Quality Control Supervisor
Bingley
About James Walker
James Walker is part of the James Walker Group of Companies, who are a successful global Industrial organisation supplying high performance sealing products and solutions. With state-of-the-art material technology skills, the James Walker Strategic Business Unit (SBU) of the James Walker Group specialises in the provision of sealing solutions (elastomers, polymers, composites, engineering plastics, high nickel alloys).
Our worldwide group of companies has operations, sales and service entities across Europe, Middle East, India, Australia, New Zealand, SE Asia, South Africa and North and South America
Your Role
The Quality Control Supervisor is responsible for leading the inspection, verification and quality control activities that ensure products consistently meet internal requirements, customer specifications, and external regulatory standards (ISO 9001 & API Q1). The role provides day-to-day supervision of inspection teams, drives compliance to defined quality procedures, and uses data-driven continuous improvement tools — including SPC, Cp, Cpk, and process capability analysis — to embed a culture of "build quality in" across the manufacturing site.
Key Responsibilities
Quality Control & Inspection
Supervise daily inspection activities of raw materials, in-process components, and finished goods to ensure compliance with approved specifications.
Oversee dimensional inspection, visual examination, material testing, functional testing, and specialised inspection techniques relevant to the product range.
Ensure all inspections are carried out according to controlled documents, including inspection test plans (ITPs), work instructions, API Q1-compliant procedures, and ISO-based quality standards.
Maintain accurate and traceable inspection documentation: NCRs, calibration records, test reports, and product release evidence.
Regulatory & Standards Compliance
Ensure all quality control activity adheres to ISO 9001 and API Q1 requirements.
Support internal and external audits by preparing evidence, demonstrating process controls, and responding to findings.
Continuous Improvement & SPC
Apply recognised Continuous Improvement tools (5 Why, Ishikawa, 8D, etc.) to investigate product defects and repeat failures.
Leadership & Team Development
Lead, coach and develop the Inspection, Subcontract, and Stamping teams.
Provide training on inspection techniques, measurement systems, SPC interpretation, and quality standards.
Perform performance appraisals, set SMART objectives, and identify individual training needs.
Promote a culture of accountability, safety, and quality ownership.
Problem-Solving & Corrective Action
Investigate product defects, non-conformances, and process deviations to identify root causes.
Implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) and verify effectiveness.
Work cross-functionally (Operations, Engineering, Planning, Technical) to prevent recurrence and strengthen process controls.
Communication & Cross-Functional Collaboration
Work directly with Production Supervisors to resolve quality issues in real time.
Support Engineering in new product introduction (NPI), tooling validation, and first-article inspections (FAI).
Provide timely quality updates to management through KPI reviews and structured reports.
Safety, Health & Environmental Responsibilities
Ensure team compliance with site safety rules, risk assessments, PPE requirements, and safe work practices.
Promote a culture where employees proactively identify hazards, near misses, and unsafe conditions.
Maintain safety standards during all inspection activities, equipment use, and product handling.
About you
Preferred Skill & Experience
Knowledge of engineering processes and manufacturing methods.
Experience working within API Q1, Oil & Gas, or Gasket/Sealing product environments.
MSA studies (Gauge R&R) experience
Essential Skill & Experience
Strong leadership and team-supervision skills.
Strong understanding of inspection methods, metrology, measurement systems, and test equipment.
Ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications, tolerances, and industry standards.
Competent in SPC tools including control charts, CpK/Cp, and capability studies.
Data-driven problem-solving and decision-making ability.
Experience with metrology systems(e.g. CMM, Optical measurement)
Preferred Qualifications
Engineering or technical vocational qualification (NVQ, BTEC, HNC).
Formal training in SPC, Lean, Six Sigma (Yellow/Green Belt desirable)