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, career growth, and the chance to work with cutting-edge technology.
- Other info: Opportunity to influence cultural change and enhance operational excellence.
- Why this job: Join a high-performing team and make a real impact on product quality and customer satisfaction.
- Qualifications: Experience in quality management within manufacturing and strong leadership skills required.
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.
Quality Manager - Manufacturing in Washington employer: Asset Appointments
As a premier UK manufacturer with over 70 years of heritage, our Sunderland facility offers an exceptional work environment that prioritises innovation and quality. Employees benefit from a value-driven culture, significant investment in technology, and ample opportunities for professional growth within a high-performing team. Join us to make a meaningful impact in precision engineering while enjoying a collaborative atmosphere that fosters continuous improvement and leadership development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Quality Manager - Manufacturing in Washington
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the manufacturing and engineering sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common quality management scenarios. Think about how you’d handle specific challenges, like managing supplier quality or leading a team through a continuous improvement project. We want you to shine when it’s your turn to impress!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, highlight your experience in mentoring teams and driving cultural change. They’ll love hearing about how you’ve made a difference in past roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who can contribute to our high-performing teams. Let’s make it happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Quality Manager - Manufacturing in Washington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the Quality Manager role. Highlight your experience in manufacturing and quality management, and don’t forget to mention any relevant certifications or training you've completed.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific experiences that align with the key duties and responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your past roles, focus on achievements rather than just responsibilities. Use metrics where possible to demonstrate how you’ve improved quality processes or reduced costs in previous positions.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role!
How to prepare for a job interview at Asset Appointments
✨Know Your Quality Management Basics
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 understanding of the industry and your ability to lead quality initiatives.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that ask you to solve hypothetical problems or describe past experiences. Think about specific examples where you led a team through a quality issue or implemented a successful corrective action plan. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Quality Manager, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership capabilities. Prepare to discuss how you've mentored team members or driven cultural change in your previous roles. Highlight any experience you have with cross-functional teams, as collaboration is key in this position.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the Company
Research the company’s history, values, and recent developments. Understanding their market position and challenges will help you tailor your responses and show genuine interest. Be prepared to discuss how your skills can contribute to their goals, particularly in driving continuous improvement.
