QHSE Manager in Norwich

The QHSE Manager is responsible for leading and continuously improving the Quality, Health, Safety and Environmental (QHSE) management systems across the manufacturing facility, with a strong emphasis on quality assurance, customer satisfaction, process improvement and operational excellence. The role will ensure products, processes and systems consistently meet customer expectations, regulatory requirements and industry standards while maintaining a safe and environmentally responsible workplace. The QHSE Manager will champion a proactive quality culture throughout the business, driving compliance, continuous improvement and best practice across all operational areas.

Responsibilities

• Quality Management (Primary Focus)
• Lead the implementation, management and continuous improvement of the Quality Management System (QMS) in accordance with ISO 9001 standards.
• Oversee the activities of the quality assurance department and staff.
• Coordinate all quality related correspondence with the customers representatives.
• Drive a strong quality culture throughout the business, promoting right-first-time principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Develop and monitor quality KPIs, ensuring robust reporting and analysis of trends, non-conformances and improvement opportunities.
• Lead internal and external quality audits, ensuring timely close-out of findings and effective corrective actions.
• Manage customer complaints, warranty issues and non-conformances through structured root cause analysis and CAPA processes.
• Collaborate closely with production, engineering and supply chain teams to improve product quality, manufacturing processes and operational performance.
• Ensure effective control of documentation, inspection processes, calibration systems and quality records.
• Support supplier quality management activities, including supplier audits, evaluations and performance improvement initiatives.
• Facilitate continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma and problem-solving methodologies.
• Ensure products meet customer specifications, contractual requirements and applicable industry standards.
• Drive reduction in scrap, rework and quality-related costs across the facility.
• Health and Safety Management
• Develop, implement and monitor health and safety policies, procedures and programmes to ensure a safe working environment.
• Conduct regular risk assessments, workplace inspections and safety audits to identify hazards and implement corrective actions.
• Lead incident investigations, root cause analysis and the implementation of corrective and preventive actions.
• Coordinate and deliver health and safety training programmes to employees across the site.
• Ensure compliance with Occupational Health and Safety legislation and ISO 45001 requirements.
• Maintain records of workplace accidents, incidents and near misses, ensuring timely reporting and corrective actions.
• Oversee emergency preparedness and response planning, including fire drills, evacuation procedures and first aid arrangements.
• Environmental Management
• Ensure compliance with environmental legislation, ISO 14001 standards and sustainability objectives.
• Develop and implement environmental policies and initiatives to minimise environmental impact and improve sustainability performance.
• Conduct environmental audits and inspections to identify risks and opportunities for improvement.
• Monitor waste management, emissions control and energy efficiency activities across the site.
• Liaise with regulatory bodies and external agencies regarding environmental compliance and reporting.
• Promote environmental awareness and sustainable working practices throughout the organisation.
• Leadership and Training
• Act as the site lead for QHSE matters, providing guidance, coaching and support to managers and employees.
• Coordinate cross-functional improvement activities to integrate QHSE best practices into day-to-day operations.
• Deliver training and awareness programmes related to quality, health, safety and environmental standards.
• Support the development of a culture focused on accountability, compliance and continuous improvement.
• Manage QHSE priorities, resources and budgets effectively.
• Compliance and Reporting
• Ensure ongoing compliance with internal standards, customer requirements, certification bodies and regulatory obligations.
• Prepare and present regular QHSE reports and performance metrics to senior management.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of legislation, standards and industry best practices relevant to QHSE.
• Support external certification and customer audits.
• Continuous Improvement
• Lead continuous improvement projects to enhance product quality, process capability, safety performance and environmental standards.
• Use data analysis and performance metrics to identify trends, risks and improvement opportunities.
• Promote proactive problem-solving and employee engagement in improvement activities.
• Support operational excellence initiatives across the manufacturing facility.

Qualifications

• Certifications in Quality, Health & Safety or Environmental Management (e.g. ISO 9001 Lead Auditor, Six Sigma, NEBOSH, IOSH, ISO 14001).
• Degree or equivalent qualification in Quality, Engineering, Manufacturing or a related discipline preferred.

Experience and Knowledge Requirements

• Minimum 5 years' experience in QHSE or Quality Management within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong working knowledge of ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 management systems.
• Proven experience leading quality improvement initiatives within a manufacturing or engineering environment.
• Experience managing audits, non-conformances, CAPA processes and root cause investigations.
• Strong understanding of quality tools and methodologies including Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma and statistical analysis.
• Experience working within project-based or complex manufacturing environments.
• Good understanding of environmental, health and safety legislation and compliance requirements.
• Experience driving cultural change and continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills and Competency Requirements

• Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence at all levels.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.
• Demonstrable experience in quality systems management and continuous improvement.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results under pressure.
• High attention to detail and strong organisational skills.
• Skilled in data analysis, reporting and KPI management.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications and QHSE management systems.
• Self-motivated with a proactive and improvement-focused mindset.
• Strong facilitation and training skills.
• Commercial awareness with a customer-focused approach.