Company Description
Based in Congleton, Cheshire, Senior Bird Bellows was established in 1975 as a family‑run operation serving the petro‑chemical and gas industries. Since then we have evolved to become one of the industry leaders in the design, development and manufacture of pressure duct systems, flexible joints and insulation for highly regulated industries. We have established customers in aerospace (both civil and military), as well as in the nuclear, oil and gas, chemical and pharmaceutical sectors.
Job Description
The Quality Assurance Manager is responsible for leading the Quality Assurance team, providing operational direction to ensure compliance with customer, regulatory and third‑party requirements while driving product assurance, customer satisfaction and continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead and develop the Quality Assurance team, ensuring an effective Quality Management System that meets customer, regulatory and third‑party requirements.
* Drive a positive quality culture through clear objectives, performance reviews, communication and people development.
* Act as the primary interface with customers, regulators and third parties on quality matters.
* Ensure quality documentation is current, accessible and aligned with business and regulatory needs.
* Deliver robust product assurance, customer satisfaction and continuous improvement.
* Develop, manage and report on the internal audit programme, including NCR performance.
* Analyse quality performance data to support Management Reviews and leadership decision‑making.
* Develop and implement APQP/PPAP processes in line with customer and AIAG requirements.
* Lead laboratory and test house activities.
* Coordinate and manage external audits, including issue resolution and close‑out.
* Deputise for the Head of Quality and support delivery of strategic and long‑term business goals.
* Oversee First Article Inspection Reports, investigations and improvement projects.
* Support HS&E systems, incident investigations and cross‑functional quality activities (e.g. FMEA, continuous improvement).
* Ensure full compliance with company policies, procedures and codes of practice.
Qualifications & Experience
* Proven experience in a Quality Assurance role within a regulated environment.
* Strong knowledge of AS9100 and ISO 9000/9100 Quality Management Systems.
* Practical experience of APQP, PPAP, Gage R&R, SPC and capability studies.
* Experience writing and maintaining company‑level procedures and working instructions.
* Knowledge of Part 21 Subpart G.
* Recognised further education in Engineering and/or Quality Assurance, or an engineering qualification/time‑served apprenticeship.
* Lead Auditor qualification (ISO 9001 / AS9100).
* Experience using QMS and PPAP software systems.
* Ability to engage, influence and build effective relationships at all levels of the organisation.
* Clear and effective written and verbal communication skills.
* Strong administrative and organisational capability.
* Proven ability to assess priorities, manage workload effectively and balance strategic objectives with day‑to‑day operational demands.
Benefits
Enjoy the benefits of a 4‑day working week, giving you more time for what matters most. We also provide an excellent pension scheme, life assurance and access to a confidential Employee Assistance Programme. Our team regularly takes part in social and wellbeing events to support connection, engagement and balance.
Contract Information
Monday – Thursday (36 hrs).
Seniority Level
* Mid‑Senior level
Employment Type
* Full‑time
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