General information
Entity
Safran is an international high-technology group operating in the fields of aerospace (propulsion, equipment and interiors), space and defense. Its mission is to contribute sustainably to a safer world, where air transport becomes ever more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Present on every continent, the Group employs 110,000 people and generated €31.3 billion in revenue in 2025. Safran holds, either independently or through partnerships, leading global or European positions in its markets.
Safran was ranked second in the Aerospace & Defense sector in TIME magazine's ""World's Best Companies 2025"" ranking.
With more than one million seats installed across the fleets of the world's leading airlines, Safran Seats is one of the global leaders in passenger, crew, aircraft and helicopter seating, delivering innovative, high value-added solutions.
Reference number
2026-187549
Job details
Domain
Production
Job field / Job profile
Manufacture assembly and repair - Production/ repair director
Job title
Head of Final Assembly Operations - Safran Seats Dubai
Employment type
Permanent
Professional category
Professional, Engineer & Manager
Part time / Full time
Full-time
Job description
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 a Head of Final Assembly Operations - a key role at the heart of our growth.
As Head of Final Assembly Operations, you will have full accountability for the performance and continuous improvement of all assembly production lines for aircraft seats, overseeing delivery, quality, safety and efficiency to meet both regulatory demands and customer expectations.
Your key responsabilities will include :
- Manage all aspects of the final assembly of aircraft seats, from work-in-progress to finished product handover, ensuring safety, quality, cost and on-time delivery targets.
- Lead, develop, and motivate a large production team including assembly managers and training school leadership to foster a high-performance culture.
- Collaborate with cross-functional departments – including Quality, Methods/Industrial Engineering, Maintenance, Supply Chain, Program Management and Customer Support – to deliver streamlined processes and optimal results.
- Oversee and improve final assembly processes, including line balancing, takt time, lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives in line with aerospace standards.
- Champion and validate assembly procedures, standard operating procedures, work instructions and compliance throughout the assembly value flow.
- Monitor performance metrics (OTD, FPY, scrap/rework, productivity) and drive action plans using daily QRQC levels.
- Ensure effective on-site customer interface and communications related to the final assembly process to deliver outstanding customer satisfaction.
- Directly manage the Training School, setting objectives and ensuring workforce upskilling, technical certification, and alignment to production requirements.
- Validate annual training plans/budgets and guarantee strong coordination between Training, Production, and Methods teams.
- Ensure operational compliance with aerospace regulations, airworthiness, EHS and certification standards.
But what else? (advantages, specificities, etc.)
This position is based in our new Safran Seats production plant in Dubai, UAE.
Candidate skills & requirements
- Master's in Engineering/Manufacturing preferred; proven equivalent experience considered
- Demonstrated experience in leading assembly or production teams within aerospace or a similarly regulated industry.
- Strong expertise in manufacturing leadership, lean manufacturing, line balancing, and process improvement.
- Deep technical understanding of complex mechanical assemblies, aerospace processes, product certification and airworthiness.
- Proven leadership and people management with a proven track record in developing and motivating teams.
- Excellent relationship-building and stakeholder management—internally and with customers/suppliers.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
If you are a strategic operations leader seeking the opportunity to help shape a new industrial site and make your impact in the global aerospace sector, we encourage you to apply!
Job location
Job location
Mideast, United Arab Emirates
City (-ies)
Dubai
Applicant criteria
Minimum education level achieved
Master Degree
Minimum experience level required
More than 8 years