Join to apply for the VP Quality - Governance and Assurance role at Leonardo.
We want someone who can shape the future of Quality, Governance, drive Assurance and operational excellence at a world‑class level. As VP Quality you will elevate the organisation’s Quality and Assurance capability into a strategic advantage, enabling safer delivery, stronger governance, and more predictable programme outcomes. Through modernisation, cross‑functional alignment, and proactive risk visibility you will strengthen customer trust, reduce operational disruption, and enhance the company’s reputation as a leader in Quality excellence. Your impact will be felt across the entire enterprise through measurable improvements in compliance, efficiency, customer satisfaction, and cultural adoption of world‑class assurance practices.
Key Responsibilities
* Strategic modernisation of Quality, leveraging automation, digital systems, and AI to transform assurance
* A unified Quality organisation across Product, Project, Software and Audit functions
* A robust, forward‑looking audit and governance system that highlights emerging risks before they escalate
* Strong customer and regulator relationships, ensuring confidence in our systems and delivery
* Enterprise risk alignment, ensuring Quality data informs corporate risk decision‑making
* A culture of assurance, making good practice part of daily behaviour—not a compliance checkbox
* Leadership presence, able to influence executives, engineers and external bodies confidently
* A stable, predictable Quality foundation that enables major programmes to deliver on time, on cost and to specification
Required Qualifications & Experience
* Mastery of Governance, Assurance and Quality Systems (BMS, Audits, AS9100)
* Strategic leadership in Next‑Generation Quality (Digital, Automation, AI)
* Cross‑functional influence and enterprise risk integration
* Customer and project quality leadership in complex programmes
* Executive presence and external representation
This is not an exhaustive list, and we are keen to hear from you even if you might not have experience in all the above. The most important skill is a good attitude and willingness to learn.
Security Clearance
This role is subject to pre‑employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). An additional range of Personnel Security Controls referred to as National Security Vetting (NSV) may apply, which could include meeting the eligibility requirements for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV). For more information and guidance, please visit https://careers.uk.leonardo.com/gb/en/security-and-vetting.
Benefits
* Time to Recharge – Enjoy generous leave with the opportunity to accrue up to 12 additional flexi‑days each year.
* Secure your Future – Benefit from our award‑winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.
* Your Wellbeing Matters – Free access to mental health support, financial advice, and employee‑led networks championing inclusion and diversity.
* Rewarding Performance – All employees at management level and below are eligible for our bonus scheme.
* Never Stop Learning – Free access to 4,000+ online courses via Coursera and LinkedIn Learning.
* Refer a Friend – Receive a financial reward through our referral programme.
* Tailored Perks – Spend up to £500 annually on flexible benefits including private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech and lifestyle discounts, gym memberships and more.
* Flexible Working – Flexible hours with hybrid working options. For part‑time opportunities, please talk to us about what might be possible for this role.
For a full list of our company benefits please visit our website.
About Leonardo
Leonardo is a global leader in Aerospace, Defence and Security. Headquartered in Italy, we employ over 53,000 people worldwide including 8,500 across nine sites in the UK. Our employees are not just part of a team – they are key contributors to shaping innovation, advancing technology and enhancing global safety.
At Leonardo we are committed to building an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming workplace. We believe a diverse workforce sparks creativity, drives innovation and leads to better outcomes for our people and our customers. If you have any accessibility requirements to support you during the recruitment process, just let us know.
Location & Contract Details
Primary Location: GB – Edinburgh
Additional Locations: GB – Basildon (Home Based), GB – Luton (Cap. Green 300), GB – Southampton
Contract Type: Permanent
Hybrid Working: Hybrid
Be part of something bigger – apply now!
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