Quality Lead – Precision Manufacturing Sector
Based in Hertfordshire
Salary: £50,000 plus a range of highly attractive employee benefits
A new permanent career opportunity has arisen working for a global engineering leader who excels in the production of high‑accuracy, precision manufactured parts and products. This job role seeks a hands‑on Quality Leader who can take full ownership of the Quality Management System and champion a culture where robust processes, reliable data, and right‑first‑time output are considered standard practice.
Ideally suited to a professional Qualityu Manager who thrives on the shop floor, enjoys solving complex machining challenges, and can confidently represent the business to customers and auditors.
Key responsibilities
Customer & Product Quality
* Act as the main point of contact for all customer quality matters, from initial containment through to verified corrective actions.
* Lead structured investigations using 8D, A3, 5‑Why and other analytical tools to eliminate repeat issues.
* Manage all quality submissions including PPAP packages (PSW, PFMEA, Control Plans, MSA, capability studies, etc.).
* Inspection & Process Control
* Oversee in‑process and final inspection activities for CNC‑machined components, ensuring compliance with GD&T, special characteristics, and functional requirements.
* Introduce and maintain layered audits, patrol checks, and escalation processes such as stop‑build/stop‑ship.
* Drive SPC utilisation across machining operations, monitoring Cp/Cpk and reacting quickly to out‑of‑control signals.
Quality Systems & Compliance
* Own the site’s QMS and maintain readiness for ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 audits.
* Lead internal audit programmes, corrective actions, and documentation updates.
* Manage MRB processes including nonconformance review, dispositions, concessions, and deviations.
* Continuous Improvement
* Lead CI initiatives focused on scrap reduction, first‑pass yield, and process capability.
* Partner with Manufacturing Engineering to implement error‑proofing, robust process controls, and standardised work.
* Facilitate cross‑functional improvement workshops targeting flow, stability, and quality performance.
Supplier Development
* Conduct supplier audits, manage supplier PPAPs, and drive improvement through scorecards and corrective actions.
* Leadership & Reporting
* Develop and mentor the quality team in metrology, GD&T, problem‑solving, and customer communication.
* Report weekly and monthly performance metrics including PPM, scrap, rework, FPY, capability, and cost of poor quality.
Key skills and Requirements
* Degree in Engineering or equivalent technical experience.
* 7+ years in quality roles within CNC machining, precision engineering, or similar high‑mix manufacturing.
* Strong working knowledge of APQP/PPAP, PFMEA, MSA, and capability analysis.
* Advanced understanding of GD&T and metrology tools (CMM, height gauges, surface measurement equipment).
* Demonstrated problem‑solving expertise (8D, Ishikawa, DOE, etc.).
* Experience with ISO 9001 auditing; Lead Auditor certification is a plus.
* Confident communicator with experience managing customer escalations.
* Lean/CI training (Green Belt, Black Belt, or equivalent) preferred.
Hours of work and benefits
* Monday to Friday - permanent day shift
* Excellent employee benefits package to include enhanced holiday and pension entitlements
* NB. This is a role that requires regular presence on the shop floor and flexibility to support audits, customer visits, and urgent investigations