At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead quality assurance and drive continuous improvement in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
- Company: Premier UK manufacturer with over 70 years of precision engineering expertise.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday allowance, and pension contributions.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a supportive and innovative culture.
- Why this job: Join a high-performing team and make a real impact on product quality.
- Qualifications: HND in Engineering or Manufacturing and proven quality management experience.
Our client is a premier UK manufacturer and market leader with over 70 years of heritage in precision engineering and high-specification component production. Part of a major global industrial group, their Sunderland facility combines a value-driven culture with significant investment in technology to serve world-class OEMs. Due to continued growth and a strategic restructure, they are seeking an experienced Quality Manager to serve as the quality lead for their Sunderland site. This role offers a unique opportunity to join a high-performing team, applying the principles of TQM and continuous improvement to drive site performance and safeguard customer standards.
Reporting to the Operations Director with a functional line to the UK Quality Director, you will manage the site-specific quality assurance function, lead daily cross-functional alignment, and act as a key partner to the site management team. The ideal candidate will possess robust quality management experience gained within a manufacturing or engineering environment, combined with strong leadership capabilities and a proven track record of managing customer and supplier quality relationships.
Key Duties & Responsibilities:- Lead daily morning alignment meetings with Production, Health & Safety, Maintenance, Purchasing, and Planning to drive continuous improvement.
- Directly supervise, mentor, and conduct annual assessments for a small site quality team consisting of a Quality Engineer, Quality Technician, and Metrology Technician.
- Ensure only products conforming to specifications are manufactured; hold full authority to stop production and/or shipments if a customer risk is identified.
- Analyse customer warranty claims and returned products, implementing robust containment and permanent corrective actions (PCA) / resolutions, using the 8D model.
- Partner with project leaders to contribute to quality implementation during the production launch phase (NPI) and guarantee standards during manufacturing start-up.
- Monitor plant performance by gathering qualitative data, preparing KPIs, and generating comprehensive monthly quality reports.
- Financial & Process Optimization: Partner with purchasing to manage the supplier quality portal and develop targeted changes that actively reduce the Cost of Poor Quality (COPQ).
- Minimum of an HND in an Engineering or Manufacturing discipline (or equivalent).
- Proven experience in a Manufacturing or Engineering environment (Automotive or high-specification non-automotive).
- Must possess management, leadership, or supervisory experience with the ability to support cultural change and encourage proactive problem-solving.
- A strong working knowledge and understanding of quality requirements for an ISO 9001 certified organization (a certified Quality Auditing training certificate is highly desirable).
- Proficient in the application of Quality Core Tools and advanced problem-solving frameworks.
- Highly proficient in Microsoft Office, analytical with data, a confident communicator able to host customer visits, and comfortable working in a fast-paced plant environment.
Salary: £48,000 to £55,000 (Depending on Experience) / 37.5 Hour week: Hours of work: Mon-Thur: 7.15am to 4pm / Friday 7.30am to 12 / 33 Days holiday inc. Banks / Employer 3% / Employee 4% / Death In Service
Quality Manager in Washington employer: Asset Appointments
Join a premier UK manufacturer with over 70 years of heritage in precision engineering, where a value-driven culture meets cutting-edge technology. As a Quality Manager at our Sunderland facility, you will thrive in a supportive environment that prioritises employee growth and continuous improvement, while enjoying competitive benefits including generous holiday allowance and a commitment to your professional development. Be part of a high-performing team dedicated to excellence and innovation in serving world-class OEMs.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Quality Manager in Washington
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about letting people know you’re on the hunt for a Quality Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of TQM and continuous improvement principles. Be ready to share specific examples from your past experience that demonstrate your leadership skills and how you've tackled quality challenges.
✨Tip Number 3
When you get an interview, make sure to ask insightful questions about the company’s quality processes and how they measure success. This shows you're genuinely interested and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you stand out, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other candidates. Let’s get you that Quality Manager position!
We think you need these skills to ace Quality Manager in Washington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Quality Manager role. Highlight your experience in quality management, especially in manufacturing or engineering environments. We want to see how your skills align with the key duties mentioned in the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for our team. Mention specific examples of how you've driven continuous improvement and managed quality relationships in previous roles. We love a good story!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role involves supervising a small quality team, make sure to highlight your leadership experience. Share instances where you've mentored others or led cross-functional teams to success. We value strong leaders who can inspire and drive change.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Asset Appointments
✨Know Your Quality Management Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of quality management principles, especially TQM and ISO 9001 standards. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in previous roles, as this will show your expertise and fit for the Quality Manager position.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that ask you to solve hypothetical quality issues or lead a team through a quality improvement process. Think of specific examples from your past experience where you successfully implemented corrective actions or improved processes, and be ready to share them.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Quality Manager, you'll need to lead a small team and collaborate with various departments. Prepare to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've mentored others or driven cultural change in your previous roles.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the Company’s Products
Research the company’s product lines and understand their manufacturing processes. Being able to speak knowledgeably about their products and how quality assurance plays a role in their production will demonstrate your genuine interest and readiness for the role.
