Industrial Projects Leader - Safran Seats Dubai

Ready to take part in shaping the future of aerospace in the Middle East? Safran Seats is expanding its industrial footprint with a brand-new production plant, bringing our expertise even closer to customers and the region's dynamic aviation hub. Here, our teams will deliver top-tier Business and Economy Class seats, supporting airline partners.

To join this exciting new journey, we are now seeking an Industrial Projects Leader – a key role at the heart of our growth. You'll have the unique opportunity to lead the industrialization of aircraft seat assembly programs (YC & BC), acting as the voice of the industrial function from manufacturing development (head of version) through to series production.

The scope of the role starts with the industrial planning of new aircraft seat assembly programs and product evolutions, and ends with delivery into series production on time, on quality, and within cost constraints. You will oversee industrialization projects in close collaboration with Engineering/Design Office, Methods/Industrial Engineering, Production, Quality, Purchasing, and Supply Chain.

The main tasks will include

• Define and manage the industrialization schedule (milestones, deliverables, resources) in line with the customer program schedule and Safran procedures.
• Own QCD (Quality – Cost – Delivery) performance for the project and report to Management and the Program Manager.
• Lead project review meetings (milestone reviews, industrialization gates) and report to stakeholders.
• Identify and assess project risks; define and track corrective action plans.
• Lead the design and validation of assembly routings, workstations, tooling, and production equipment dedicated to aircraft seat assemblies.
• Coordinate manufacturing process FMEA studies, industrial feasibility assessments, and industrial validation plans (PPAP / FAI - First Article Inspection).
• Oversee the setup of assembly lines/cells (layout, ergonomics, flow, target takt time) in coordination with Methods and Production.
• Ensure control of critical processes and compliance with aerospace certification requirements (Part 21/145, EASA/FAA as applicable).
• Act as the interface between Engineering/Design, Methods, Production, Quality, Purchasing, and Supply Chain throughout the project.
• Manage suppliers and subcontractors involved in industrialization as needed (specifications, development plans, performance follow-up).
• Represent Industrialization in discussions with stakeholders.
• Capture project lessons learned and contribute to improving industrialization standards.
• Participate in Lean Manufacturing initiatives and the optimization of assembly processes.
• 5–10 years' experience in industrial project management within aerospace or a demanding industrial sector (e.g., automotive, rail, equipment manufacturing)
• In-depth knowledge of industrialization tools and methods (FMEA, PPAP, FAI), manufacturing routings, control plans, and aerospace quality standards (AS/EN 9100)
• Proven expertise in the industrialization of mechanical and assembled products, including wiring/cabling
• Strong project management skills (MS Project; PMI, Agile, Lean methodologies)
• Engineering degree (or equivalent Master's) in mechanical, industrial, aerospace, or manufacturing disciplines
• Fluent in English

Skills & Competencies:

• Demonstrated leadership in cross-functional teams without direct authority
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Commitment to continuous improvement and empowerment culture
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and networking skills
• Ability to drive innovation and promote shared vision within teams