Job Title: Quality Manager
Salary: £60,000 - £70,000
Hours: Monday to Thursday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm; Friday 8:00 am - 1:00 pm

Company Overview:

Our customer is a leading manufacturer and supplier of medium and heavy-duty mechanical, elastomeric, and air suspensions; integrated and non-integrated axle and brake systems; tire pressure control systems; auxiliary lift axle systems; parabolic and multi-leaf springs; stabilizers; bumpers; and components. We specialize in providing high-complexity, low-volume production solutions to the global commercial transportation industry. Our products are built to the highest standards to ensure durability, performance, and safety in demanding applications.

Job Summary:

As the Quality Manager, you will play a pivotal role in maintaining and enhancing our quality standards across all aspects of production. Reporting to senior management, you will lead and develop a quality assurance strategy that aligns with the company's commitment to excellence. This position requires an individual with experience in low-volume, high-complexity manufacturing environments, where precision and adherence to strict quality standards are paramount.

Key Responsibilities:

Quality Assurance Leadership:

Develop, implement, and manage the quality assurance processes to maintain and improve product quality.

Lead and manage a quality team to ensure company standards are met consistently.

Work closely with cross-functional teams, including production, engineering, and procurement, to embed quality at every stage.

Standards Compliance:

Ensure compliance with relevant industry standards, customer requirements, and internal quality benchmarks.

Maintain certifications and uphold industry standards (e.g., ISO 9001, IATF 16949) to meet regulatory requirements.

Quality Control Processes:

Oversee quality control activities including incoming material inspection, in-process checks, and final inspections.

Implement control measures and inspections throughout production to prevent defects and non-conformances.

Develop and track key performance indicators (KPIs) related to quality, and present regular reports to senior management.

Continuous Improvement:

Promote a culture of continuous improvement by identifying opportunities to improve processes and reduce defects.

Utilize problem-solving methodologies (e.g., 8D, Root Cause Analysis, and Six Sigma) to resolve quality issues efficiently and effectively.

Implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) to drive improvements in product quality.

Supplier Quality Management:

Collaborate with suppliers to ensure they meet quality standards and expectations.

Conduct supplier quality audits and develop action plans for continuous improvement.

Customer Interaction:

Act as the main point of contact for customer quality concerns, complaints, and audits.

Lead investigations into customer complaints, ensuring root causes are identified and corrective actions are implemented.

Training and Development:

Conduct quality training programs to raise awareness of quality standards and procedures across the company.

Mentor and develop the quality team, fostering a proactive approach to quality.

Key Requirements:

Experience: Minimum of 5 years in a quality management role within a manufacturing environment, ideally with experience in low-volume, high-complexity production.

Education: Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality Management, or a related field.

Certifications: Professional certification (e.g., Six Sigma Green Belt/Black Belt, ASQ Certified Quality Manager) is a plus.

Technical Skills: Proficiency in quality management systems and methodologies (ISO 9001, IATF 16949, FMEA, PPAP, APQP).

Communication: Strong communication and interpersonal skills to liaise with cross-functional teams, suppliers, and customers effectively.

Problem Solving: Demonstrated problem-solving abilities with a hands-on approach and a strong attention to detail.

Benefits:

Competitive salary of £60,000 - £70,000, commensurate with experience

Early finish on Fridays (1:00 pm)

Comprehensive benefits package, including healthcare, pension, and annual leave

Opportunities for professional development and career growth within a dynamic and supportive environment