Industrial Validation Leader

The Industrial Validation Leader plays a key role within the Supplier Quality function at Safran Landing Systems, responsible for driving quality assurance and continuous improvement across the external supply chain.

The position ensures that supplier processes, systems, and products meet Safran's technical, regulatory, and operational requirements, supporting overall production performance and supply chain robustness.

Reporting to Supplier Quality Industrialisation & Flow Manager, the role has a direct impact on business performance by assessing and validating supplier capabilities, ensuring compliance through product, process, and system audits, and supporting the successful introduction and transfer of parts across the supply base.

This includes close collaboration with internal manufacturing teams to enable smooth industrial transitions and maintain product integrity.

The Industrial Validation Leader is accountable for leading supplier quality improvement initiatives, promoting Lean principles, and developing supplier competencies in core quality methodologies such as APQP, PFMEA, and PPAP in alignment with Safran's DVI processes.

The role contributes to decision-making through audit outcomes, capability assessments, and risk evaluations, influencing supplier selection, approval, and ongoing performance management.

With responsibility for maintaining approved vendor and quality databases, the position ensures accurate reporting and traceability, supporting both operational execution and strategic supplier management.

While not directly managing budgets, the role significantly influences cost, quality, and delivery performance through supplier development and validation activities.

Operating at the interface between internal teams and external suppliers, the role requires strong stakeholder engagement, technical judgement, and the ability to drive continuous improvement initiatives that support both operational excellence and long-term supply chain strategy.

HNC, Degree, or equivalent in Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, or a related technical discipline.

AS9100 Lead Auditor qualification (preferred) or Internal Auditor certification.

Industry & Technical Experience

Experience in aerospace or similarly regulated manufacturing or quality environments.

Strong understanding of aerospace manufacturing processes, component production, and NPI.

Proven experience in supplier quality roles, including conducting or supporting supplier audits.

Systems, Standards & Tools

Strong working knowledge of AS9100 and AS9102 requirements.

Hands-on experience with APQP, PFMEA, PPAP, and DVI processes.

Ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications, and process flows.

Skills & Behaviours

Strong report writing, data analysis, and stakeholder management skills.

Confident communicator able to lead audits and drive corrective actions without direct authority.

Ability to build strong, effective relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders.

Additional Information

This is a supplier-facing role requiring regular UK and international travel to conduct audits, support NPI, and assess supplier manufacturing capability. Travel is an essential part of the position, and short-notice travel may be required in response to urgent quality or supply chain issues.

Safran is an international high-technology group operating in the fields of aerospace (propulsion, equipment and interiors), space and defense. Its mission is to contribute sustainably to a safer world, where air transport becomes ever more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Present on every continent, the Group employs 110,000 people and generated €31.3 billion in revenue in 2025. Safran holds, either independently or through partnerships, leading global or European positions in its markets. Safran was ranked second in the Aerospace & Defense sector in TIME magazine's ""World's Best Companies 2025"" ranking. Safran Landing Systems is the world leader in landing gear, wheels & brakes, and associated systems for civil and military aircraft and helicopters. We master the entire lifecycle of our products, from design and manufacturing through to maintenance. Did you know that every second, somewhere in the world, an aircraft lands using one of our systems? Would you like to grow in an international, stimulating and supportive environment within a human-sized company? Join us! Become one of our 8,000 passionate employees worldwide. Don't meet 100% of the requirements? That's not a barrier for us. Above all, we're looking for creative and committed people!, Safran Landing Systems is a world leader in aircraft landing gear and braking systems, delivering critical technologies that ensure safe take off and landing for millions of flights every year. From design and development to manufacture and in service support, we serve leading commercial and military aircraft programmes worldwide. Our Gloucester site stands at the heart of our global network - a centre of engineering and manufacturing excellence where advanced research, systems integration, and precision manufacturing combine to produce highly complex, safety critical aerospace structures. At Safran Landing Systems, we work together to shape the future of aviation. Safran Landing Systems - World Leader in Aircraft Landing and Braking Systems | Safran