At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead quality strategy and ensure compliance in complex engineering programmes.
- Company: Join Babcock, a global leader in engineering and defence.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, pension scheme, health support, and professional development.
- Other info: Flexible working options and a commitment to inclusivity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on national security and public infrastructure.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in quality management and leadership in regulated environments.
The predicted salary is between 60750 - 74250 £ per year.
At Babcock we’re working to create a safe and secure world, together, and if you join us, you can play your part as Head of Quality at our Devonport Royal Dockyard site.
The role involves providing strategic leadership to a critical function that underpins the safe, compliant and successful delivery of complex engineering programmes. You will shape quality strategy, strengthen governance and assurance frameworks, and champion a culture of continuous improvement across the organisation.
Day-to-day, you’ll directly support business performance, customer confidence, regulatory compliance and long-term organisational success. Working with senior stakeholders across engineering, manufacturing, design and supply chain functions, you will help ensure the highest standards of quality are embedded throughout programme delivery.
- Leading the strategic direction, performance and effectiveness of the Quality function for multiple construction projects.
- Embedding robust quality frameworks that support safe, compliant and successful programme delivery.
- Championing quality assurance, governance and continuous improvement across the organisation.
- Providing expert leadership, assurance and oversight across major nuclear and defence programmes.
- Developing high-performing teams and fostering a culture of accountability, excellence and continual improvement.
This role is full time, 35 hours per week and is based on site at Devonport Royal Dockyard.
Essential experience:
- Extensive experience leading multiple quality functions across major nuclear, defence or highly regulated construction programmes in major nuclear or defence EPC projects.
- Proven success in developing quality strategies, management systems, assurance frameworks and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Strong knowledge of ISO 9001:2015, ISO 19443, AQAP 2110 and quality performance reporting methodologies.
- Experience leading multidisciplinary teams, including organisational design, capability development, resource planning and budget management.
- Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills, with the ability to drive performance across complex organisations.
Qualifications:
Essential: Fellow or chartered member of Chartered Quality Institute (CQI).
Desirable: Lead Auditor qualification. Degree or Honours Degree. Postgraduate qualification, preferably in a quality-related discipline.
Security Clearance: The successful candidate must be able to achieve and maintain Security Check (SC) security clearance for this role.
What we offer:
- Generous holiday allowance
- Matched contribution pension scheme, with life assurance
- Access to a Digital GP, annual health check, and nutritional consultations through Aviva DigiCare+
- Employee shopping savings portal
- Payment of Professional Fees
- Reservists in the armed forces receive 10-days special paid leave
- Holiday Trading is a benefit that allows UK Babcock employees to buy additional leave or to sell up to one working week of annual leave from their annual entitlement.
- ‘Be Kind Day’ enables employees to take one working day's paid leave a year (or equivalent hours) to undertake volunteering work with their chosen organisation or registered charity.
Babcock is a global FTSE 100 organisation with over 29,000 people working together to make a difference. Here, you’ll be part of something bigger. From initial design to final decommissioning, your work will contribute to products and services that are essential to national security and public infrastructure. Together, we’re building a future that lasts — not just through the impact we make, but through meaningful careers that respect your work-life balance.
We are a disability confident, committed employer. If you have a disability or need any reasonable adjustments during the application and selection stages, please email careers@babcockinternational.com with the subject header ‘Reasonable adjustments requirement’. We’re committed to building an inclusive culture where everyone’s free to thrive. We are happy to talk about flexible working – please ask about alternative patterns of work at interview.
Head of Quality employer: Babcock International
Babcock is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee well-being and career development, offering a flexible hybrid working environment in the UK. With generous benefits such as a matched pension scheme, professional fee coverage, and unique initiatives like 'Be Kind Day' for volunteering, Babcock fosters a supportive and inclusive culture where employees can thrive while contributing to vital national security projects.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Quality
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Head of Quality role you’re after at Babcock International.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at Babcock International a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at Babcock International.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Head of Quality at Babcock International, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Quality
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Head of Quality, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at Babcock International a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to Babcock International specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Babcock International
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Babcock International, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like Babcock International want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
