Job Description
Job Title: Quality Manager Location: Greater Manchester Reporting To: Operations Manager Hours: Monday to Friday, 39 hours (flexibility required) Type: Full-time Salary: Competitive
About the Role
This role is responsible for leading and developing the organisation's Quality Management System (QMS), ensuring products, processes, and systems meet internal, customer, and regulatory standards.
Combining strategic leadership with hands-on shop floor presence, the Quality Manager will drive continuous improvement, manage ISO accreditations, and ensure quality issues are effectively resolved and prevented.
Key Responsibilities
Quality Management System
* Own and improve the QMS
* Ensure compliance with ISO 9001 and ISO 14001
* Lead internal and external audits
* Maintain procedures, SOPs, and documentation
* Implement new systems and identify further certifications
Leadership
* Lead and develop the quality team
* Drive consistent standards across operations
* Provide coaching and maintain shop floor visibility
Performance & Improvement
* Analyse quality data (NCRs, scrap, rework, complaints)
* Develop KPIs and dashboards
* Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions
* Drive initiatives to reduce defects and improve output
Customer Quality
* Act as key contact for quality issues
* Manage complaints and produce investigation reports
* Implement corrective and preventative actions
Non-Conformance
* Lead internal and external investigations
* Ensure NCR processes are followed and closed
* Apply structured problem-solving (e.g. 5 Whys)
Continuous Improvement
* Work with production to reduce waste and variation
* Promote a proactive quality culture
* Introduce new tools, systems, and inspection methods
Day-to-Day Activities
* Review quality performance and trends
* Manage NCRs, complaints, and actions
* Conduct audits and shop floor checks
* Liaise with production and engineering
* Prepare reports for leadership
* Monitor improvement initiatives
* Communicate with customers as required
Requirements
* Experience in a Quality Manager or senior quality role in manufacturing
* Strong knowledge of ISO 9001 and audit processes
* Understanding of ISO 14001 (or willingness to learn)
* Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
* Experience with root cause analysis
* Ability to manage customer relationships professionally
* Leadership experience
Desirable
* Background in fabrication, welding, or engineering
* Experience implementing QMS improvements
* Knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, or similar
* Experience introducing ISO standards
* Understanding of inspection and measurement systems
Why Join?
* Opportunity to lead and shape the quality function
* Key role in a growing manufacturing environment
* High level of ownership and responsibility
* Culture focused on quality and continuous improvement
About Cast UK
Cast UK is a leading executive consultancy, providing national recruitment solutions to both clients and candidates. Specialising in Business Change & Transformation, HR, Procurement, Buying, Supply Chain, and Logistics, each member of our specialist team has a professional background specific to their recruiting sector. With this unique insight and knowledge, our consultants are able to place individuals from trainee through to main board. For more information on Cast UK and a complete list of all of our current vacancies, please visit