Head of Work Preparation & Ground Test / Chef Préparation Manufacturière et Essais Sol

Job Description:

Are you an experienced Operations professional with an aerospace background looking to sharpen your leadership and develop new skills? This is the opportunity for you!

The A220 Commercial Aircraft Program is seeking its Head of Manufacturing Preparation and Ground Test to join our Manufacturing Engineering (ME) team in Mirabel (Quebec, Canada). You will work in close synergy with the Airbus ME Europe (OM) team as a key member of the global ME community.

You will lead the Manufacturing Co-design team, ensuring operational excellence through high-quality, harmonized work and test instructions, seamlessly implemented across the Value Stream Management (VSM). Our team culture is built on cross-functional autonomy, mutual support, and collective learning.

Your role as Head of Manufacturing Preparation and Ground Test will be to lead the functions of Work Preparation / Standard Operating Instruction (SOI), Manufacturing Assembly Process, Aircraft Configuration and Compliance, Change Management, Ground Test Center, and Ergonomics.

Your Work Environment:

The A220 Commercial Aircraft Program headquarters is located in Mirabel, just a stone's throw from the vibrant city of Montreal. Known for its safe and peaceful surroundings, the region offers an exceptional quality of life for young or experienced professionals as well as families, perfectly balancing high-level career opportunities with outdoor activities—making it a truly special place to live.

Because We Care About You:

• Financial Benefits: Competitive salary, annual bonus, comprehensive group insurance, pension plan, and employee stock purchase plan.

• Work-Life Balance: Hybrid work policy (based on operational needs), on-site cafeteria, and a highly competitive vacation policy.

• Well-being & Health: Employee Assistance Program (EAP), discount programs, on-site medical services, public shuttle access between Laval (Montmorency metro station) and Mirabel, and a carpooling app.

• Individual Development: Unlimited access to over 10,000 e-learning courses, certifications, accelerated development programs, and national/international mobility opportunities.

At Airbus, we help you work, connect, and collaborate more easily and flexibly. Wherever possible, we encourage flexibility in our working methods to foster an innovative mindset.

Your Mission

• You develop the vision and define the strategy for what work preparation / Standard Operating Instruction (SOI) and Ground Testing will be tomorrow for the A220 and its potential future, for PreFALs, FALs, and the 2 sites of Mirabel and Mobile.

Strategic Challenges

• Vision & Strategy: Define the future of Standard Operating Instructions (SOI) and Ground Testing (GTC) within the context of ramp-up and digitalization (DDMS).

• Leadership: Lead and inspire an organization of 120 collaborators (Methods, Configuration, Testing, Ergonomics) across multiple sites.

• Product Integrity: Guarantee compliance and airworthiness (POA) by ensuring strict configuration control from design to delivery.

• Industrial Performance: Optimize production cycles, reduce costs (OPEX/CAPEX) and collaborate with other internal functions (Engineering, Quality, Procurement).

Areas of Impact

• Industrialization: Master the assembly sequence and maximize Value Added (VA/NVA).

• Change Management: Arbitrate technical modifications and secure their introduction on the line.

• Ground Test & Ergonomics: Pilot the test center (GTC) and integrate human factors for safe and efficient production.

• Innovation: Support the development of future A220 derivatives and R&T projects.

Your Profile

• Minimum 15 years of aerospace experience with deep knowledge of Production and Quality standards in the sector.

• Solid experience in managing complex projects. PMI-PMP and/or Airbus Bronze PM certification (or higher) is strongly preferred.

• Excellent mastery of P&PM (Project & Program Management) processes, methods, and tools specific to the Airbus ecosystem.

Leadership & Soft Skills

• Leader recognized for listening, negotiation, and conflict-resolution skills in multi-functional environments.

• Proven experience in a multicultural setting, able to navigate with ease between Mirabel, Mobile, and European sites.

• Ability to pass on best practices and promote a culture of project management excellence within your teams.

Education & Languages

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related field. A Master's degree is a major asset.

• Languages: Mandatory bilingualism. Excellent command of English and French, both oral and written.

This role may involve worldwide business travel.

Required travel: 10% national and international travel.

This work requires an awareness of all potential compliance risks and a commitment to act with integrity; these values are the foundation of the company's success, reputation, and sustainable growth.

Don't feel you match 100%? No worries! Airbus will support you in finding the role that best matches your skills and aspirations.