Quality Manager – CNC Machining / Aerospace – £60,000
Location: Watford, Hertfordshire
Full-Time, Permanent
Salary: Circa £60,000
Hours: Monday–Thursday 7:45–16:45, Friday 7:45–12:45
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The Opportunity
A well-established and growing subcontract precision engineering business is seeking a Quality Manager to lead its quality function.
The company supplies high-precision CNC machined components into highly regulated sectors, including aerospace and defence, and is looking for a hands-on leader to drive quality standards, improve systems, and embed a right-first-time culture across the shopfloor.
You will take full ownership of Quality and lead a small team of:
* Quality Engineer
* Goods In / Out Inspector
* Inspector
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The Role
This is a key leadership position within the business, responsible for maintaining and developing the Quality Management System while acting as the escalation point for all quality-related matters.
You will be highly visible across the operation, working closely with Production and Engineering to ensure processes are robust, repeatable, and aligned to customer and regulatory requirements.
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Key Responsibilities
* Lead and continuously improve the Quality Management System in line with AS9100/ISO standards
* Manage internal, customer, and third-party audits, ensuring effective and timely close-out of actions
* Act as the escalation point for non-conformances, leading root cause analysis (8D, 5 Why, Fishbone) and corrective actions
* Oversee all inspection and verification activities, including FAIRs, production inspection, and CMM/metrology capability
* Implement and drive key quality metrics including scrap, rework, customer returns, and OTIF performance
* Manage supplier quality, ensuring compliance, traceability, and flow-down of requirements
* Maintain robust document control and quality record systems
* Work cross-functionally to ensure manufacturing processes are stable, measurable, and repeatable
* Drive continuous improvement and introduce more effective, data-driven and digital quality processes
* Promote a strong quality culture through leadership, coaching, and shopfloor engagement
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About You
* Proven experience as a Quality Manager within CNC machining or precision engineering
* Strong knowledge of FAIR/FAI, traceability, non-conformance systems, and metrology
* Able to read and interpret engineering drawings and GD&T
* Experience working within AS9100 or similarly regulated environments
* Confident communicator, able to engage with shopfloor teams, customers, and auditors
* Hands-on, pragmatic approach with a focus on continuous improvement
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Desirable
* Lead or Internal Auditor qualification (ISO9001 / AS9100)
* Engineering qualification (HNC / HND / Degree)
* Experience with Lean or Six Sigma
* Background in aerospace, defence, or other regulated industries
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Why Apply
* Senior role with full ownership of the quality function
* Stable SME environment with strong industry positioning
* Opportunity to make a visible impact and drive improvements
* Close-knit team with real autonomy
* Early finish every Friday
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If you are a hands-on Quality Manager looking for a role where you can genuinely influence standards, systems, and culture, apply now.