At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead quality initiatives, ensuring compliance and driving continuous improvement.
- Company: Established rail engineering SME with a focus on quality and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, opportunities for training, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Join a culture where quality is a mindset and enjoy high visibility with leadership.
- Why this job: Shape the future of quality in a dynamic environment and influence customer satisfaction.
- Qualifications: Experience in quality roles, knowledge of ISO standards, and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
This well-established rail engineering SME, part of an international group of companies, is looking for a hands-on, forward-thinking Quality Manager to join its thriving team in Derby. This is a key role responsible for ensuring our products and processes meet the highest standards, while also championing training, continuous improvement, and environmental responsibility. You will play a central role in maintaining compliance with ISO standards, driving continuous improvement, and promoting a culture of quality, safety, and accountability across the business.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Leading quality from the front – ensuring systems, processes and standards are not just followed, but continuously improved
- Owning and delivering ISO 9001 & 14001 compliance, keeping us audit-ready at all times
- Acting as a key contact for customer and supplier audits, building confidence and trust externally
- Driving training and development, ensuring teams have the skills and knowledge to succeed
- Identifying gaps, solving problems, and implementing practical, sustainable improvements
- Supporting new projects with robust quality planning and documentation
- Collaborating across teams to embed a culture of accountability, safety and excellence
- Playing an active role on the shop floor, staying close to operations and real-world challenges
What Makes This Role Exciting
- Real ownership – you’ll have the autonomy to shape and improve the quality function
- High visibility – working closely with senior leadership and key stakeholders
- Variety – from audits and compliance to training and continuous improvement
- Impact – your work will directly influence customer satisfaction and business success
What We’re Looking For
- Proven experience in a Quality role within a regulated manufacturing environment (automotive, aerospace, rail or similar)
- Strong working knowledge of ISO standards and audit processes (Lead/Internal Auditor preferred)
- Knowledge and experience of PPAP and customer quality requirements
- Experience delivering or supporting training and development programmes
- A proactive mindset – someone who spots opportunities and acts on them
- Confident communicator, able to engage at all levels of the business
- Detail-focused, organised, and comfortable managing multiple priorities
Who You Are
- Leads by example and sets high standards
- Takes ownership and follows through
- Enjoys working collaboratively and building relationships
- Is passionate about doing things the right way – and making them even better
Why Apply?
You’ll be joining a business where quality isn’t just a department – it’s a mindset. This is your chance to influence, improve and leave a lasting mark. Ready to take the lead on quality? Apply now.
Quality Manager employer: 1492 Ltd
Join a dynamic and forward-thinking rail engineering SME in Derby, where quality is not just a department but a core mindset. As a Quality Manager, you will enjoy a collaborative work culture that prioritises continuous improvement and employee development, alongside competitive benefits and the opportunity to make a significant impact on customer satisfaction and business success. With a focus on training and environmental responsibility, this role offers real ownership and visibility within the organisation, making it an excellent place for those looking to grow their careers in a meaningful way.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Quality Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how they align with your own. This will help you showcase why you're the perfect fit for the Quality Manager role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to quality management and ISO standards. Being well-prepared will boost your confidence and help you articulate your experience effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interviews! A simple thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and show your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you on their radar as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Quality Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the Quality Manager role. Highlight your experience with ISO standards and any relevant audits you've conducted. We want to see how you can drive change and make an impact!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about quality management and how your proactive mindset aligns with our values. Don’t forget to mention your experience in regulated environments like automotive or rail.
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your past roles, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to improve processes and ensure compliance. We love seeing quantifiable results, so if you’ve led successful training programmes or improved audit readiness, shout about it!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to shape quality at our company!
How to prepare for a job interview at 1492 Ltd
✨Know Your ISO Standards
Make sure you brush up on ISO 9001 and 14001 standards before the interview. Be ready to discuss how you've implemented these in past roles, as well as any challenges you've faced and how you overcame them.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare specific examples of how you've identified gaps in quality processes and implemented improvements. This will demonstrate your proactive mindset and ability to drive change, which is crucial for this role.
✨Engage with Real-World Scenarios
Be prepared to discuss real-world challenges you've encountered on the shop floor. This shows that you understand the practical aspects of quality management and can relate to the operations team.
✨Highlight Your Training Experience
Since training and development are key parts of the role, come equipped with examples of training programmes you've delivered or supported. This will show your commitment to building a culture of quality and accountability.
