About the role

The incumbent will lead the Quality and specialist assurance functions to ensure robust corporate and operational business process compliance across the organisation. This includes oversight of Product Assurance, Safety, Health and Environment, Enterprise Risk Management, and the implementation, maintenance, education and continuous improvement of certified management systems and regulatory frameworks, including ISO 9001, EN 9100, ISO 14001, ISO 45001 and SACAA requirements.

The role further serves as a key executive advisor to leadership, driving a culture of quality, accountability, continuous improvement and zero-harm principles, while safeguarding the organisation’s reputation, customer confidence  in a highly regulated defence environment. 

Qualifications and experience required:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Quality Management, Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Operations Management or related technical field.
• Postgraduate qualification in Quality, Risk Management or Business Management will be advantageous.
• Lead Auditor certification for ISO 9001 / EN 9100 preferred. 
• At least 10 years relevant experience with a minimum of 3 years in a leadership role.

Key technical skills rquired:

• Strong knowledge of ISO 9001, EN 9100, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001.
• Experience with aerospace / defence regulatory compliance, including SACAA requirements.
• Quality Assurance, Product Assurance and non-conformance management.
• Risk management and internal controls.
• SHE management and legal compliance.
• Internal, supplier and external audit management.
• Continuous improvement and process optimisation.
• Supplier quality management.
• KPI reporting and data analysis.

Key responsibilities:

1. Strategic Leadership, Governance & Risk Management
Contribute to the business strategy and execution of HENSOLDT objectives.
Serve as a member of Executive Management, providing strategic guidance on quality, compliance, SHE and enterprise risk.
Lead the company’s governance framework, business continuity and risk management processes.
Drive a culture of accountability, continuous improvement and operational excellence.

2. Integrated Management Systems & Regulatory Compliance

Lead the implementation, certification and continuous improvement of ISO 9001, EN 9100, ISO 14001, ISO 45001 and applicable regulatory systems.
Ensure compliance with Group standards, customer requirements and statutory obligations.
Act as Management Representative for all relevant management systems and certifications.
Oversee policies, procedures and document governance across the organisation.

3. Quality Assurance, Product Assurance & Operational Support

Lead Quality and Product Assurance functions to ensure products consistently meet customer, contractual and regulatory requirements.
Oversee non-conformance management, corrective actions and root cause investigations.
Support core business processes from bid stage through production, delivery and after-sales support.
Drive process improvements to enhance quality, delivery performance and cost efficiency.

4. Supplier Quality, Audit & Stakeholder Management

Lead internal, supplier and external audit programmes to verify compliance and system effectiveness.
Oversee supplier quality management and external provider performance in partnership with Procurement.
Build strategic relationships with customers, regulators, suppliers and Group stakeholders.
Report quality, risk and compliance performance to Executive and Group leadership.

5. People Leadership & Capability Development

Lead and develop the Quality, Compliance and specialist assurance teams.
Manage departmental budgets, workforce planning, recruitment and succession pipelines.
Drive performance management, coaching and leadership development within the function.
Promote companywide quality, SHE and risk awareness through training and engagement initiatives. 

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: 6 May 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