Head of Quality Location: North West England Salary: Circa £60,000 (Dependent on Experience) Job Type: Permanent, Full-Time About the Company: We are a leading manufacturer in our field, committed to excellence and innovation. Our success is built on a foundation of high-quality products and a dedication to continuous improvement. We are now seeking a dynamic Head of Quality to lead our quality assurance and control functions and drive our quality standards to new heights. About the Role: This is a pivotal leadership role responsible for safeguarding the quality and integrity of our products from raw materials to finished goods. You will lead a team of quality professionals, championing a culture of excellence and ensuring our manufacturing processes consistently meet the highest standards. This is a hands-on, hybrid role split between strategic quality assurance and the tactical management of the quality control team. Please note: This role focuses on product and process quality; responsibility for the Quality Management System (QMS) itself sits within a separate function. Key Responsibilities: Quality Assurance & Continuous Improvement: Monitor, audit, and verify manufacturing processes to ensure strict adherence to established quality standards, specifications, and SOPs. Identify process gaps, lead root cause analysis investigations, and implement effective corrective and preventative actions (CAPA). Develop, maintain, and improve key quality documentation, including inspection protocols, test plans, and quality performance reports. Drive a culture of Continuous Improvement (CI) to reduce waste, enhance efficiency, and improve product consistency. Conduct supplier quality evaluations and support the assessment of incoming raw materials. Train and coach operational staff on quality standards, best practices, and their role in maintaining quality. Quality Control & Team Leadership: Lead, mentor, and develop the Quality Control team, fostering a high-performance culture focused on accuracy and diligence. Schedule and coordinate daily QC activities to efficiently support production schedules and meet critical deadlines. Oversee the calibration, maintenance, and proper use of all laboratory and testing equipment. Review and approve inspection data, non-conformance reports (NCRs), and product release documentation. Champion the transition of in-line process control checks to Production operatives, providing support and guidance throughout. Develop and embed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Batch Manufacturing Records (BMRs). Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate effectively with Production, Engineering, Supply Chain, and R&D departments to resolve quality issues and align quality initiatives with broader business objectives. Monitor and report on key quality metrics (KPIs) to senior management, providing data-driven insights and recommendations. Key Requirements: Proven experience in a senior QA/QC leadership role within a fast-paced manufacturing environment. Strong technical knowledge of QA/QC methodologies, statistical process control, and root cause analysis tools (e.g., 5 Whys, Fishbone). Demonstrable experience in leading, motivating, and developing a team. Working knowledge of relevant regulatory frameworks and standards (e.g., GMP, ISO 9001). Excellent problem-solving, decision-making, and analytical skills. Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels. A proactive, hands-on approach with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a pressurised environment.