Head of Quality & Compliance

Head of Quality & Compliance

Abu Dhabi | Full-Time

Next-generation aircraft programmes move fast, but certification still demands absolute rigour.

We're supporting an advanced aerospace organisation developing next-generation aviation systems. As the engineering team grows and certification activity increases, they're hiring a Head of Quality & Compliance to establish the independent oversight and compliance systems required to support regulatory approval.

This role will define how quality, compliance, and independent monitoring operate across the design organisation.

You'll work alongside engineering, airworthiness, and programme leadership to ensure the organisation scales while maintaining full alignment with aviation regulatory frameworks.

The Search

This role is responsible for building and leading the independent quality and compliance framework supporting the design organisation.

You will establish monitoring systems, lead internal audits, and ensure engineering and certification activities remain aligned with regulatory expectations as the organisation scales.

The role combines strategic oversight with hands-on involvement in building the quality infrastructure required to support certification programmes.

What You'll Own

• Establishing and leading the organisation's independent quality and compliance monitoring framework
• Developing and executing internal audit programmes across engineering and certification activities
• Monitoring adherence to aviation regulatory requirements and internal design organisation processes
• Tracking audit findings, corrective actions, and continuous improvement initiatives
• Providing independent reporting to senior leadership on compliance performance and risk
• Supporting the development and maintenance of the design organisation's quality management system
• Ensuring suppliers and external partners meet required quality and certification standards
• Strengthening configuration management, documentation control, and traceability across engineering activities

Who This Suits

• Quality leaders from fast-moving aerospace, eVTOL, UAV, or advanced aviation programmes
• Professionals experienced supporting design organisations progressing through certification
• Individuals comfortable operating independently and providing objective oversight
• Leaders who can introduce structure without slowing down engineering execution
• Operators who thrive in high-growth, engineering-led environments

What You'll Bring

• Significant experience in aerospace quality, compliance, or certification environments
• Strong knowledge of aviation regulatory frameworks and certification processes
• Experience auditing engineering and certification activities within technical organisations
• Ability to work closely with engineering, safety, airworthiness, and programme teams
• Experience supporting aircraft or aviation system certification programmes

Why This Role Matters

As the organisation progresses through certification and expands its engineering capability, the Head of Quality & Compliance will play a central role in ensuring regulatory readiness while enabling a fast-moving engineering environment.

This is an opportunity to shape the quality and compliance systems of a growing aerospace programme and play a key role in supporting certification and long-term operational success.