Director of Quality, Compliance & Operational Systems
Davenport Aviation, Columbus, OH, United States
About Davenport Aviation
Davenport Aviation is a rapidly growing aerospace and defense company supporting U.S. Government and commercial aviation programs. Our work spans aircraft systems, mission-ready platforms, and long-term sustainment programs, including support of critical platforms such as the KC-46.
We are built on a foundation of trust, execution, and flexibility , and operate in a highly disciplined, compliance-driven environment where precision matters.
Position Overview
We are seeking a Director of Quality, Compliance & Operational Systems to lead and scale a best-in-class, audit-ready operating environment across the organization.
This role is responsible for end-to-end quality, regulatory compliance, operational systems, and process discipline , ensuring that every transaction, shipment, and process meets strict contractual, regulatory, and customer requirements.
This is a hands-on leadership role in a high-growth aerospace and defense business—not a maintenance quality position. The focus is on government contract compliance, packaging and traceability, export compliance, and system-driven execution .
Key Responsibilities
Government Contract Compliance & Quality Leadership
- Own and maintain the company’s Quality Management System (ISO 9001 / AS9120 aligned)
- Serve as primary interface with DCMA, DoD/USAF customers, and prime contractors
- Ensure full compliance with contractual flow-down requirements and customer quality clauses
- Lead all internal and external audits with a continuous audit-ready posture
Packaging, Traceability & Documentation Control
- Enforce strict compliance with military packaging, labeling, and UID requirements (MIL-STD-130, etc.)
- Ensure full traceability of all aircraft parts and serialized components
- Own documentation integrity (8130s, CoCs, shipping docs, contract deliverables)
- Eliminate shipment rejections and traceability gaps
Export Compliance & Regulatory Oversight
- Lead and enforce ITAR / EAR compliance across all operations
- Ensure proper classification, licensing, and documentation for international shipments
- Act as internal authority on export compliance execution and risk
Operational Systems & Data Discipline
- Own operational execution across Avsight (ERP), Accounting Seed, and Salesforce
- Ensure alignment between orders, inventory, shipments, and financial outcomes
- Drive data accuracy and system discipline across all teams
Process Documentation, SOP Governance & Knowledge Management
- Own and maintain all SOPs, work instructions, manuals, and quality documentation
- Establish clear process ownership across all departments
- Build and manage a centralized, controlled document library with full version control
- Implement formal change management for all procedures
- Ensure alignment between documented processes, system workflows, and real-world execution
- Train teams and eliminate outdated or conflicting procedures
Supplier Quality & Performance Management
- Develop and manage supplier qualification and performance programs
- Ensure suppliers meet quality, delivery, and contractual requirements
- Lead corrective actions impacting critical programs
Logistics, Inventory & Execution Control
- Oversee logistics and inventory accuracy with a focus on on-time, compliant delivery
- Ensure invoices are accurate, fully documented, and contractually aligned
Performance & Continuous Improvement
- Build KPI dashboards (on-time delivery, quality metrics, audit results, supplier performance)
- Lead structured continuous improvement initiatives (Lean / Six Sigma / RCA)
- Drive a culture of accountability, precision, and execution excellence
Leadership & Team Development
- Build and lead a high-performing Quality & Compliance team
- Train employees on government compliance, packaging, and operational processes
- Partner cross-functionally with Sales, Finance, Operations, and Program Management
Qualifications
Required:
- 7+ years experience in aerospace, aviation, or defense operations/quality/compliance
- Strong experience with government contracts (DoD/USAF preferred)
- Deep knowledge of AS9120 / ISO 9001 environments
- Experience with packaging, traceability, and documentation control
- Working knowledge of ITAR / EAR
- Experience with ERP/CRM systems (Avsight, Salesforce, or similar)
- Proven leadership experience
- US Citizenship
Preferred:
- Experience supporting programs such as KC-46 or similar military platforms
- Experience working with DCMA or prime contractors
- Six Sigma certification
- Background in aviation distribution, MRO, or mission systems
What Success Looks Like
- Zero audit surprises and strong external audit performance
- High on-time delivery with minimal documentation errors
- Fully controlled and scalable process environment
- Strong alignment between systems, operations, and financial outcomes
- A disciplined, accountable, and high-performing operations culture
Compensation & Location
- Location: Columbus, OH (on-site)
- Compensation: Competitive and commensurate with experience