Role: Technical / Quality Manager
Location: Office based in Stoke-on-Trent ST5 (but opportunity for some overseas travel)
Salary: Salary negotiable
Employment: Permanent; full-time; 25 days annual holiday plus statutory Bank holidays
Right to work: You must already have the right to work in the UK. We do not sponsor visa applications.
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We are looking for a Technical / Quality Manager to lead on all technical activities in our friendly SME based in Stoke-on-Trent.
IPS Ceramics are a leading supplier of kiln furniture and industrial ceramics to the UK, Europe, Asia, and the United States. A key market remains our kiln furniture for the traditional ceramics industry, but we also supply technical ceramics into a vast range of industries – from bread ovens and crematoriums to aerospace and high-end audiophile equipment.
You will work as part of a small team using your knowledge of materials science and engineering principles, to identify and develop material solutions to meet the needs of a wide range of industrial processes and customer applications.
You will be working alongside the current Technical Manager for about 2 years, as part of a planned succession training. During this time, you will have the opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge of our design activity, manufacturing and quality systems, product ranges, and customer applications.
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Key Responsibilities:
* Management of the Quality Assurance system including liaising with our partner company and other suppliers on quality issues (some overseas travel required)
* Provide technical input into customer enquiries, helping to match products and materials to the needs of the application, and answering technical queries from customers
* Respond to customer complaints, including some material testing and site visits
* Write the manufacturing specification for new products and assist the Design Manager with structural analysis calculations
* Work with our marketing manager to produce promotional material and website content
* Develop the IPS knowledge base, investigating new applications, products, and materials
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Desirable Skills & Experience:
* This role would suit a recent graduate with a bachelor's degree in materials science / ceramic technology or a relevant discipline, although experience would be beneficial
* A good knowledge of the mechanical and thermal properties of ceramics and other engineering materials, with some experience of testing procedures
* An understanding of ceramic manufacturing technologies is desirable
* Able to understand technical drawings with a basic awareness of structural design principles
* Inquisitive, with a genuine interest in science and technology; eager to learn
* A clear communicator who is happy to share knowledge with other members of the team
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If this specialist development opportunity sounds interesting, please send your CV to Brian Wycherley, our technical manager, at
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: From £30,000.00 per year
Work authorisation:
* United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person