and execution of the company’s comprehensive Quality Management System (QMS). Your primary objective will be to foster a deeply embedded culture of quality excellence, ensuring flawless product delivery, unwavering regulatory compliance, and absolute customer satisfaction. This role is not merely about compliance; it is about driving a competitive advantage through superior quality performance.
The ideal candidate is a seasoned executive with a profound understanding of the aerospace and defense industry’s stringent quality requirements, particularly the AS9100 standard. You will lead a multi-disciplinary team of quality professionals, providing the mentorship, resources, and vision necessary to achieve world-class results. Your leadership will directly impact the reliability of systems that protect our nation and its allies, making this a role of significant purpose and impact. If you are a strategic thinker with a passion for continuous improvement and a proven track record of leading quality functions in high-stakes environments, we encourage you to apply.
Key Responsibilities of VP Quality (AS9100) with a Defense Electronics Company – Orlando, FL
Executive Leadership & Strategy
Develop, articulate, and implement a forward-thinking, enterprise-wide quality strategy that aligns with the company’s business objectives, growth plans, and customer expectations. Serve as a key member of the executive team, providing critical input on all matters related to quality and operational excellence.
QMS Architecture and Compliance
Assume ultimate ownership of the Quality Management System (QMS), ensuring its effectiveness, efficiency, and unwavering compliance with AS9100, ISO 9001, and all applicable customer, statutory, and regulatory requirements (e.g., DCMA, FAA).
Team Development and Mentorship
Lead, inspire, and develop a large, geographically dispersed organization of quality engineers, inspectors, auditors, and managers. Foster a culture of accountability, professional growth, and high performance within the quality team.
Continuous Improvement Culture
Champion a robust culture of continuous improvement throughout the organization. Drive the implementation and application of methodologies such as Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Root Cause Corrective Action (RCCA), and Statistical Process Control (SPC) to reduce waste, improve efficiency, and enhance product quality.
Audit and Assessment Management
Act as the primary liaison for all third-party audits, including those from customers, regulatory bodies, and certification registrars. Oversee the internal audit program to ensure proactive identification and mitigation of compliance risks.
Supplier Quality Assurance
Architect and oversee a comprehensive supplier quality program. Collaborate with supply chain leadership to select, evaluate, and develop suppliers, ensuring the entire value chain adheres to the company’s rigorous quality standards.
Customer Advocacy
Serve as the senior point of contact for key customers on all significant quality-related issues. Build and maintain strong relationships, ensuring customer requirements are understood, communicated, and flawlessly executed.
Performance Metrics and Reporting
Define, track, and analyze Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for quality, such as First Pass Yield (FPY), Cost of Poor Quality (COPQ), On-Time Delivery (OTD), and customer satisfaction. Present regular, insightful reports to the executive team and Board of Directors.
New Product Introduction (NPI) Integration
Partner closely with Engineering and Program Management to integrate quality principles early in the product development lifecycle. Ensure robust design for manufacturability (DFM), design for reliability (DFR), and advanced product quality planning (APQP) processes are in place.
Budget and Resource Management
Develop and manage the annual budget for the quality department, ensuring optimal allocation of resources, technology, and personnel to achieve strategic objectives.
Requirements for the VP Quality (AS9100) with a Defense Electronics Company – Orlando, FL
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor of Science degree in an engineering discipline (e.g., Electrical, Mechanical, Industrial) or a related technical field.
- A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in quality assurance and operational excellence within the aerospace, defense, or high-reliability electronics manufacturing sectors.
- A minimum of 7-10 years of experience in a senior leadership role (Director-level or above), with a proven track record of managing large, multi-site quality organizations.
- Expert-level, hands-on knowledge of the AS9100 standard, including implementation, auditing, and continuous improvement.
- Demonstrated experience successfully leading organizations through complex customer and regulatory audits (e.g., DCMA, DCAA, FAA).
- Strong business and financial acumen, with experience managing departmental budgets and linking quality initiatives to financial performance.
- Proven ability to lead and influence cross-functionally in a matrixed organization, from the shop floor to the executive suite.
- Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
Due to the nature of the work, U.S. Citizenship is required. The candidate must be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Security Clearance.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) or a technical field (M.S. Engineering).
- An active U.S. Government Security Clearance.
- Professional certifications such as ASQ Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence (CMQ/OE), Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt, or AS9100 Lead Auditor.
- Experience with specialized quality standards and processes such as NADCAP, IPC standards (e.g., IPC-A-610, J-STD-001), and counterfeit parts prevention programs.
- Direct experience working with major defense prime contractors and government agencies.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top-tier executive talent. They offer a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package, including:
Executive Compensation
A competitive base salary, a significant annual performance-based bonus, and a long-term incentive plan (e.g., stock options, equity).
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your dependents.
Retirement Savings
A robust 401(k) plan with a generous company match and immediate vesting.
Work-Life Balance
A generous Paid Time Off (PTO) policy, paid holidays, and a commitment to a healthy work-life integration.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package is available for the successful candidate and their family.
Professional Growth
Support for ongoing executive education, professional certifications, and industry conference attendance.
Impactful Work
The opportunity to contribute to vital national security programs and work with cutting-edge technology.
How to Apply
This is an exclusive, retained search conducted by JRG Partners. To be considered for this critical leadership position, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your qualifications and strategic vision for quality. We are committed to a confidential and respectful recruitment process.
JRG Partners is a leader in executive placement for the defense and manufacturing sectors. To learn more about our expertise and other opportunities, please visit our Aerospace & Defense Manufacturing page. We look forward to connecting with you.
