At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and improve the Quality Department in a dynamic precision engineering environment.
- Company: Established precision engineering manufacturer with a focus on quality and innovation.
- Benefits: Up to £55k salary, 23 days holiday, pension contributions, and ongoing training.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a modern, well-equipped facility.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by transforming the Quality function and leading a dedicated team.
- Qualifications: Experience in precision engineering and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 38250 - 46750 £ per year.
Location: Cambridge
Salary: Up to £55k (negotiable, dependent on experience)
Hours: 41.5 hours per week
- Monday-Thursday: 8:00am - 5:00pm
- Friday: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Benefits:
- 23 days holiday, increasing with length of service
- 4% company pension contribution
- Death in Service benefit
- Christmas bonus dependent on company profitability
- Long service awards
- Free on-site parking
- Safety shoes and uniform provided
- Free tea and coffee
- Quarterly company social events
- Excellent ongoing training and development opportunities
Company Profile: A well-established and growing precision engineering manufacturer specialising in the subcontract manufacture of high-quality, precision machined parts and components for customers across a diverse range of technically demanding industries. Operating from a modern, well-equipped manufacturing facility, the company provides an end-to-end manufacturing service and continues to invest heavily in state-of-the-art CNC machine tools, inspection technology, equipment and its people.
Working Environment:
- Modern, state-of-the-art subcontract precision machining facility
- Busy manufacturing environment with a strong order book
- 40+ employees working across the shop floor
- Dedicated, fully equipped Quality Department
- Team of approximately 7 Quality Inspectors
- Modern manual and CMM inspection equipment
- Clean, organised and professional working environment
- Continued investment in machinery, inspection technology and staff development
The Opportunity: This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Quality Manager, Quality Team Leader, Senior Quality Inspector or Quality Supervisor who comes from a strong hands-on precision engineering background and is ready to take ownership of a Quality Department. This is not a purely compliance, systems or paperwork-focused Quality Manager position. The business is looking for a technically strong, time-served Quality professional who understands the realities of inspecting precision machined components and can combine that knowledge with proven leadership and management ability.
Key Responsibilities:
- Take day-to-day ownership of the Quality Department and its team of Quality Inspectors
- Lead, support, develop and motivate the existing Quality team
- Review current inspection processes, working practices and departmental structure
- Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, consistency, communication and overall quality performance
- Remain technically hands-on and provide support with the inspection of precision machined parts and components when required
- Read and interpret detailed engineering drawings, specifications and tolerances
- Operate Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMMs) to inspect precision machined components
- Support the development of CMM inspection capability within the department
- Use and support inspection using manual measuring equipment including micrometres, verniers, gauges, calipers and associated equipment
- Investigate manufacturing and quality issues and support effective root cause analysis
- Manage customer and supplier non-conformances where required
- Work closely with Production, Engineering and Manufacturing teams to resolve quality issues
- Support continuous improvement activities throughout the Quality function
- Maintain effective communication with customers regarding technical and quality matters
- Support customer and external audits where required
- Ensure quality standards are maintained within a busy subcontract machining environment
- Help develop the Quality Department in line with the continued growth and investment of the business
Skills & Experience: We are particularly interested in candidates who have developed their careers through hands-on precision engineering inspection and subsequently progressed into leadership, supervisory or management responsibility. You should ideally have:
- Extensive experience within precision engineering, CNC machining or subcontract machining
- A strong hands-on background inspecting precision machined parts and components
- Previous experience leading, supervising or managing a Quality / Inspection team
- Excellent ability to read and interpret engineering drawings
- Strong understanding of dimensional tolerances, geometric tolerancing and precision measurement
- Practical experience operating CMM inspection equipment
- Experience programming CMMs would be highly advantageous, although this is not essential
- Strong experience using manual inspection equipment including micrometres, verniers, gauges and calipers
- A practical understanding of quality issues arising within CNC machining and precision manufacturing
- The confidence to challenge existing processes and introduce improvements
- Strong leadership and people-management skills
- A proactive, practical and solutions-focused approach
- The ability to communicate effectively with machinists, engineers, management and customers
- Experience working within Aerospace, Defence or similarly demanding precision engineering sectors would be advantageous.
- Knowledge of quality standards such as ISO 9001 and AS9100 would also be beneficial; however, the emphasis of this position is on hands-on quality leadership, inspection expertise and departmental improvement rather than purely Quality Systems compliance.
The Person: The business is looking for someone who wants to make the Quality Department their own. You may currently be an experienced Quality Manager looking for a more hands-on position, or you could be a highly experienced Quality Supervisor, Quality Team Leader or Senior Quality Inspector who has the technical ability and leadership experience to take the next step. You will need to be comfortable working within a fast-paced subcontract manufacturing environment where priorities can change and quality needs to work closely alongside Production. Most importantly, you will have the credibility that comes from having spent time inspecting precision engineered components yourself. You will understand the challenges faced by the inspection team, be confident making technical decisions and have the leadership ability to bring people with you as you introduce improvements.
For the right person, this is an opportunity to take responsibility for an established Quality Department within a growing precision engineering business, give it a fresh perspective and help transform it into an even stronger function supporting the company's continued growth.
Quality Manager in Saint Neots employer: Confidential
As a leading employer in the data centre operations sector, we offer an exceptional work environment that prioritises employee growth and development. Our collaborative culture fosters innovation and accountability, while our commitment to safety and operational excellence ensures that you will be part of a team that values your contributions. With opportunities for international travel and the chance to lead critical operations across the EMEA region, this role provides a unique platform for impactful leadership and career advancement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Quality Manager in Saint Neots
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like Confidential, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace Quality Manager in Saint Neots
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Confidential specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Confidential
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Confidential, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Confidential value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
