Quality Team Leader
Location: Trafford Park, Manchester
Salary: Competitive Salary, depending on experience
Hours: 37.5 hrs/wk. - 08:00-16:00 Monday to Friday (Some Flexibility with start and finish times)
About the Role:
A growing advanced manufacturing business based in Manchester is seeking an experienced, hands-on Quality Team Leader to take full ownership of Quality Control operations and lead a small, high-performing QC team. This role is ideal for someone with strong industry experience who can combine technical expertise with effective team management.
Working in a fast-paced environment with high-specification products, initially reporting into the Operations Director. You will be responsible for maintaining and improving quality standards, while actively carrying out inspections and supporting production. You will play a key role in developing quality processes, driving continuous improvement, and ensuring compliance with customer and industry requirements across the manufacturing lifecycle.
Key Responsibilities:
* Lead, mentor, and develop the QC team, driving a consistent quality culture.
* Manage daily QC operations, inspections, scheduling, and workflow prioritisation.
* Conduct hands-on inspections including First Article Inspections (FAI) using precision tools.
* Develop and implement Quality procedures, control plans, PPAPs, FAIRs, FMEA, PRA, and SPC studies.
* Drive continuous improvement initiatives and ensure compliance with industry standards.
* Collaborate with Manufacturing, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Customer Service teams to embed quality across processes.
* Prepare and maintain QC documentation, reports, and participate in internal/external audits.
Requirements:
* Minimum 5 years in an industrial manufacturing environment.
* At least 3 years’ direct Quality Assurance experience with expert sign-off capability (PPAPs, FAIRs, etc.).
* Minimum 2 years’ team leadership experience.
* Experience of quality engineering and statistical techniques
* Hands-on experience in industries with strict quality standards (e.g., aerospace, automotive).
* Tertiary technical qualification (BSc/BEng in Mechanical Engineering/Materials Science desirable.
* Strong analytical, problem-solving, and leadership skills.
* Excellent communication skills, professional disposition, and hands-on approach.
* Must be on-site full-time, flexible with hours, and able to travel between sites if required. Car driver required.
* Cannot be allergic to metal powders, laboratory chemical environments
Benefits:
* 25 days holiday + 8 bank/public holidays + 5 flexible holiday days
* Group Personal Pension Scheme – employer 5.5%, employee 3.5%
* Company Bonus Scheme (performance-based)
* Company Sick Pay: 2+ weeks based on service length
* Maternity/Paternity Pay*: 13 weeks full pay + 26 weeks SMP (maternity), 2 weeks full pay (paternity)
* Life Assurance – 4x annual salary
* Pension & financial wellbeing support with access to advisors
* Cycle to Work salary sacrifice scheme*
* Occupational Health medical access*
* Employee Assistance Programme 24/7*
* Perks at Work online discounts*
* Free EV charging & secure parking
* Free beverages on site *non-contractual benefits
What’s next? It’s easy! Click “APPLY” now! We can’t wait to hear from you!
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