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 Quality 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.
- Regular presence on the shop floor required with flexibility to support audits, customer visits and urgent investigations.
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