At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Plant Quality Engineering team to ensure top-notch quality in manufacturing processes.
- Company: Join Autoscan, a leader in automotive quality assurance and inspection services.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, professional development, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Opportunity to work in a dynamic environment with a focus on continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Drive quality improvements and lead initiatives that elevate manufacturing standards.
- Qualifications: Degree in engineering and significant experience in manufacturing quality engineering required.
The predicted salary is between 38000 - 40000 £ per year.
Location: Solihull, B90
Company: Autoscan
Pay Rate: £38-£40 Ltd
Duration: 3-Months FTC
About Us
Autoscan UK Limited is a leading provider of quality assurance and inspection services to the automotive industry. With years of experience and a commitment to excellence, we partner with top automotive manufacturers to ensure the highest standards of quality and safety.
The Role
We are seeking a leader to head our Plant Quality Engineering team, providing the technical guidance, coaching, and performance development needed to establish a proactive quality culture across manufacturing operations. In this role, you will ensure processes consistently achieve safety, quality, and customer requirements by supporting production teams through daily reviews, managing escalations, and presenting performance updates to senior management to contribute to strategic planning.
You will ensure quality is built into manufacturing from launch by supporting New Product Introduction (NPI) activities, collaborating with Supplier Quality to resolve external bottlenecks, and coordinating responses to customer quality and warranty concerns. Furthermore, you will maintain compliance with ISO 9001 while implementing automotive quality standards and best practices across the facility.
Focusing on continuous improvement and structured problem-solving, you will lead investigations into internal quality concerns using methodologies such as 8D, A3, 5 Why, Ishikawa, and DMAIC, while managing the entire CAPA process from containment to validation. You will develop and maintain crucial quality documentation, including Process Control Plans, PFMEAs, and inspection standards, while monitoring manufacturing performance through KPIs and statistical analysis to act on trends.
Your technical background will be essential as you lead process validation activities—including capability studies (Cp/Cpk), MSA, and process audits—alongside Layered Process Audits (LPA) and internal manufacturing reviews. Ultimately, your objective will be to drive initiatives that reduce defects, elevate first-time-through quality, and lower the cost of poor quality.
Please Note: All candidates must possess valid right to work in the UK without restrictions and must undergo a standard criminal record check (DBS). All applications will be treated in the strictest of confidence. We are NOT able to support Visa Sponsorship for this role. We do NOT accept speculative CVs from Recruitment Agencies.
Requirements
Skills & Experience
- Essential Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality Engineering, or a related discipline.
- Significant experience within manufacturing quality engineering in automotive, motorcycle, aerospace, or high-value engineering industries.
- Previous experience leading or mentoring quality engineering teams.
- Strong understanding of manufacturing processes including machining, assembly, fabrication, and paint.
- Proven experience with structured problem-solving techniques including: 8D, 5 Why, Ishikawa, FMEA, Control Plan, SPC, MSA and PPAP principles.
- Experience conducting process and product audits.
- Excellent analytical and data interpretation skills.
- Experience supporting New Product Introduction (NPI).
- Strong communication and stakeholder management abilities.
- Ability to influence cross-functional teams and drive quality improvements.
Desirable
- Lead Auditor qualification.
- Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt.
- Knowledge of IATF 16949 core quality tools.
- Experience within premium automotive or motorcycle manufacturing.
- Familiarity with digital quality systems and Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES).
Lead Plant Quality Engineer in Solihull employer: E-PPL
Autoscan UK Limited is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Solihull where quality and innovation are at the forefront of the automotive industry. With a strong commitment to employee development, we provide opportunities for growth through mentorship and hands-on experience in leading quality engineering initiatives. Our collaborative culture fosters continuous improvement and empowers our team to make impactful contributions while ensuring the highest standards of safety and quality.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Plant Quality Engineer in Solihull
✨Get Your Hands Dirty in the Industry
For a temporary role in manufacturing, don’t shy away from physically visiting local factories and production sites. A friendly walk-in can often lead to spontaneous interviews or valuable connections, and can really help you get a sense of the workplace vibe.
✨Tap into Seasonal Hiring Windows
Manufacturing often sees spikes in hiring during particular seasons, like summer when production ramps up. Keep an eye on local job boards and community centres, or even visit seasonal job fairs—they’re golden for snagging those temporary roles we’re after.
✨Join Industry-Specific Communities
Consider joining online forums and social media groups specific to manufacturing. Sites like Reddit or even LinkedIn groups can give you insights into open positions and allow you to connect with current employees who might give you an edge in the hiring process.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Site!
With E-PPL looking for temporary talent, make sure to apply directly through our website. It’s often the fastest way to get your foot in the door, so make the most of it. Plus, it shows you're proactive—always a win!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Plant Quality Engineer in Solihull
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Practical Skills:In manufacturing and production, hands-on skills are key! Make sure your CV showcases any relevant experience with machinery, quality control, or assembly line work. If you’ve got certifications related to operating specific equipment, don’t forget to include those too!
Focus on Flexibility and Adaptability:For a temporary role, employers are looking for candidates who can hit the ground running. In your cover letter, emphasise your ability to adapt quickly and work well under pressure. Share any experiences where you've successfully adjusted to changing circumstances or tight deadlines.
Include Specific Measurements of Your Impact:Manufacturing roles often revolve around efficiency and productivity. If you’ve previously worked in similar roles, be sure to quantify your achievements. For example, mention how you improved production rates or reduced waste – numbers stand out and show you mean business!
Express Your Interest in the Industry:Temporary roles can be a great stepping stone for future opportunities! Take a moment in your application to express why you’re interested in manufacturing and production. Showing genuine enthusiasm for the field can make a real difference and may keep doors open for upcoming positions!
How to prepare for a job interview at E-PPL
✨Showcase Your Hands-On Experience
In the manufacturing and production world, they want to see that you can actually handle the tools and machines. Bring along any certifications you have or even pictures of projects you’ve worked on. We want to demonstrate that you're not just a theory person but someone who can jump right in.
✨Emphasise Safety Knowledge
Safety's a huge deal in manufacturing, so make sure you’re clued up about health and safety regulations. Be prepared to discuss how you've followed safety protocols in past roles. It's all about showing you can contribute to a safe working environment at E-PPL.
✨Flexibility is Key
Since this is a temporary role, highlight your adaptability and willingness to step into different roles as needed. Share examples of times you’ve adjusted quickly to new situations or tackled varied tasks. We want to show you're the go-to person when things get busy!
✨Ask About Team Dynamics
In any temporary role, fitting in quickly is vital. Ask about team dynamics and collaboration processes during the interview. This shows you’re not only ready to contribute but also keen to blend into E-PPL’s culture, making you a valuable asset.
