Compliance and QA Program Manager

About the Company

Riyadh Air (RX), based in Saudi Arabia’s capital, is a new national airline focused on redefining the future of aviation. The airline aims to help position the Kingdom as a major global center for aviation and trade by building a digitally native network connecting Saudi Arabia to more than 100 destinations.

About the Role

This position calls for a senior aviation professional who can translate complex regulatory requirements into strong safety, quality, and performance outcomes. The role works closely with Flight Operations, Ground Operations, Engineering, and Maintenance to strengthen accountability and compliance throughout the operation.

You will be responsible for building, rolling out, and continuously improving quality management systems and compliance monitoring structures that align with legal requirements, internal standards, and sector best practices.

The role also involves leading audits, compliance reviews, and improvement initiatives to support risk control, readiness for inspections, and timely closure of findings across all operational functions.

In this role, you will identify quality and compliance risks early, evaluate them, and reduce them through monitoring, clear reporting, and corrective action plans that protect operational integrity and regulatory compliance.

You will also act as the point of contact with aviation regulators on compliance matters. This includes obtaining approvals, handling regulatory queries, managing certifications such as Third Country Operator (TCO) authorization, and representing the organization during audits and inspections.

Another key part of the job is leading and developing high-performing quality and compliance teams while building a strong culture of continuous improvement, regulatory excellence, and accountable execution. The role also requires maintaining leadership continuity in compliance decision-making.

Success in this position means promoting ownership, governance, and regulatory discipline across the business, while ensuring commitments are met, compliance standards are maintained, and operational goals are achieved.

Transparency, timely escalation of issues, and effective follow-through on corrective actions are central to the role in order to sustain compliance and operational excellence.

Responsibilities

• Work with operational teams across flight, ground, engineering, and maintenance functions to embed quality and compliance into daily operations.
• Design, implement, and improve quality management and compliance monitoring systems.
• Oversee audits, compliance checks, and continuous improvement efforts.
• Track risk, monitor findings, and ensure issues are closed in a timely and effective manner.
• Identify compliance gaps, assess their impact, and coordinate corrective action plans.
• Serve as the liaison with regulators on compliance matters, approvals, certifications, and inspection processes.
• Manage regulatory interactions, including inquiries and certifications such as Third Country Operator (TCO) authorization.
• Lead, coach, and develop quality and compliance teams.
• Promote accountability, governance, and a culture of compliance across the organization.
• Report performance, escalate risks promptly, and ensure sustainable corrective actions are delivered.

Requirements

• A degree is required for this role.
• At least 7 years of experience in airline quality assurance and compliance is expected.
• Strong understanding of aviation regulations, safety standards, and industry best practices is essential.
• Prior leadership experience with a team is preferred.
• Knowledge of GACA (General Authority of Civil Aviation) regulations is highly desirable.

Additional Information

This opportunity is for a full-time, onsite position in the Riyadh Region. Candidates are invited to apply through the employer’s application process. The company has indicated that applications will be reviewed shortly.

The role is intended for a professional who can help shape the future of air travel, strengthen compliance leadership, and support safe, efficient, and high-performing airline operations.

Eligibility

Applicants should be degree qualified and bring substantial experience in airline quality assurance and compliance. Professionals who can lead teams and who are familiar with Saudi aviation regulatory requirements, especially GACA rules, are particularly encouraged to apply.