Supplier Quality Leader

Thales is a global technology leader trusted by governments, institutions, and enterprises to tackle their most demanding challenges. From quantum applications and artificial intelligence to cybersecurity and 6G innovation, our solutions empower critical decisions rooted in human intelligence. Operating at the forefront of aerospace and space, cybersecurity and digital identity, we’re driven by a mission to build a future we can all trust.

Role Description:

• Support industrial teams during the industrialization phases by assisting in the validation of supplier PRRs and FAIs, monitoring action plans, and securing product launches.
• Communicate and maintain TDMS quality requirements (technological, configuration management, quality system) with suppliers.
• Decide on the conformity of purchased items during final inspection at suppliers or incoming inspection at Thales (ability to inspect products, make decisions according to Thales inspection specifications).
• Perform acceptances at supplier sites.
• Manage Non-Conformities with the supplier within a timeframe acceptable to production needs.
• Implement securing actions (traceability, sorting, etc.).
• Lead root cause analyses, drive corrective and preventive action plans, and challenge suppliers' 9S practices.
• Verify the effectiveness of action plans deployed by suppliers in the field.
• Use performance indicators to identify areas for improvement.
• Implement improvement actions with suppliers when necessary to reduce the number of non-conformities and enhance performance (following the DMAIC methodology).
• Monitor the effectiveness of actions on-site at suppliers, with regular visits planned.
• Participate in follow-up and supplier performance review committees in collaboration with Purchasing and Supplier Performance Management teams.
• Participate in optimizing the consistency of incoming and outgoing inspections between suppliers and Thales (ensuring proper application of control specifications, implementing defect tracking systems, quality walls if necessary).
• Take part in definition and implementation of new acceptance criteria if needed, and then share them with the suppliers.
• Ensure the maintenance of qualification of the Indian production supply chain and prevent, contain, and address deviations.
• Anticipate operational risks at suppliers (duty to alert), share identified weaknesses with the Supplier Performance Management (SPM) teams and Auditors to contribute to the suppliers maturity improvement.
• Promote quality tools (9S, FMEA, SPC, QRQC, etc.).
• Proactively map Tier 2 and Tier 3 subcontractors to assess risk levels and propose mitigation measures.
• Ensure the implementation of quality indicators at Tier 2 and Tier 3 suppliers (both internal and external) and establish quality routines between suppliers.
• Act as the interface with Industry teams (Methods, RCFI, RSP), Quality teams in France, and serve as the local liaison for suppliers.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Industrial experience related to the supplier environment, ideally in aerospace and defense, mechanical, and electronic sectors.
• Quality experience, preferably in supplier quality.
• 10 to 15 years of experience.
• Engineering degree or equivalent with around 10 to 15 years of experience in the industrial sector (quality, purchasing, production, supply chain, etc.).
• Knowledge of quality processes, particularly in production.
• Familiarity with quality management tools and models (DMAIC, 9S, FMEA, QRQC, APQP, etc.).
• Proficiency in supplier improvement techniques (SD projects, DMAIC, problem-solving, root cause analysis, continuous improvement).
• Knowledge of aerospace manufacturing technologies.
• Ability to work in teams (cooperative attitude, listening skills, behavior) with teams in France and suppliers.
• Capability to represent Thales at suppliers, both operationally and at the management level.
• Strong communication skills, leadership, and influence.
• Capacity to lead improvement projects and deploy best practices.
• Understanding of control processes and standards: IPC-A-610 for assembled circuit boards, IPC-A-600 for bare printed circuit boards, IPC-A-620 for cable and rack wiring.
• Proficiency in English, French ideally.

At Thales, we’re committed to fostering a workplace where respect, trust, collaboration, and passion drive everything we do. Here, you’ll feel empowered to bring your best self, thrive in a supportive culture, and love the work you do. Join us, and be part of a team reimagining technology to create solutions that truly make a difference – for a safer, greener, and more inclusive world.