Project Lead – Contract Position Location: Lancaster, UK Contract Duration: 12 Months IR35 Status: Outside IR35 Working Arrangement: 100% Onsite Rate: £28–£33 per hour Position Overview We are seeking an experienced and proactive Project Lead with a strong background in Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering. The successful candidate will drive operational excellence, ensure product and process compliance, and lead cross-functional project delivery within a highly regulated manufacturing environment. This role requires robust quality assurance expertise, process improvement capability, and strong leadership skills to support multiple stakeholders, suppliers, and customers. Education & Professional Qualifications * Graduate or Postgraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering * 5 –10 years hands-on experience in Manufacturing Engineering * Experience participating in 2–3 audits for major certifications in an individual capacity * Green Belt certification in any Quality initiative is advantageous * Strong knowledge of varied manufacturing processes * Solid understanding of concessions, containment procedures, and traceability techniques * Skilled in data collection and analysis using 7 QC tools and SPC techniques * Experience with Lean principles and 5S management * Exposure to the Aerospace or Automotive industry preferred * Awareness of key quality standards including AS9100, OHSAS, TS 16949, and various ISO frameworks Key Responsibilities Quality & Compliance * Establish and maintain quality standards and product compliance aligned with customer and regulatory expectations * Review and interpret specifications, standards, and compliance requirements * Support non-conformance investigations, applying structured problem-solving methodologies (e.g., 8D, RCA) Process & Project Leadership * Develop, evaluate, and enhance workflows, operating procedures, and control documents * Oversee operational support activities and troubleshoot technical issues * Lead requirement gathering, project planning, execution, and closure for assigned initiatives * Participate in weekly/monthly project reviews and contribute to effective risk management Cross-functional Engagement * Collaborate with cross-functional teams, suppliers, partners, and technical specialists * Represent management in customer meetings, presenting operational KPIs and project updates * Build and maintain strong customer and supplier relationships Continuous Improvement * Drive cost reduction, waste elimination, and operational efficiency improvements * Lead improvement initiatives across manufacturing processes, products, equipment, and quality * Support root cause analysis and implementation of corrective actions using QC tools and SPC Key Leadership Competencies & Soft Skills * Excellent English communication skills (verbal and written) * Strong customer focus and stakeholder engagement * Effective problem-solving and logical-thinking capabilities * High level of proactivity and ownership