Quality Manager in Huddersfield

Cogent Staffing are seeking an experienced and proactive Quality Manager to join our client and take ownership of quality assurance, quality control, compliance, and continuous improvement across our engineering and manufacturing operations. This will be a senior leadership role that ensures adherence to internationally recognised standards (ISO) while driving improvements in operational quality, efficiency, and consistency. The successful candidate will operate with a high degree of independence and authority, with the ability to influence and intervene in production processes where required. Experience within heavy engineering, capital equipment, or complex manufacturing environments is essential.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure full compliance with ISO 9001:2015 quality management standards across all relevant operations.
• Maintain and develop compliance with ISO 3834 within the fabrication function.
• Lead the company’s certification journey towards ISO 45001 and ISO 14001.
• Manage all external audits, including annual and tri-annual recertification activities.
• Develop, implement, and maintain the internal audit programme, including planning and conducting audits.
• Host and coordinate customer and third-party audits to ensure smooth execution and strong audit outcomes.
• Support and conduct supplier audits to ensure quality standards are met across the supply chain.
• Manage and develop workshop inspection activities in line with internal requirements and customer expectations.
• Take ownership of the non-conformance system (NCR), including root cause analysis and corrective action implementation.
• Ensure compliance with internal and customer Inspection and Test Plans (ITPs).
• Coordinate third-party inspection services in line with project and contract requirements.
• Produce and report on Quality KPIs, contributing to management review processes.
• Oversee the creation, maintenance, and completion of Manufacturing Record Books (MRBs).
• Lead and embed a structured 5S programme across the business to improve discipline and visual standards.
• Ensure all quality records and documentation are accurate, up-to-date, controlled, and audit ready.
• Proactively identify improvement opportunities across processes, systems, and ways of working.
• Lead initiatives that strengthen discipline, accountability, and a sustained quality culture across the business.
• Where required, intervene in manufacturing activities to protect quality standards and support right-first-time delivery.

Key Requirements

• Proven experience in a Quality Manager or senior quality role within engineering and manufacturing.
• Strong working knowledge of ISO 9001:2015.
• Experience managing internal and external audit processes end-to-end.
• Demonstrated capability in root cause analysis and continuous improvement.
• Experience working with customer quality requirements and inspection standards.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Ability to operate independently and make sound decisions in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Ideally has experience with ISO 3834 and/or welding quality standards.
• Experience leading or supporting ISO 45001 and ISO 14001 certification.
• Experience implementing structured improvement methodologies (e.g., 5S, Lean).

What We Offer

• A key leadership role with real influence on business performance.
• Opportunity to shape and develop quality systems, standards, and best practice.
• Involvement in strategic initiatives, including ISO 45001 and ISO 14001 certification.
• A business environment where your input on improvement is expected and valued.
• Company-provided equipment, including a laptop and mobile phone.
• Training and support on company systems.
• Company benefits include private healthcare plan, 34 days annual leave, 5% pension contributions, WFH Fridays (after probation), and annual salary reviews.

At Cogent Staffing, we are committed to ethical recruitment practices and fostering an inclusive workplace. We actively encourage applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of race, gender, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. We believe that diversity enriches our teams and enhances our ability to serve our clients effectively. We ensure our recruitment processes are fair, transparent, and free from bias, promoting equal opportunities for all applicants.