Director, Global Quality Management & Improvement

AeroVironment • Albuquerque, NM

10d • $139,371 - $197,400

About The Position

The Director, Global Quality Management & Improvement is responsible for the leadership and management of the Quality Management System (QMS) across the organization. This role ensures compliance with ISO, AS9100, customer, and regulatory standards. Additionally, this role will spearhead strategic Continuous Improvement initiatives by applying Lean, Six Sigma, and industry best practices. This includes conducting LSS training and managing centralized CI projects. Governance and oversight of program execution within the QMS framework, support for risk management and lessons learned, and leading Root Cause and Corrective Actions (RCCA) for trend-level issues within the QMS are also key responsibilities.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality, or a related technical field (Master’s preferred).
• Minimum 12 years of experience in quality, mission assurance, or regulatory compliance within the defense, aerospace, or high-reliability manufacturing environment.
• Minimum 5 years experience in a people leadership role.
• Strong communication and influencing skills, with the ability to lead without direct authority.
• Expertise in AS9100, ISO 9001, ITAR, CMMI, and defense quality standards.
• Strong background in QMS implementation and risk mitigation strategies.
• Proven leadership experience managing auditing, compliance teams and cross-functional initiatives.
• Experience with government contracts, DoD requirements, and working with regulatory agencies.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Lean-Six-Sigma and other Continuous Improvement skills.
• Proficiency with quality tools/software (e.g., Minitab, SPC/QMS platforms, PLM, ERP systems).
• U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (Green Card holder) or asylee/refugee status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) required.
• Must be able to travel within the Continental U.S. and internationally when required.
• This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under the ITAR and the EAR, or a person to be approved for an export license by the governing agency whose technology comes under its jurisdiction.

Nice To Haves

• ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) or ASQ Certified Quality Manager (CQM)
• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt or Master Black Belt
• Project Management Professional (PMP)
• Certified Lead Auditor for AS9100/ISO 9001.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong analytical, critical thinking and interpersonal skills, with the ability to speak and write persuasively
• Demonstrated experience working with cross-functional teams; ability to develop and maintain internal and external trusting, professional relationships
• Uses vision to think beyond the immediate situation, explore multiple potential paths, and adapt decision-making style based on the situational circumstances
• Inspires, motivates, and empowers people to deliver organizational goals, while also delivering value back to employees
• Brings organizational values to life using personality, uniqueness, and the creation of a shared vision
• Champions the process of change and promotes a culture of quick adaptation while helping others deal with the effects of change
• Takes ownership and responsibility for assigned tasks
• Is committed to learning from mistakes and driven to improve and enhance performance of oneself, others, and the company
• Focuses on teamwork and puts the success of the team above one's own interests

Responsibilities

• Leads Quality Management System (QMS) implementation, communication, monitoring, ensuring compliance to ISO, AS9100, customer, and regulatory requirements.
• Define and deploy QMS applicability, awareness, responsibilities, and training strategy.
• Communicates, trains, and coordinates improvement of QMS policies, processes, and procedures.
• Oversees, deploys, and monitors QMS internal audit program and external certification audits.
• Develops, maintains, and coordinates QMS key process KPIs, dashboards, and reporting frameworks with identified QMS process owners. Including assignment and tracking of actions where results are not met.
• Leads strategic Continuous Improvement initiatives. Benchmark and drive continuous improvement using Lean, Six Sigma, and industry best practices. Including LSS training and centralized CI project management.
• Provides governance and oversight to ensure programs execute within the QMS framework.
• Support leadership with enterprise and segment risk management and lessons-learned capture regarding the QMS.
• Leads RCCA of trend-level issues across the QMS.
• Other duties as assigned

Benefits

• AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental vision, 401K with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees