Job Title: Project QA/QC Leader Location: Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire The Opportunity Our client are recruiting for an experienced Project QA/QC Leader to support complex, heavy-engineered industrial projects. This is a senior quality role where you will take ownership of all quality assurance and quality control activities across the project lifecycle, leading a dedicated quality team and working closely with engineering, project management, suppliers, and subcontractors. You will play a key role in ensuring all project deliverables meet contractual, regulatory, and industry requirements, while driving continuous improvement and maintaining a strong quality culture. Key Responsibilities * Lead, manage, and develop the project QA/QC team, setting clear expectations, providing direction, and supporting professional development. * Identify resource and competency gaps within the quality team and implement plans to address them. * Develop, implement, and maintain the Project Quality Plan in line with company, project, and industry requirements. * Interpret engineering drawings, material specifications, and applicable codes and standards to ensure compliance. * Develop and manage Inspection and Test Plans (ITPs) for equipment, vendors, and sub-suppliers. * Review, verify, and control quality documentation, ensuring accuracy, completeness, traceability, and audit readiness. * Liaise with suppliers, subcontractors, and internal stakeholders to ensure quality expectations are clearly understood and met. * Lead and participate in quality-related meetings, including pre-inspection meetings. * Manage non-conformances, including root cause analysis and corrective and preventive actions (CAPA). * Perform and oversee quality inspections and audits, including incoming inspections, welding inspections, NDT activities, and final inspections. * Provide regular quality performance updates and reports to project and operational management. * Identify, manage, and escalate quality risks to protect project objectives and delivery. * Ensure full compliance with regulatory, safety, and quality standards throughout the project lifecycle. Essential Requirements * Degree or HND/HNC in a relevant engineering discipline. * ISO 9001 Lead Auditor certification. * Proven experience in a QA/QC leadership role within industrial, oil & gas, or heavy engineering projects. * Strong working knowledge of industry standards including ASME, ASTM, API, ISO, NACE, and AWS. * Experience with non-destructive testing (NDT) methods such as ultrasonic, radiographic, and dye penetrant testing. * Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills. * Excellent organisational skills with a high level of attention to detail. * Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel. * Ability to work effectively in high-pressure, safety-critical environments. Desirable Experience * NDT certification (PCN or ASNT Level II). * Welding inspection certification (e.g. CSWIP). * Welding metallurgy experience. * Experience leading quality teams on large-scale or complex projects. * Experience working in organisations with a significant outsourced supply chain