Director Audit, Quality Assurance

Role Summary

The Director, Quality Assurance sets the strategic direction and oversees the execution of Alaska Air Group’s (AAG) operational audit functions, encompassing both the Internal Evaluation Program (IEP). This role leads risk-based audit planning and execution across Alaska Airlines (AS), Hawaiian Airlines (HA), Horizon Air (QX), and McGee Air Services ensuring alignment with regulatory standards, internal safety goals, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Reporting to senior leadership and engaging with the Board Safety Committee, the Director drives a culture of safety, compliance, and operational excellence.

• Define and implement long-term strategies for operational audits, focused on innovation and progressive audit and oversight approaches.

• Partner with the Managing Director, Operational Audit and key stakeholders to facilitate risk assessments to support a risk-based audit plan.

• Collaborate with Operational and Safety leadership to align audit activities with enterprise safety goals.

• Ensure all audits are executed with safety, quality and compliance at the forefront and remains focused on continuous improvement to strengthen the Company’s processes, and controls.

• Directs IEP risk assessment, evaluates coverage levels, and ensures a comprehensive annual audit plan based on risk.

• Guide teams in delivering high quality audit reports and monitoring dashboards, working closely with company management to collaboratively develop actionable plans to address the root cause of audit findings.

• Partner with Safety leadership to support and enhance the Safety Management System (SMS), including data sharing and performance monitoring (i.e., ESRB).

• Maintain a strong and transparent relationship with the FAA on SMS performance.

• Support external reviews of operating divisions, including partnering with Safety to support the biennial Department of Defense (DOD) and IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) evaluations of AS, QX, and HA.

• Support and consult with the Internal Evaluation Program on safety risks through regular updates with Audit Program leadership.

• Prepare Audit results / reports for Senior Leaders and the Board Safety Committee.

• Lead and develop a high-performing team of audit professionals through coaching, mentoring, and performance management.

• Foster a culture of accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement.

• Promote strategic and systems thinking across teams and disciplines.

• 8 years of experience with significant managerial/program oversight in areas such as quality assurance, internal or external audit, safety and compliance, or internal evaluation programs.

• 5 years of leadership experience, with at least 2 of those years directly leading people.

• Bachelor’s Degree, with a focus in business administration, finance, accounting, project management, aviation management, or a related discipline, or an additional two years of relevant training/experience in lieu of a degree.

• Excellent strategic thinking, business risk awareness, and appropriate judgment to use a risk-based approach to understand complex operational processes, develop an accurate understanding of risks, and develop audit plans responsive to those risks.

• Participatory and team-oriented leadership style with a proven track record coaching, developing and leading cohesive, results-oriented teams.

• Demonstrated ability to communicate and build relationships effectively with all levels of the organization, particularly senior leadership.

• Excellent communication skills (e.g., verbal, written, and listening).

• Detailed oriented and highly organized, with ability to multi-task and work independently with limited guidance in a fast-paced environment.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook).

• Ability to engage with and establish credibility with business partners at the most senior/executive level.

• High school diploma or equivalent.

• Minimum age of 18.

• Must be authorized to work in the U.S.

• Experience in the aviation industry in an operational or safety capacity.

• SMS or safety program management experience.

• Auditor certifications (e.g., CQA, CIA, ISO).

• FAA certifications (e.g., Commercial/ATP, A&P, Dispatcher).

• MBA or Lean/Six Sigma certification.

• Embody our values to own safety, do the right thing, be kind-hearted, deliver performance, and be remarkable.

• High energy, positive, and executive-level presence, along with top‑note written and verbal communication, public speaking, influencing, and motivational skills with the ability to create collaborative relationships that drive outcomes in the best interest of the company, with others in the organization, and with key external business partners.

• Proven ability to leverage business acumen and analytic capability to position the organization as a critical business partner.

• Ability to engage with and establish credibility with business partners at the most…