Job Title: Group Quality Manager
Location: Redhill, Surrey, RH1 4DP (Head Office)
with regular travel to WorkMaster Boots (Crawley, RH10 9JY) and MFC International (Tonypandy, CF40 1JS), together with occasional UK and international travel as required.
Job Type: Full time 37.5hrs per week (Monday - Friday 8.30am - 17.00pm)
Salary £60k - £70k (depending on experience)
About Us:
Respirex International is a leading UK manufacturer of high performance chemical, particulate and respiratory protective solutions, based in Redhill, Surrey. We design and manufacture protective clothing, equipment and specialist footwear used by customers operating in demanding and safety critical environments.
Quality, safety and reliability are at the heart of what we do. Our products help protect people working in sectors such as emergency response, petrochemical, pharmaceutical, nuclear, industrial and defence environments. Alongside our manufacturing capability, we provide aftercare, servicing, repairs, testing and training through our dedicated service team.
As part of the wider Respirex Group, including WorkMaster Boots and MFC International, we are committed to continuous improvement, innovation and delivering products and services that customers can depend on. This is an exciting opportunity to join a specialist manufacturing business where quality leadership has a direct impact on safety, compliance and operational excellence.
Scope
We are looking for an experienced Group Quality Manager to lead, develop and continuously improve the Group Quality Management System across Respirex International, WorkMaster Boots and MFC International. This role will ensure compliance with ISO 9001:2015, Module D certification requirements, customer specifications, regulatory obligations and business objectives.
The successful candidate will drive the development, standardisation and digital transformation of quality systems, processes and controls across the Group, while championing operational excellence, continuous improvement and data-driven decision making.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
Quality & Compliance Leadership
- Lead, maintain and continuously improve the Group Quality Management System.
- Ensure compliance with ISO 9001:2015, Module D certification requirements and all applicable regulatory standards.
- Establish, maintain and improve quality policies, procedures, SOPs, SIPs, specifications, quality standards, test methods and work instructions.
- Act as the primary point of contact for certification bodies, auditors and regulatory authorities.
- Lead Management Review meetings and quality performance reporting.
- Ensure the integrity of the Quality Management System is maintained during business, product and process changes.
- Identify, assess and escalate quality and compliance risks to senior management.
Systems Development & Continuous Improvement
- Drive the development, modernisation and continuous improvement of quality systems across the Group.
- Standardise quality processes and controls across Respirex, WorkMaster and MFC.
- Develop and implement a roadmap for quality, compliance and operational improvement.
- Lead initiatives that improve efficiency, reduce waste and enhance customer satisfaction.
- Promote a culture of continuous improvement, accountability and operational excellence.
- Implement lessons learned from audits, customer feedback, supplier performance reviews and non-conformance investigations.
Digital Systems & Technology
- Lead the digitalisation and automation of quality management processes.
- Develop and improve quality dashboards, KPI reporting and management information systems.
- Support the implementation and ongoing development of ERP, SharePoint, Power BI, Power Apps, Power Automate and other business systems.
- Work closely with Operations, Engineering and IT teams to improve data visibility, traceability and workflow efficiency.
- Utilise technology to improve compliance, reporting, decision making and business performance.
Audit, Certification & Risk Management
- Develop and manage the Group internal audit programme.
- Lead external audits, surveillance audits and recertification activities.
- Ensure audit findings are effectively addressed through corrective and preventive actions.
- Maintain compliance with certification and accreditation requirements.
- Monitor business risks relating to quality, compliance and operational performance.
Supplier & Customer Quality
- Develop supplier quality performance monitoring and improvement programmes.
- Lead supplier corrective action and supplier development activities.
- Act as the escalation point for significant customer complaints and product quality concerns.
- Lead investigations into product failures, customer complaints and quality incidents.
- Support product compliance, risk assessment and change management activities.
Leadership & Team Development
- Lead, coach and develop Quality personnel across the Group.
- Establish departmental objectives aligned with Group strategy.
- Promote personal development, accountability and continuous learning.
- Work collaboratively with Engineering, Operations, Purchasing, Production and Commercial teams.
- Support succession planning and capability development across the Quality function.
Essential Experience & Qualifications
- Proven experience in a senior Quality, Compliance or Continuous Improvement leadership role within a manufacturing environment.
- Strong working knowledge of ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems.
- Experience managing certification schemes, including Module D or equivalent regulated quality systems.
- Experience leading internal and external audits.
- Demonstrable success in driving continuous improvement and business transformation initiatives.
- Experience managing supplier quality and customer quality activities.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
Essential IT Skills
- Advanced Microsoft 365 skills, including Excel, SharePoint and Teams.
- Experience using Power BI or similar business intelligence tools.
- Experience implementing or improving digital business systems and workflows.
- Strong data analysis and reporting capability.
- Experience utilising technology and automation to drive operational and quality improvements.
Desirable
- Knowledge of Module C
- Lead Auditor Qualification.
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, Black Belt or equivalent.
- Experience within PPE, technical textiles, defence, emergency services or safety-critical manufacturing environments.
- Knowledge of ISO/IEC 17025 laboratory quality systems.
- Experience working with international suppliers and contract manufacturers.
Key Competencies
- Strategic Leadership
- Continuous Improvement
- Systems Thinking & Business Transformation
- Digital & Technology Adoption
- Change Management
- Data Analysis & Reporting
- Project Management
- Problem Solving & Decision Making
- Stakeholder Management
- Communication & Influencing Skills
What We Offer:
- Competitive salary
- Company pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- On-site parking
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £60,000.00-£70,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- Free parking
- On-site parking
- Store discount
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Redhill RH1 4DP: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Application question(s):
- Degree or equivalent experience?
Education:
Experience:
- Senior quality leadership in manufacturing or equivalent: 3 years (required)
Language:
Licence/Certification:
- Driving Licence (required)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Willingness to travel:
Work Location: In person
