Job Description
Quality Manager – CNC Machining / Aerospace – £60,000Location: Watford, HertfordshireFull-Time, PermanentSalary: Circa £60,000Hours: Monday–Thursday 7:45–16:45, Friday 7:45–12:45Benefits: Standard pension, early finish FridaysThe OpportunityA well-established and growing subcontract precision engineering business (circa 35 employees) is seeking a Quality Manager to lead its quality function.The company supplies high-precision CNC machined components into highly regulated sectors, including aerospace and defence, and is looking for a hands-on leader to drive quality standards, improve systems, and embed a right-first-time culture across the shopfloor.You will take full ownership of Quality and lead a small team of:Quality EngineerGoods In / Out InspectorInspectorThe RoleThis is a key leadership position within the business, responsible for maintaining and developing the Quality Management System while acting as the escalation point for all quality-related matters.You will be highly visible across the operation, working closely with Production and Engineering to ensure processes are robust, repeatable, and aligned to customer and regulatory requirements.Key ResponsibilitiesLead and continuously improve the Quality Management System in line with AS9100/ISO standardsManage internal, customer, and third-party audits, ensuring effective and timely close-out of actionsAct as the escalation point for non-conformances, leading root cause analysis (8D, 5 Why, Fishbone) and corrective actionsOversee all inspection and verification activities, including FAIRs, production inspection, and CMM/metrology capabilityImplement and drive key quality metrics including scrap, rework, customer returns, and OTIF performanceManage supplier quality, ensuring compliance, traceability, and flow-down of requirementsMaintain robust document control and quality record systemsWork cross-functionally to ensure manufacturing processes are stable, measurable, and repeatableDrive continuous improvement and introduce more effective, data-driven and digital quality processesPromote a strong quality culture through leadership, coaching, and shopfloor engagementAbout YouProven experience as a Quality Manager within CNC machining or precision engineeringStrong knowledge of FAIR/FAI, traceability, non-conformance systems, and metrologyAble to read and interpret engineering drawings and GD&TExperience working within AS9100 or similarly regulated environmentsConfident communicator, able to engage with shopfloor teams, customers, and auditorsHands-on, pragmatic approach with a focus on continuous improvementDesirableLead or Internal Auditor qualification (ISO9001 / AS9100)Engineering qualification (HNC / HND / Degree)Experience with Lean or Six SigmaBackground in aerospace, defence, or other regulated industriesWhy ApplySenior role with full ownership of the quality functionStable SME environment with strong industry positioningOpportunity to make a visible impact and drive improvementsClose-knit team with real autonomyEarly finish every FridayIf you are a hands-on Quality Manager looking for a role where you can genuinely influence standards, systems, and culture, apply now.TPBN1_UKTJ