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.
This job is brought to you by Jobs/Redefined, the UK's leading over-50s age inclusive jobs board.
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 in London 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 in London
✨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 and its culture. Understand their values, like respect and commitment, so you can show how you align with them. Tailor your answers to reflect their mission and demonstrate your passion for quality assurance.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or use online resources to refine your responses. Focus on articulating your experience with quality management systems and how you've led teams to success in past projects.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about joining our inclusive team at Colas Rail.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Quality Assurance in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Quality Assurance role. Highlight your experience with quality management systems and any relevant certifications. We want to see how your skills align with our values and the specific requirements of the job.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about quality assurance in rail systems. Share specific examples of how you've led quality initiatives and how you can contribute to our mission at Colas Rail.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a potential leader, we want to see your ability to influence and challenge teams constructively. Include examples of how you've successfully managed quality across complex projects and how you've fostered a culture of safety and compliance.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of being noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets to the right people. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Dycom Industries, Inc.
✨Know Your Standards
Familiarise yourself with ISO 9001 and ISO/TS 22163 (IRIS) as they are crucial for the Head of Quality Assurance role. Be ready to discuss how you've implemented these standards in past projects, showcasing your expertise in quality management.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that demonstrate your ability to lead quality management independently. Highlight situations where you challenged delivery functions or halted works due to quality concerns, showing your commitment to maintaining high standards.
✨Emphasise Your Problem-Solving Abilities
Be ready to discuss your experience with nonconformity processes and root cause analysis. Share specific instances where you identified defects and implemented corrective actions, illustrating your proactive approach to quality assurance.
✨Engage with Their Values
Colas Rail values respect, commitment, pioneering, and sharing. During the interview, align your responses with these values, demonstrating how you embody them in your work and how you can contribute to their inclusive culture.