Quality Manager
Kent
£55,000 – £70,000 (DOE)
Permanent | Full-Time
Are you a quality-driven leader with a passion for precision and operational excellence?
A well-established and highly respected aerospace manufacturer is looking for a Quality Manager to lead their Quality Assurance function. This is a key role in a critical part of the aerospace supply chain, perfect for someone who thrives in a technically challenging environment where quality is paramount.
What You’ll Do
Take ownership of the Quality Management System (QMS) and ensure compliance with AS9100, ISO 9001, and customer-specific requirements.
Oversee quality control across the sand-casting process—from moulding and core making to melting, pouring, finishing, subcontract operations, and final inspection.
Lead internal audits and coordinate external audits from customers, regulatory bodies, and certification authorities.
Drive effective non-conformance management, root cause analysis (8D), and corrective/preventive actions (CAPA).
Maintain and improve NADCAP accreditations and support special process requalifications (e.g., heat treatment, welding, NDT).
Develop and report on key quality metrics including scrap, rework, customer complaints, and first-pass yield.
Manage incoming, in-process, and final inspections and ensure calibration of all testing and measurement equipment.
Collaborate with engineering, production, and supply chain to identify quality risks and opportunities for improvement.
Act as the primary contact for customer quality matters, audits, and issue resolution.
Lead, mentor, and develop the quality team, fostering a strong culture of quality throughout the organisation.
Who We’re Looking For
Experience & Qualifications:
Engineering degree
5–7 years’ quality management experience ideally in aerospace manufacturing.
Strong knowledge of AS9100, NADCAP, ISO 9001, and aerospace customer requirements.
Experience with PPAP, FMEA, SPC, MSA, and other core quality tools.
Familiarity with metallurgy, particularly aluminium and non-ferrous aerospace alloys.
Skills & Competencies:
Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Proficient in reading and interpreting engineering drawings, GD&T, and specifications.
Hands-on experience with NDT, CMM, digital scanning, and other inspection technologies.
IT literate, including EQMS, ERP systems, and Microsoft Office Suite.
Data-driven, analytical, and solution-oriented.
Lean or Six Sigma certification is highly desirable.
Why This Role is Exciting
Join a respected aerospace manufacturer with a long-standing reputation for excellence.
Work in a collaborative, close-knit environment where quality truly matters.
Lead and shape quality strategy in a high-growth, technically challenging setting.
Benefit from the backing and resources of a successful global aerospace operation.
Enjoy real opportunities for career progression, professional development, and long-term growth.
If you’re an experienced quality leader ready to make a real impact, please apply for immediate consideration.
This role is being handled by Pearson Whiffin Recruitment, specialists in Manufacturing, Engineering & Technical roles.
Still exploring opportunities?
Our team can support career moves at all levels, from entry to senior leadership. Find us on Facebook @PearsonWhiffinRecruitment and Instagram @PearsonWhiffinRecruitment