Quality Manager

at  Woodward Inc

Woodward’s Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Commitment
At Woodward, no matter where you are from, your physical appearance, or how you identify, you deserve the opportunity to reach your greatest potential. We are on a journey to achieve this as an organization and want to work closely with our members to set the right path.
We humbly acknowledge this will be an imperfect journey. Yet, we are steadfastly committed to embracing the power of diverse people, perspectives and experiences for our current members, attracting the best talent across our communities, and creating an inclusive and rewarding workplace for all.
Are you ready to make your mark at Woodward?
The Quality Manager is responsible for leading the quality team here at Woodward Prestwick, driving the development and implementation of quality improvement strategies as well as the continuous improvement of quality systems and business processes.
Reporting to the General Manager, this position is a strong contributor to supporting and achieving site level organizational quality objectives. The position involves collaboration with Directors and Managers to ensure the alignment of quality strategy, philosophy, systems and business practice and is relied upon to provide technical expertise in guiding design efforts, customer interactions, and other quality engineering related matters such as problem solving.
What’s in it for you…
At Woodward, our “employees” are called and treated as “members” and we’ve created a culture that appreciates and values the contributions of every member. It’s an inclusive, positive, collaborative, and socially responsible environment where members work together for outstanding outcomes.

What you will be doing…

• Accountable for coordination and integration of quality assurance processes and procedures which may include the following areas: Government and Regulatory compliance, Customer Quality Compliance, and internal quality procedural compliance
• Drives robust Quality culture through continuous systemic improvements
• Develops and holds staff accountable for quality metrics that enable evaluation of progress to the site strategic plan and goals
• Develops a highly effective and well skilled technical staff and supports the site regarding implementation of PLC, APQP, Lean, process capability/First Pass Yield and continuous improvement initiatives while supporting the maintenance of an effective Six Sigma System
• Represents Woodward from the site or Business Group level to customers, potential customers, regulatory bodies through presentation and communication of the Quality Management System and quality strategies to meet or exceed customer expectations while providing advocacy
• Accountable for effective Root Cause and Corrective Action within the site or business area/value streams for escapes (internal or customer) and ensures an effective internal and external corrective action process (timely and effective closures of Corrective Action Requests - CAR’s)
• Report customer and internal quality metrics to management and other business segments as needed. Drives with site or Business Group leadership, corrective action and problem solving to accelerate improvements
• Stay abreast of current quality and regulatory trends and methodologies in the applicable industry and utilize this information for developing proactive strategies and readiness
• Provides direction, development and performance management of direct reports
• Develop and maintain an appropriate quality organization to support the successful adherence to the QMS and the transformation process. Accountable to manage quality resources to meet the financial plan

What we are looking for…
Suitable candidates must be able to meet the knowledge, background and experience requirements of the Compliance Monitoring/ Aviation Safety Manager role as defined in AMC 145.A.30(c). Appointment is conditional of approval of regulatory authorities as nominated person for the role

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Strong understanding of: QMS; Processes approach; ISO and other continuous improvement methods to support lean methodologies
• Strong knowledge of statistical concepts and methods to ensure appropriate application and analysis of data, with strong ability to analyze issues, solve problems and develop others to do the same
• Ability to collaborate, develop and integrate site strategies for quality performance and continuous improvement. Supports site strategy development with Directors and managers and can follow through with implementation at site level
• Knowledge of human factors principles and the UK management system requirements and their application (including safety management systems and compliance monitoring )
• Strong oral and written communication with all levels of the organization, but in particular at the site leadership level, and at customer leadership level
• Able to lead and develop a vision and strategy for the site level QMS, including gaining alignment and support of key site stakeholders
• Strong collaboration and influencing skills with peers and leaders across the site and, as needed across the CoE. Supports the improvement of processes across the site and on a per project basis at the group level
• Ability to work across the site’s value streams (enterprise wide - supply to customer) to achieve site and value stream performance objectives
• Strong time management and project management skills to organize and plan effectively in developing effective systems and processes at the value stream, area and site level
• Strong people and leadership skills in coaching, motivating and leading others
• Ability to understand and work effectively with various cultures
• Expert risk management skills for risk mitigation and problem solving
• Strong understanding of business and operation processes
• Strong understanding of ERP System

Qualifications/Experience

• A relevant engineering or technical degree, or an aircraft technician or maintenance engineer qualification with additional education that is acceptable to the CAA
• 5 years of relevant work experience, of which at least 2 years should be within the aeronautical industry in an appropriate position
• Experience and expertise in the application of aviation safety standards and safe operating practices

• Accountable for coordination and integration of quality assurance processes and procedures which may include the following areas: Government and Regulatory compliance, Customer Quality Compliance, and internal quality procedural compliance
• Drives robust Quality culture through continuous systemic improvements
• Develops and holds staff accountable for quality metrics that enable evaluation of progress to the site strategic plan and goals
• Develops a highly effective and well skilled technical staff and supports the site regarding implementation of PLC, APQP, Lean, process capability/First Pass Yield and continuous improvement initiatives while supporting the maintenance of an effective Six Sigma System
• Represents Woodward from the site or Business Group level to customers, potential customers, regulatory bodies through presentation and communication of the Quality Management System and quality strategies to meet or exceed customer expectations while providing advocacy
• Accountable for effective Root Cause and Corrective Action within the site or business area/value streams for escapes (internal or customer) and ensures an effective internal and external corrective action process (timely and effective closures of Corrective Action Requests - CAR’s)
• Report customer and internal quality metrics to management and other business segments as needed. Drives with site or Business Group leadership, corrective action and problem solving to accelerate improvements
• Stay abreast of current quality and regulatory trends and methodologies in the applicable industry and utilize this information for developing proactive strategies and readiness
• Provides direction, development and performance management of direct reports
• Develop and maintain an appropriate quality organization to support the successful adherence to the QMS and the transformation process. Accountable to manage quality resources to meet the financial pla