FFE is a global design and manufacturing business, with a head office and manufacturing in Hitchin, R&D Centre in Cambridge and sales and marketing support across the globe. FFE are dedicated to supplying specialist detection and suppression products to the fire industry.
Our business is driven by our vision of a future where all lives and livelihoods are safe from fire, and is supported by:
* Understanding our customers and our markets whilst providing the highest quality of customer service and satisfaction.
* Designing and manufacturing quality products in a sustainable way.
* Striving for excellence in everything we do.
There is worldwide reliance on FFE products, in high profile public infrastructure, commercial workspaces and industrial operating environments. In addition, FFE products are trusted to protect some of the world’s most iconic buildings such as the White House, Dubai Airport, and Pinewood Studios.
The FFE portfolio includes two industry leading product brands: With over half a million Optical Beam Smoke Detector units installed around the world, Fireray® is using proven technology in a product line with heritage stretching back to 1994. Talentum® is one of the world’s most respected flame detector brands in the marketplace, FFE is not only providing quality today but developing technologies for tomorrow.
Furthermore, here at FFE we value our employees giving them the freedom to be creative and innovative. Having a great team spirit and people that are proud to work for a company that saves lives, our teams see the direct impact of their efforts in the daily operations.
Duties and Responsibilities
Product & Process Quality
* Investigate product non‑conformances using structured methodologies (5‑Why, 8D, Ishikawa), driving robust corrective and preventive actions.
* Support Material Review Board activities—inspecting, assessing and dispositioning non‑conforming parts and assemblies.
* Work closely with Production and Engineering to ensure inspection, calibration and verification processes remain capable and compliant.
Supplier Quality Management
* Perform supplier evaluations, audits, and ongoing performance reviews to ensure adherence to specifications, certifications and quality expectations.
* Lead supplier‑related problem‑solving activities, ensuring timely and effective containment, root‑cause analysis and corrective actions.
* Monitor supplier KPIs (delivery performance, PPM, right‑first‑time), identify trends and drive targeted improvement initiatives.
Compliance & IMS Support
* Maintain documentation and processes aligned to FFE’s Integrated Management System (ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, ATEX 80079‑34, CAA Part 21).
* Conduct internal audits and support external audit readiness across Quality, Engineering, Operations and Supply Chain.
* Participate in PFMEA, control plan maintenance and risk activities for new products and design changes.
* Analyse quality data (scrap, rework, defects, supplier metrics) to identify risks and opportunities.
* Drive continuous improvement projects aimed at reducing variability, improving reliability, and enhancing product and process capability.
* Provide clear, concise reporting to Quality, Engineering and Operations leadership.
Skills and Experience
* Experience in a quality engineering or supplier quality engineering role within electronics, electro‑mechanical, or safety‑critical manufacturing.
* Practical experience with supplier quality tools—auditing, inspection methodologies, PPAP‑style reviews, NCR management and supplier corrective actions.
* Strong problem‑solving capability using recognised quality tools (8D, 5‑Why, PFMEA, SPC).
* Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, tolerances, and test documentation.
* Knowledge of ISO 9001‑based quality management systems; awareness of ATEX / hazardous‑area products is beneficial.
* Comfortable working in a hands‑on manufacturing environment and collaborating closely with production and engineering teams.
* Familiarity with electro‑optical or fire‑detection products.
* Exposure to Lean, Six Sigma or structured continuous‑improvement methodologies.
Benefits
Annual Leave: 25 days
Bonuses: Company bonus scheme
Pension: Halma Pension plan
Health Insurance: BUPA and Simply Health cash plan
Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
Reward & Recognition: Free Shares Scheme, annual bonus opportunities, peer‑nominated awards, milestone celebrations with extra leave and cash awards.
Wellbeing: YuLife app, fresh fruit and juice, confidential Employee Assistance Programme.
Family Support: 14 weeks fully paid maternity, paternity, or adoption leave.
Future Security: Pension scheme contribution up to 10.5% and Critical Illness Cover for extended work absence.
Lifestyle & Everyday Savings: Benefits Hub discounts, tax‑efficient schemes for cycling and electric vehicles, team lunches.
Growth & Long‑Term Recognition: Training and learning opportunities, extra annual leave, annual £250 award at every five‑year milestone.
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