We are seeking an experienced and proactive Quality Manager to lead our quality assurance and health & safety efforts within a fast-paced industrial manufacturing environment. This role is critical in maintaining high product quality standards, ensuring regulatory and customer compliance, and cultivating a safety-first culture across the organization.
The Quality Manager will develop, implement, and manage systems and processes that ensure consistent product quality, continuous improvement, and safe working conditions. The ideal candidate has strong leadership skills, excellent knowledge of quality and H&S standards, and a hands-on approach to solving problems and driving change.
Key Responsibilities
Quality Management
* Lead and manage the Quality Management System (QMS) in compliance with ISO 9001 or other relevant standards.
* Oversee all quality control (QC) and quality assurance (QA) activities, from raw material inspection to final product release.
* Drive root cause analysis (RCA) and implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) for internal and customer-reported issues.
* Conduct internal audits and manage external audits (e.g., customers, certification bodies).
* Monitor and report on quality KPIs (e.g., defect rates, scrap rates, customer complaints, first-pass yield).
* Ensure quality documentation is maintained and up to date, including control plans, SOPs, inspection reports, and non-conformance logs.
* Work with production and engineering teams to improve process capability, reduce variation, and eliminate waste.
* Support New Product Introduction (NPI) by reviewing specifications and ensuring quality readiness.
* Manage calibration and maintenance of inspection equipment.
Health & Safety (H&S)
* Ensure compliance with all relevant H&S legislation, regulations, and company policies.
* Lead safety audits, risk assessments (e.g., COSHH, manual handling), and accident/incident investigations.
* Develop and deliver health and safety training programs for employees and contractors.
* Promote a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement throughout the facility.
* Maintain safety records and ensure accurate reporting to regulatory bodies as required.
* Implement proactive safety programs and initiatives to minimize risk and improve overall workplace safety.
Leadership & Strategy
* Manage and develop the Quality and H&S teams, including training, performance management, and succession planning.
* Act as the main point of contact for customer quality concerns and audits.
* Work closely with Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Maintenance teams to ensure alignment on quality and safety objectives.
* Lead cross-functional teams in problem-solving and improvement initiatives (e.g., Kaizen, 8D, FMEA).
* Champion continuous improvement across quality and safety processes using Lean, Six Sigma, or other structured methodologies.
Key Requirements
* Proven experience as a Quality Manager in an industrial or manufacturing environment (e.g., metal fabrication, machining, heavy equipment, automotive, etc.).
* In-depth knowledge of ISO 9001 and quality tools/methodologies (e.g., SPC, FMEA, 8D, PDCA).
* Solid understanding of Health & Safety regulations, best practices, and risk management.
* Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a data-driven approach.
* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; able to engage across all levels of the organization.
* Proficient in MS Office and quality-related systems (e.g., QMS, ERP, Minitab).
* Hands-on leadership style, with the ability to work on the shop floor and influence positive change.
Preferred Qualifications
* Degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality Management, or related field.
* Certification in Quality (e.g., ISO 9001 Lead Auditor, Six Sigma Green/Black Belt, CQE).
* NEBOSH General Certificate or equivalent Health & Safety qualification.
* Experience with ISO 14001 (Environmental) or ISO 45001 (Health & Safety) standards is a strong plus.
* Familiarity with customer-specific requirements (e.g., PPAP, APQP in automotive or similar frameworks in other sectors).
At Gleeson Recruitment Group, we embrace inclusivity and welcome applicants of all backgrounds, experiences, and abilities. We are proud to be a disability confident employer.
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