Supplier Quality Leader

Supplier Quality Leader – Thales (Hengelo, Netherlands)

About The Improvement Team

The Improvement team is part of the Quality, Customer Satisfaction and Improvement organization within Thales Netherlands. Their focus is on solving complex end-to-end issues using best practices and ensuring sustainable change through behavioural change and leadership.

Job Overview

As a Supplier Quality Leader, you will ensure that supplier quality aligns with the Group‑defined processes (CHORUS) and international regulations such as ISO, AQAP, etc. You will provide proactive support on quality topics to industrial suppliers and the procurement organization from selection through performance evaluation.

Responsibilities

• Lead supplier quality management activities with a team of Supplier Quality Managers and collaborate with Supplier Performance Managers.
• Maintain compliance with Quality Assurance requirements and flow‑down to suppliers.
• Conduct supplier audits according to Thales Group standards, track actions and ensure closure.
• Assess and qualify suppliers jointly with Procurement.
• Identify structural risks for suppliers involved in development projects and coordinate improvement initiatives.
• Ensure anomalies, non‑conformities and alerts are closed through the Non‑conformity process.
• Support internal certifications (AS9100, ISO9001, AQAP2110).
• Exercise Alert Duty and Veto Right, escalating unresolved problems to management.
• Contribute to internal auditing plans and follow up on internal audit non‑conformities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Supplier Chain, Quality Management, Engineering, Project Management, or related field.
• Proven experience in supplier (quality) management within procurement, supply chain, or related areas.
• Knowledge of ISO9001 / AS9100 and AQAP2110 standards.
• Strong knowledge of quality tools and methodologies (e.g., 8D, Six Sigma/DMAIC, APQP, FMEA).
• Experience with supplier audits and process validation.
• Excellent communication skills across all levels internally and externally.
• Ability to work in a dynamic, complex, multi‑national environment, influencing stakeholders and solving problems.
• Motivation to strengthen Thales’ operational performance in procurement by balancing pragmatism and sustainability.

Benefits

• Challenging role in a high‑tech, innovative team.
• Room for personal and professional growth and skill development.
• International collaboration with colleagues from 68 countries.
• Modern workspace with flexible work‑life balance and hybrid working options.
• Competitive salary, travel allowance, and options to tailor employment conditions.
• 40 days of paid time off per year.
• Opportunity to participate in an assessment if necessary.

Job Details

• Seniority Level: Not Applicable
• Employment Type: Full‑time
• Job Function: Quality Assurance
• Industries: Aviation, Aerospace, Component Manufacturing, Defense and Space Manufacturing