At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead quality management for innovative rail projects and ensure top-notch standards.
- Company: Join Colas Rail UK, a leader in sustainable transport solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, healthcare, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of rail infrastructure while being your authentic self.
- Qualifications: Experience in quality management within rail systems and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with opportunities for growth and flexible working options.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
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Company: COLAS RAIL UK
Job Location: LONDON, GBR
Type of Contract: Permanent
Posting Start Date: 04/03/2026
Make your mark with Colas Rail UK. At Colas Rail, differences matter. Join a team where being your authentic self is respected, encouraged, and vital to our success. You will also get the opportunity to help us transform transportation, set new standards, and dare to be different.
About Us: Step into the world of Colas Rail, where a century of expertise merges with a daring spirit to shape the future of rail infrastructure. We are a leading rail infrastructure business with on track plant and freight capabilities. As a subsidiary of the Colas Group, we are part of over a hundred years' experience in delivering major innovations across our sector.
Leading by our Values: Our values, Respect, Commitment, Pioneering and Sharing are at the heart of everything we do. We respect our employees, celebrate diversity and foster a culture of safety, care and respect for everyone we interact with. We care about our employee's wellbeing and create an environment of inclusivity and support.
Job Description Purpose of the Role: The Quality Management Lead - Overhead Catenary System (OCS) is accountable for establishing, implementing, and maintaining the Quality Management arrangements for the design, installation, inspection, testing, commissioning, and handover of the OCS works on HS2. The role provides independent quality leadership, reporting at director level, and ensures that all activities are delivered in full compliance with the Contract Works Information, WI 600 - Quality Management, ISO 9001, ISO/TS 22163 (IRIS), and applicable railway, electrical, and safety standards.
Person Specification: Demonstrable experience leading quality management within rail systems, preferably Overhead Catenary Systems (OCS) or electrification programmes. Proven experience operating as an independent quality authority on major infrastructure or high-speed rail projects. Strong working knowledge and practical implementation experience of ISO 9001, ISO/TS 22163 (IRIS), ISO 10005 (Quality Plans), ISO 10006 (Quality in Projects), ISO 9004 (Organisational Maturity), ISO 19011 (Auditing Management Systems).
Key Responsibilities:
- Ensure the Contractor's QMS is certified to ISO 9001 and compliant with ISO/TS 22163 (IRIS).
- Develop, implement, and maintain the OCS Quality Plan.
- Act independently from delivery functions with authority to challenge activities and halt works where quality or compliance is compromised.
- Define, implement, and evidence robust design assurance processes for OCS works.
- Ensure Inspection and Test Plans (ITPs) are developed and accepted prior to works commencing.
- Develop and maintain the Material Certification and Traceability Plan in accordance with EN 10204.
- Ensure audits are conducted by competent, IRCA-qualified auditors in accordance with ISO 19011.
- Implement and manage the defect and nonconformance control process.
What We Offer: Competitive Salary, 26 days Annual Leave, Industry leading Life Assurance, Healthcare Cash Plan, Wellbeing Employee Assistant Programme, Pension Scheme, Eye Care Vouchers, Long Service Award, Season Ticket Loan.
We are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We believe that diversity drives innovation and creativity, and we actively seek to create an environment where everyone feels welcome, heard, valued and respected.
Head of Quality Assurance employer: Dycom Industries, Inc.
Contact Detail:
Dycom Industries, Inc. Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Quality Assurance
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company culture and values. At Colas Rail, they value respect, commitment, and pioneering spirit, so think about how your experiences align with these values and be ready to share examples.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your interview skills with a friend or mentor. Mock interviews can help you feel more confident and articulate when discussing your experience in quality management and how you can contribute to their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the Colas Rail family.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Quality Assurance
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Head of Quality Assurance role. Highlight your experience with quality management systems and any relevant projects you've worked on, especially in rail systems or electrification.
Showcase Your Values: Colas Rail values respect, commitment, pioneering, and sharing. Reflect these values in your application by providing examples of how you've demonstrated them in your previous roles. This will show us that you align with our culture.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points where necessary to make your achievements stand out. We want to see your qualifications and experiences without wading through unnecessary fluff!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Dycom Industries, Inc.
✨Know Your Quality Standards
Familiarise yourself with ISO 9001 and ISO/TS 22163 (IRIS) before the interview. Be ready to discuss how you've implemented these standards in past projects, especially in rail systems or electrification programmes.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that demonstrate your ability to lead quality management independently. Highlight situations where you challenged delivery functions constructively and ensured compliance with quality standards.
✨Understand the Project Lifecycle
Brush up on your knowledge of the full lifecycle of quality management from design to handover. Be prepared to discuss how you've managed quality across these stages in previous roles, particularly in complex, multi-disciplinary projects.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
Be ready to talk about your experience with root cause analysis and corrective actions. Share specific examples of how you've driven continuous improvement initiatives and fostered a strong quality culture within teams.