Head of Materials and Processes Vacancy details General information Entity Safran is an international high-technology group, operating in the aviation (propulsion, equipment and interiors), defense and space markets. Its core purpose is to contribute to a safer, more sustainable world, where air transport is more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Safran has a global presence, with 100,000 employees and sales of 27.3 billion euros in 2024, and holds, alone or in partnership, world or regional leadership positions in its core markets. Safran is in the 2nd place in the aerospace and defense industry in TIME magazine's "World's best companies 2024" ranking. Safran Seats is one of the world's leading manufacturers of aircraft seats, for both crew and passengers. 1 million Safran Seats-manufactured aircraft seats are currently in service with air fleets around the world. Reference 2026-172637 Position description Domain Research, design and development Job field / Job profile Materials and processes - Materials and process engineering Job title Head of Materials and Processes Employment type Permanent Professional category Professional, Engineer & Manager Part time / Full time Full-time Job description As the head of the Materials and Processes (M&P), your job is to provide the necessary support, advice and expertise to the design and engineering team relating to seating products. Your are also required to identify and develop new materials & processes to meet Safran Seats product requirements. This also includes upgrading existing design solutions to continuously improve robustness, and reduce costs and environmental impacts of Safran Seats products. Working together with other business units, you will be responsible to collaborate and ensure alignment of best practices concerning the materials, process specification, and their application in design activities. Support the Safran Seats M&P network by ensuring alignment and harmonsiation of materials, processes and standards are in line with the Safran Seats vision. Own, develop and manage the materials and processes (& standards) of safran seats GB, in support of the engineering design activities. Ensure material and process standards are up to date and in line with the business needs. Advise and support the design and R&T teams on applicable materials, processes and technologies associated with current and future Safran Seats designs. Drive REACh compliance within engineering framework and support other business functions in line with REACh requirements. Key Responsibilities and Duties - Be the point of contact for Safran Seats GB M&P related activities. - Collaborate and liaise with the wider Safran Seats Branch and Safran Group M&P functions to ensure harmonisation of standards across the group. - Develop and lead the SGB M&P team to optimise and deploy existing technologies in line with the Safran Seats Branch and group vision. - Develop and maintain procedures applicable to the M&P function and its interactions with other functions, in line with the Safran Seats group policies (SST). - Manage the development, control and deployment of material and process standards across Safran Seats GB, while ensuring alignment with the Safran Seats branch strategy. - Qualify new materials and processes applicable to seating products in line with the business needs. - Own specifications for materials and process technologies associated with seating products. Ensure that the quality, relevance and currency of specifications and special processes are continually maintained. - Own the technical qualification of production means and subcontractor production means when it comes to special processes (e.g Qualification Test data). - Support the supply chain and operations team in addressing issues relating to M&P, such as obsolencence, industrial transfers and waivers/concessions. - Support the OE and Aftermarket design, development & manufacturing teams on choices regarding materials and processes associated with specific projects and responses to unplanned or unforeseen requests. - Ensure that the M&P reference system and associated d But what else? (benefits, specificities, etc.) What We'll Offer - As a valued member of our team, these are just a few of the benefits you'll receive: - 33 days holiday (including bank holidays) - Industry leading pension scheme with salary sacrifice employer contributions up to 10%. - Private medical cover (to include Digital GP and rapid access Physio with no excess) with ability to upgrade level of benefit and cover family members. - Access to salary sacrifice benefits scheme including cycle to work and Octopus EV Scheme - 4 x Life Assurance - Up to 15% Annual Bonus - Interactive benefits platform including wide range of discretionary benefits including technology, retail benefits, income protection. - Enhanced family friendly policies and benefits (enhanced maternity and paternity leave) and employee assistance programme - Annual share save schemes. - Option for hybrid and flexible working arrangements - Opportunities for career advancement and personal growth. Benefit from support through Safran University and our internal Training and Development Schools - Get involved in our corporate social responsibility activities from sustainability initiatives, charity and fundraising, volunteering days, or supporting STEM activities at local schools and colleges nurturing the next generation of talent Candidate skills & requirements - Qualified to Honours Degree or equivalent level in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Aerospace Engineering or Materials Science. - A good understanding of material allowable and the certification process as defined in the Rouchon pyramid. - Have knowledge in design of mechanical components and experience of product/process/materials development. - Detailed working experience on material development and qualification activities. - Understand the mechanics and processing of polymer matrix composites. - Demonstrable working experience in industry or research work at an educational institution - Experience of working to industry standards and codes. Position location Job location Europe, UK, Wales City (-ies) Llantarnam Industrial Park NP44 3HQ Cwmbran