Quality Manager in Farnham Royal

Quality Manager – AS9100 Implementation
Location: Slough, Berkshire
Salary: £40,000–£50,000 per annum
Job Type: Full-time, permanent
The Opportunity
We are recruiting a Quality Manager on behalf of an established specialist manufacturing business operating within the heat treatment and metal processing sector.
The business currently operates an ISO 9001 quality management system and is looking to strengthen its quality function as it works towards AS9100 certification.
This is a key appointment for an experienced quality professional with a background in heat treatment, metallurgy, metal processing, precision engineering or a closely related specialist manufacturing environment.
You will take ownership of the quality management system, lead the development and implementation of AS9100 requirements and work closely with production colleagues and senior management to embed robust quality processes throughout the business.
The company has a small, close-knit team and a collaborative working culture. This role will suit someone who enjoys being hands-on, building relationships across the business and taking personal responsibility for delivering improvements, rather than working in a large, highly departmentalised organisation.
Key Responsibilities
Lead the development and implementation of an AS9100-compliant quality management system, building on the existing ISO 9001 framework.
Conduct a gap analysis against applicable AS9100 requirements and develop a structured implementation plan.
Maintain, review and improve the existing ISO 9001 quality management system.
Prepare the business for external certification audits and coordinate the certification process.
Manage internal audits, external audits, supplier audits and customer quality assessments.
Investigate non-conformances, customer complaints and quality issues.
Implement corrective actions, root cause analysis and effective problem-solving methodologies.
Maintain quality procedures, technical documentation, records and document control.
Ensure appropriate process controls, product traceability and inspection records are maintained.
Work closely with production and technical colleagues to ensure customer specifications and process requirements are met.
Monitor quality performance, identify trends and implement continuous improvement initiatives.
Manage supplier quality, risk assessments and compliance requirements.
Deliver quality training and promote a strong quality culture throughout the organisation.
Liaise with customers, auditors and external certification bodies.
Report on quality performance, risks and certification progress to senior management.
Encourage a consistent, proactive approach to quality across all departments.
Essential Skills & Experience
Proven experience in a Quality Manager, Quality Engineer or similar quality-focused role within heat treatment, metallurgy, metal processing, precision engineering or a closely related specialist manufacturing sector.
Strong working knowledge of ISO 9001 quality management systems.
Sound knowledge of AS9100 requirements and the practical steps required to achieve certification.
Experience managing audits, non-conformances, corrective actions and continuous improvement.
Understanding of technical manufacturing processes, customer specifications and process control.
Experience maintaining quality documentation, traceability and compliance records.
Strong organisational, analytical and communication skills.
The ability to work collaboratively with production teams and senior management.
A proactive approach to improving quality standards and implementing robust systems.
The ability to take ownership of a project and work independently while remaining closely involved with the wider team.
Relevant industry experience is essential. Candidates must have worked in a suitable technical manufacturing or engineering environment; general quality management experience without relevant sector exposure will not be sufficient.
Desirable Experience
Previous responsibility for leading an AS9100 implementation through to certification.
Experience in aerospace, defence, precision engineering, heat treatment or specialist metal processing.
Knowledge of special process controls and aerospace customer requirements.
ISO 9001 and/or AS9100 internal auditor or lead auditor training.
Experience with risk-based thinking, supplier quality management and root cause analysis.
Personal Attributes
Methodical, organised and detail-oriented.
Confident in taking ownership of quality systems and certification projects.
Practical and approachable, with the ability to engage production personnel.
Comfortable working within a small, close-knit team.
Able to communicate quality requirements clearly and constructively.
Motivated to make a tangible difference to the business's quality standards and future development.
What's on Offer?
Salary of £40,000–£50,000 per annum, depending on experience.
The opportunity to lead a significant AS9100 certification project.
A key position within an established specialist manufacturing business.
A small, close-knit working environment with direct access to senior management.
The opportunity to shape quality systems and processes rather than simply maintain an established framework.
The chance to support the business's development into quality-critical engineering markets.
How to Apply
If you have a background in quality management within heat treatment, metal processing or a related engineering sector, and possess the knowledge to support an AS9100 certification programme, please get in touch for a confidential discussion.
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