At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead quality management for HS2, ensuring top-notch standards on major infrastructure projects.
- Company: Join HS2 Ltd, a key player in the UK's high-speed rail network.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 12% pension, private healthcare, and 25 days annual leave.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on one of the UK's most significant infrastructure projects.
- Qualifications: 5 years' experience in quality management on complex projects required.
- Other info: Hybrid work model with excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 70755 £ per year.
Location: London (Euston) – Hybrid (3 days per week in the office)
Salary: £65,000 – £70,755 + 12% Pension + Private Healthcare + 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 client-side, strategic Quality role, influencing quality performance at programme level rather than managing day-to-day NCRs.
About the Role
Based in London, you will provide quality management oversight on the £4.2bn London Tunnels Main Works Civils Contract, delivered under a Design & Build model by the SCS Joint Venture (Costain, Skanska, Strabag). The scope of works includes major heavy civils activities such as:
- Shafts and portal works
- Green tunnels and earthworks
- Bridges and cross passages
- Utilities diversions and associated infrastructure
Approximately four years remain on the London Tunnels 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
- Drive continuous improvement across process, performance, efficiency and compliance
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare, analyse and present quality management information to senior business leaders
- 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
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
Quality Manager - HS2 employer: Charlton Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Charlton Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Quality Manager - HS2
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to current employees at HS2. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching HS2 and its projects. Understand their quality management approach and think about how your experience aligns with their needs. We want you to show them you’re not just a fit for the role, but also passionate about their mission!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your answers to common interview questions, especially those related to quality management in complex projects. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses. This will help you articulate your experience clearly and confidently.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we often have insider tips and updates on new roles that might be perfect for you. Let’s get you that Quality Manager position!
We think you need these skills to ace Quality Manager - HS2
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Quality Manager role. Highlight your experience in managing quality on large infrastructure projects and any relevant qualifications. We want to see how your background aligns with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about quality management and how you can contribute to HS2. Be sure to mention specific experiences that relate to the job description.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on your achievements rather than just responsibilities. Use metrics where possible to demonstrate your impact on quality performance and continuous improvement initiatives.
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 don’t miss out on any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at Charlton Recruitment
✨Know Your Quality Management Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of quality management systems, especially in the context of large infrastructure projects. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experience that demonstrate your ability to influence quality performance at a strategic level.
✨Understand HS2 and Its Challenges
Familiarise yourself with the HS2 project and its complexities. Research the specific challenges faced in major civils activities like tunnels and bridges. This will show your genuine interest and help you articulate how your skills can contribute to overcoming these challenges.
✨Prepare for Data-Driven Discussions
Since the role involves analysing quality performance trends, be prepared to discuss how you've used data to drive improvements in previous roles. Bring examples of reports or analyses you've conducted, and be ready to explain your thought process behind them.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Quality Manager, you'll need to influence and challenge contractors. Think of instances where you've successfully led teams or initiatives. Highlight your ability to communicate effectively with senior leaders and how you've driven continuous improvement in past projects.