At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead quality management for HS2, ensuring top-notch standards across major infrastructure projects.
- Company: Join HS2 Ltd, a key player in the UK's high-speed rail network.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, health perks, hybrid work, and 25 days annual leave.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for career growth in a major 10+ year programme.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on one of the UK's most significant infrastructure projects.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in quality management on complex projects; relevant qualifications preferred.
Location: Birmingham – Hybrid (3 days per week in the office)
Salary: £60,000 - 65,500 + 12% Pen + Health + 25 days annual leave
Programme: High Speed Two (HS2) – 10+ year delivery programme
The Opportunity
Are you a Quality Manager with experience on large, complex infrastructure programmes such as Rail, Nuclear, Airports, Major Civils, Power, Water or Construction and looking to play a pivotal role on one of the UK’s most significant infrastructure projects? HS2 Ltd, the organisation responsible for delivering and operating the UK’s high-speed rail network, is seeking experienced Quality Managers to provide strategic quality leadership across its major design and construction contracts.
This is a strategic, programme-level Quality role on one of the UK’s most complex infrastructure schemes, focusing on strategic quality management, trend analysis and system improvement - influencing quality performance at programme level rather than managing day-to-day NCRs.
About the Role
Based in Birmingham, you will provide quality management oversight on the £6bn Main Works Civils Contract for the Northern Section, delivered under a Design & Build model by the BBV Joint Venture (Balfour Beaty, Vinci) - this is the largest single contract on HS2. The scope of works includes: 42 Viaducts, 66 bridges, 35 cuttings, 56 culverts, 66 embankments, green tunnels & 4 motor crossings. Approximately 5 years remain on the BBV Main Works Civils Contract. Following this phase, you will transition onto either station delivery or rail systems contracts, with at least 10 years of programme delivery remaining overall.
Your Role in the Programme
Working closely with the Heads of Quality for the Principal Contractors, you will represent the client’s assurance perspective, operating at a macro and strategic level. Rather than managing individual non-conformances, you will:
- Ensure self-assuring principal contractors have robust quality management systems and processes.
- Analyse quality performance trends to identify systemic risks and improvement opportunities – why are there too many NCR unclosed, is there an issue in an area?
- Drive continuous improvement across process, performance, efficiency and compliance - drive the Quality Improvement plan across delivery contracts.
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare, analyse and present quality management information to senior business leaders – quality reports go to Board level & Dft consumption.
- Review and approve top-level project quality plans.
- Lead trend analysis of quality performance reports and data.
- Drive structured problem solving and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Influence and challenge contractors to improve quality outcomes across complex delivery environments.
Experience & Background Required
- As a guide would expect 5 years’ experience in quality management on complex Design & Build major projects.
- Experience gained on the client, consultant or main contractor side.
- Background in major civils or large infrastructure delivery, including (but not limited to): Rail, Nuclear, Airports, Highways, Water, Power, Major construction programmes.
Key Skills & Knowledge
- Strong familiarity with NEC3 contract environments, including ECC quality requirements.
- Comfortable operating in a high-volume, complex documentation and deliverables environment.
- Experience as a Quality Manager on large infrastructure projects.
- Ideally a Lead Auditor, with experience planning and conducting external audits of Tier 1 contractors.
- Ability to work with large data sets, extract insight, and present clear, actionable recommendations to senior leadership.
Qualifications
- Relevant technical or quality-focused qualification, such as:
- HNC / NVQ Level 5 or equivalent.
- Ideally Degree or Level 6 qualification in Engineering, Science, or Quality.
- Support provided toward Chartered Quality Institute (CQI) membership.
- Certified ISO 9001:2015 Lead Auditor Training Course.
Quality Manager - Strategic in Birmingham employer: Charlton Recruitment
HS2 Ltd is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Birmingham that fosters professional growth and development. With a focus on strategic quality management within one of the UK's most significant infrastructure projects, employees benefit from a collaborative culture, competitive salary packages, and comprehensive health benefits, alongside opportunities to influence major outcomes in the rail industry. The hybrid working model allows for a balanced work-life integration, making it an attractive choice for those seeking meaningful and impactful careers.
