About the role

HENSOLDT South Africa is seeking an experienced executive to lead the Quality & Business Assurance function across the organisation.

Reporting to the Executive Leadership Team, this role is responsible for providing strategic direction and oversight of the organisation's Quality Management, Product Assurance, Safety, Health and Environment (SHE), Enterprise Risk Management, Business Continuity and Integrated Management Systems.

The Executive Manager will ensure that the organisation consistently meets customer, regulatory and statutory requirements while maintaining internationally recognised management systems. The role is also responsible for strengthening governance, improving organisational performance and supporting the delivery of safe, compliant and reliable products within a highly regulated defence environment.

Qualifications and experience required:

• Bachelor's Degree in Quality Management, Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Operations Management or a related technical discipline.
• Minimum of 10 years' relevant experience in quality, assurance or compliance within a manufacturing, aerospace, defence or similarly regulated environment.
• Minimum of 5 years' experience leading multidisciplinary teams in a senior management role.
• Demonstrated experience managing integrated management systems and organisational assurance functions.

Advantageous qualifications and experience: 

• Postgraduate qualification in Quality Management, Risk Management, Business Administration or a related field.
• Lead Auditor certification in ISO 9001 and/or EN 9100.
• Experience within the aerospace and defence industry.
• Experience in an international or multinational organisation.

Key technical skills rquired:

• Quality Management Systems (ISO 9001 and EN 9100)
• Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety Management (ISO 14001 and ISO 45001)
• Product Assurance and Quality Assurance
• Enterprise Risk Management
• Business Continuity Management
• Aerospace and defense regulatory compliance, including SACAA requirements
• Internal controls and corporate governance
• Internal, supplier and external audit management
• Supplier Quality Management
• Root Cause Analysis and Corrective Action
• Continuous Improvement
• Performance reporting and data analysis

Key responsibilities:

1. Quality Leadership and Governance 
Lead the Quality & Business Assurance function by establishing the strategies, governance frameworks and assurance processes required to support the organisation's objectives. Provide strategic guidance to Executive Management on quality, compliance, risk and assurance matters. 

2. Integrated Management Systems and Compliance 
Ensure the effective implementation, certification and ongoing improvement of the organisation's Integrated Management System, including ISO 9001, EN 9100, ISO 14001, ISO 45001 and applicable regulatory requirements. Maintain compliance with customer, statutory and HENSOLDT Group requirements.

3. Product Assurance, Enterprise Risk and Business Continuity 
Provide oversight of Product Assurance, Enterprise Risk Management and Business Continuity to ensure product compliance, effective risk management and organisational resilience. Oversee non-conformance management, corrective actions and business continuity planning to minimise operational disruption and support business objectives. 

4. Audit, Supplier Quality and Stakeholder Management 
Lead internal, supplier and external audit programmes to evaluate compliance and the effectiveness of management systems. Oversee supplier quality performance and maintain effective relationships with customers, regulators, certification bodies, suppliers and HENSOLDT Group stakeholders. Report quality and assurance performance to Executive Management. 

5. Leadership and Capability Development 
Lead and develop the Quality & Business Assurance team through effective performance management, succession planning and capability development. Promote a culture of accountability, quality, safety and continuous improvement across the organisation while ensuring the effective management of departmental resources.  

Our recruitment values:

HENSOLDT South Africa focuses on diversity, equity, and inclusion in our organizational strategy. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive corporate culture that benefits our employees and delivers better outcomes for our clients. In line with our commitment to equal employment opportunities and our focus on diversity in the operational environment, we welcome applications from all ethnic groups. In line with HENSOLDT's commitment to equal employment opportunities and our focus on diversity in the operational environment, preference will be given to suitable candidates from designated groups.

Application Deadline: 17 August 2026. 

How to apply: 

Please submit your CV by applying directly on the HENSOLDT Careers page.

If you have not been contacted within 14 days of the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.