Job Title: Quality Manager
Location: Derby
Reporting to: Managing Director
Hours: Monday-Friday: 8:00am - 4:00pm (37.5 hours per week)
Rate of Pay: £45,000 - £55,000 per annum (DOE), plus benefits
Start date: Immediate
The Quality Manager will have total responsibility for the QMS and its continual improvement as well as ensuring compliance with company strategies, policies, directives and guidelines. The Quality Manager will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the Quality team, which includes quality engineers and inspectors.
Key Responsibilities:
Inspection and Compliance:
- Able to read Engineering Drawings with a working knowledge of Geometrical Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T) to ASME Y14.5
- Fully understand AS9102 FAIR requirements and have the capability to undertake the process
- Responsible for the creation and execution of inspection plans
- Responsible for first-off and last-off inspection and checks using mechanical measuring equipment, acting as release signatory for procured components and goods for shipment to customer
- Ensure all inspection equipment is calibrated and used in line with company procedures
- Ensure and maintain accurate inspection documentation and update records using ERP & associated Quality systems
- Record non-conformances and ensure traceability of all inspected parts, including disposition of non-conforming material
Quality Engineering & Process Improvement:
- Implement and lead root cause analysis activities using structured problem-solving methodologies (e.g., 8D, 5 Whys, Fishbone)
- Drive corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) to closure, ensuring action effectiveness is verified
- Manage and analyse quality data and KPIs to identify trends, risks, and improvement opportunities, meeting business objectives and report out when required.
- Implement, support and improve manufacturing and inspection processes to enhance product quality
- Participate in design and process reviews, ensuring quality is built into products and processes from the outset
- Develop and maintain control plans, PFMEA, and process documentation where required
- Support new product introduction (NPI) activities, including validation and verification processes
- Control the issue of inspection authorisation stamps and who can use them.
Supplier & Customer Quality:
- In conjunction with the Purchasing function, manage supplier quality activities including supplier evaluation, performance monitoring and development
- Manage supplier non-conformance management and corrective action follow-up
- Support customer investigations, returns (RMA) and quality-related queries
- Interface with customers and auditors as required, to demonstrate compliance with quality standards
Systems & Compliance:
- Work in accordance with internal SOPs, Quality policies and Health & Safety requirements
- Lead maintenance and continuous improvement of the Quality Management System (QMS) to ISO9001 and lead the attainment of the AS9100 rev D/E standard
- Participate in internal and external audits and support audit preparation and follow-up actions
- Ensure compliance with regulatory, customer and internal quality requirements
- Responsible for the creation or approval of quality related documentation related to contractual items.
Continuous Improvement & Lean:
- Support and lead continuous improvement and Lean initiatives, including 5S activities
- Identify and implement cost-saving initiatives and productivity improvements
- Promote a culture of quality awareness and right-first-time principles across the business
General Duties & Requirements:
- Coordinate and communicate inspection and quality findings clearly and concisely to Engineering and Operations teams
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple priorities and tight deadlines
- Flexible approach to handle interruptions and changes, with capability to work independently or as part of a team
- Accountable for achieving production efficiency targets and quality KPIs
- Sets quality strategy in line with company strategic goals
- Provide education and training to the wider workforce in the requirements of the QMS and quality strategy
- Lead and develop Quality team members
- Help to develop and influence a culture of compliance, quality and continuous improvement across the site
- Employs the 5S & FOD principles daily and actively contributes to site improvements
- Support customers when needed with flexibility in working hours and locations
- Self-motivated and proactive with strong problem-solving skills
- Consistent attention to quality standards and precision
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Excellent time management and organisational skills
Qualifications & Competencies:
- HND or equivalent in Engineering, or extensive experience in an Aerospace Quality environment
- Minimum 5 years’ experience in quality engineering, preferably with established Aerospace and Defence companies
- Experience with inspection and measuring equipment including CMM
- Proficient in reading and interpreting Engineering drawings
- Knowledge of machined parts, finishing processes, electrical assembly and workmanship standards
- Exceptional understanding of AS9100, AS9102 and inspection sampling plans
- Experience with root cause analysis and problem-solving methodologies (8D, RCCA, etc.)
- Experience using quality tools such as PFMEA, control plans, and statistical analysis
- Willingness to develop and grow professionally within the business
- Experience of ERP systems
- Experience of PLM systems
- Lead auditor experience would be considered a plus but not essential
Physical Demands & Locations:
- Predominately a manufacturing and office environment however, there shall be the physical demands of working within cells, stores and shop floor areas. Whilst performing the physical duties of this role, the jobholder shall be required to be active through standing, walking, bending, carrying, and the possible use of hand tools/test equipment in accordance with site Manual Handling and site Health & Safety Policy.
- From time to time, it may be necessary for the jobholder to undertake reasonable tasks on behalf of the company, which would not normally be regarded as part of the role. The jobholder shall carry these out to the best of their ability.
- To undertake ad hoc and other technical duties when requested by their manager or a member of the senior management team.
- Work duties will require operating within various areas of the facility including but not limited to the assembly/test area, machining area and stores as required
- The position may require travel in the UK or overseas
- The jobholder should hold a full UK driving licence
No recruitment agencies please.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £45,000.00-£55,000.00 per year
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Derby DE21 7NJ: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Language:
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
