CONTEXT & OPPORTUNITY
As part of our ongoing development, Cronite Castings Ltd is looking to appoint a Quality Manager at our Crewkerne site. This is a key site leadership role within our world-class foundry operation, with full ownership of the Quality function and a genuine opportunity to shape and drive our quality strategy.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Quality Strategy & Management System
- Own and continuously develop the site's Quality Management System in line with ISO 9001 and customer-specific requirements
- Define and deploy the site quality strategy and annual quality objectives, aligned with Group policy
- Lead internal, customer, and certification body audits; manage corrective action plans and certification renewals
- Own the quality budget, including inspection equipment, calibration, subcontracted NDT, and headcount planning
- Report quality performance, key risks, and improvement plans to the General Manager and Group Quality/Metallurgy functions
Quality Control & Inspection
- Lead and develop the quality inspection team (organisation, workload, coaching, appraisals)
- Oversee quality controls and tests in the workshop (dimensional, visual, NDT: dye penetrant, radiography, etc.)
- Own the non-conformity process (NCR) end to end: identification, recording, treatment, closure, and trend analysis
- Drive preventive and corrective actions in response to detected product defects, using structured problem-solving methods
- Ensure quality records and documentation remain audit-ready at all times
- Act as escalation point and senior contact for customers on quality complaints, claims, and quality audits
Supplier & Customer Quality
- Manage supplier quality performance, including supplier audits, approvals, and corrective action follow-up
- Lead customer quality reviews and represent the site in customer-facing quality discussions
- Support new business quotations and casting type commissions from a quality and metallurgical standpoint
Operational & Production
- Partner with Operations to ensure production plans are achieved without compromising quality standards
- Contribute to production planning by advising on quality constraints, risks, and priorities
- Monitor departmental workflow, output, and efficiency from a quality perspective, driving corrective action where required
- Lead casting type commissions and alloy trials on quality and metallurgical aspects
Metallurgy & Standards
- Ensure the metallurgical conformity of alloys used in production, escalating to the Group Metallurgist as needed
- Lead regulatory and technical watch on applicable industrial standards (EN, ISO, ASTM, etc.) and ensure site compliance
- Support group metallurgist for metals R&D initiatives
- Ensure operators and inspectors are trained in control techniques and measurement equipment
People Management
- Manage, develop, and motivate the Quality department
- Set individual and team objectives, monitor performance, and identify training and development needs
- Recruit, onboard, and build capability within the quality team
- Foster a strong quality culture across the site, including production and support functions
Health, Safety & Continuous Improvement
- Ensure all work is carried out in accordance with Health & Safety regulations and company policies
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives, root cause analysis, and improvement meetings across the site
- Promote safe working practices and good housekeeping standards at all times
PROFILE REQUIRED
Qualifications & Experience
- Degree (or equivalent) in a technical or industrial field (foundry, metallurgy, quality, or mechanical engineering)
- Significant experience in an industrial environment, ideally in foundry or casting, including experience at supervisory or managerial level
- Proven experience managing a team, including managing other managers/supervisors, is required
- Experience leading customer and certification body audits is advantageous
Technical Skills
- Knowledge of foundry processes (moulding, core-making, fettling, heat treatment, etc.)
- Proficiency in quality control methods (dimensional, visual, NDT: dye penetrant, radiography, etc.)
- Solid knowledge of metallurgy and quality defects associated with cast alloys
- Strong command of problem-solving tools (8D, 5 Whys, Ishikawa, PDCA, etc.)
- Strong familiarity with quality standards and management systems (ISO 9001, EN, ASTM)
- Ability to define, monitor, and act on performance indicators (quality, safety, productivity, cost)
- Comfortable with budget management and reporting to senior/Group stakeholders
Personal Qualities
- Strong leadership and the ability to set a positive example across the site
- Excellent interpersonal, communication, and influencing skills at all levels of the organisation
- Organised, rigorous, and able to manage competing priorities effectively
- Proactive, solution-focused, and detail-oriented
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: Up to £50,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Free parking
- Profit sharing
Work Location: In person
