How the role will make an impact:
The Quality Operative plays a vital role in ensuring that our products/services meet the highest standards of quality and reliability. This position requires attention to detail, strong communication skills, and a proactive approach to problem-solving. The successful candidate will work closely with cross-functional teams to uphold quality standards and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
Main Tasks & Responsibilities:
* Look after the internal quality control in a number of areas (customer complaints, stock deliveries, QC audits, new product arrivals).
* Develop and maintain robust QC processes for existing and new products, including sample inspection for existing products and initial inspection for new products.
* Develop and maintain a clear product complaints system, to collate, report and monitor for all product issues.
* Manage and carry out product surveillance activities including incoming goods and dispatch inspection e.g. AQL inspection.
* Manage customer product returns, including, confirmation of compliance of returned product, fault diagnostics of non-conforming product and reporting, in accordance with service level agreements.
* Maintain overview documents, logging all inspections whilst also accounting for daily actions and feeding back to the product quality manager.
* Liaise with the product team to review product complaints to define course of action on next steps of investigation / corrective action.
* Manage and action the reworking of defective stock.
* Responsible for facilitating internal QC audits and supporting those by notified bodies, including CERTIFIRE, BSI etc.
* Ongoing review of incoming stock against product specification (supplied by product team) and to liaise with suppliers / QSA & Product team on any issues that are identified.
* Achieve a high level of collaboration with different departments to align and execute product strategies.
* Undertake additional duties from time to time as directed. This could be actioning ways to resolve issues such as re-packing, re-labelling, and facilitating / organising product reworking.
* To support in the department's drive towards high-level 5's standards.
* To undertake monthly Health and Safety observations to support Quanex/Era's commitment to Safety.
Key Skills:
* GCSE/A-Level or equivalent; additional technical education or certification in quality assurance is preferred.
* Proven experience in a quality assurance role within a manufacturing or production environment including product inspection.
* Strong understanding of quality management principles, tools, and methodologies (e.g. ISO standards, Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing)
* Excellent attention to detail and the ability to consistently produce accurate and reliable work.
* Effective communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams.
* Proficiency in using quality testing equipment, measurement tools, and computer software applications and applying this against engineering drawings as required. A good understanding of GD &T preferred.
* Demonstrated problem-solving skills and the ability to analyse complex issues to identify root causes and implement effective solutionsAbility to work independently with minimal supervision and prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment.
* Proficient in the use of Microsoft office packages especially Word and Excel.
* Commitment to upholding ethical standards and promoting a culture of quality and continuous improvement within the organisation.
Benefits:
* Competitive Salary
* 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
* Holiday purchase scheme
* Pension match up to 7%
* 4 x Salary Life Assurance
* Enhanced Maternity, Paternity, Adoption and Shared Parental Leave
* Employee Assistance Programme
* Cycle to Work Scheme
* Free Eye Tests
* Subsidised Canteen
* Volunteering and Team Building Days
About Us:
We are not just another manufacturing company; we are part of something bigger!
We are Quanex, a global, publicly traded manufacturing company serving OEMs in the fenestration, hardware, cabinetry, solar, refrigeration, security, and outdoor products markets.
This position is based at our ERA site.
ERA is a leader in the design, development, manufacture and supply of decorative and security hardware and SmartWare for residential doors and windows.
Our mission is to positively impact our customers, employees and shareholders and put them at the centre of everything we do, through innovation technology and best-in-class customer service.
Health & Safety Responsibilities:
At Quanex, the health and safety of our employees are our top priorities. We are committed to providing a safe and supportive working environment by adhering to the highest safety standards and regulations. Through comprehensive training, regular safety checks, and open communication, we ensure that every team member feels confident and protected while performing their duties. We continuously strive to minimise risks, promote well-being, and encourage a culture of safety across all levels of our organisation.
Join us and be part of a team where your safety is as important as your success.