Quality Associate
Location: Tyne and Wear
Contract: Full-time, Permanent
Hours: Monday – Thursday 8.30am–5.00pm, Friday 8.30am–3.00pm
Salary: £27,000 – £28,000
We are seeking a proactive and detail-focused Quality Associate to support quality assurance activities within a fast-paced manufacturing and logistics environment. This role plays a key part in ensuring product quality standards are consistently met, customer requirements are achieved, and continuous improvement is driven across the business.
You will work closely with the Quality Manager, internal teams, suppliers, and customers to maintain quality systems, resolve issues, and support ongoing improvement initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
Supervise incoming goods inspection activities, ensuring all materials meet required quality standards
Ensure inspection equipment is maintained and calibrated in line with quality requirements
Control and manage quarantined and non-conforming materials in accordance with company procedures
Investigate quality issues, identify root causes, and implement corrective and preventive actions
Liaise with customers regarding quality concerns, including rejections, corrective actions, and improvement initiatives
Work closely with suppliers to resolve quality issues, drive improvements, and support supplier performance development
Communicate quality issues effectively across internal departments to ensure correct handling and resolution
Assess quality requirements for new products, including supplier capability evaluation and customer specifications
Prepare and compile quality documentation (e.g. PPAP, ISO documentation) for customer approval
Support internal and external ISO audits and ensure ongoing compliance with quality standards
Produce KPI reports and quality performance data for senior management
Support continuous improvement initiatives, including Kaizen and 5S activities
Develop, review, and maintain quality procedures, work instructions, and training materials
Provide guidance and support to inspection staff to ensure departmental objectives are achieved
Assist with IMDS submissions and understanding of CBAM requirements where applicable
Provide cover for the Quality Manager and inspection team when required
Support cross-functional teams to ensure quality standards are maintained throughout operations
Occasional travel abroad.
Ideal Candidate
Previous experience in a quality role within manufacturing, logistics, or a similar environment
Strong understanding of inspection processes and non-conformance management
Familiarity with ISO standards and quality documentation such as PPAP
Experience working with suppliers and customers to resolve quality issues
Knowledge of continuous improvement methodologies (e.g. Kaizen, 5S)
Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
Experience with IMDS and CBAM is desirable but not essential
Benefits
Company Pension
Annual Leave
Onsite / Free Parking