Construction Quality Manager in North East, Seaham

New Job Opportunity - Initial 12 Month Contract (Inside IR35) - Based in Durham/Murton or Inverness.

Location: Durham/Murton or Inverness

Contract: 12 Months ongoing (work up until 2030)

IR35 Status: Inside IR35

Project: HVDC Project

Requirements: 5 days per week on site

Key experience: The Ideal candidate would have hands on construction site experience, great communication skills with suppliers/stakeholders, HVDC, substation or high voltage project experience with either National Grid or Scottish Power but also open to an oil & gas background.

Role Purpose: The Construction Quality Manager will provide quality assurance and readiness support across all construction activities for the HVDC Project. The role is responsible for ensuring that all works comply with contractual, regulatory, and technical requirements while driving a culture of quality excellence across contractors and project teams. This position plays a critical role in ensuring the facility is constructed safely, correctly, and prepared for reliable long-term operation.

Key Responsibilities

• Technical Expertise – HVDC Construction
  • Demonstrate strong understanding of HVDC converter station systems, including valve halls, transformers, reactors, harmonic filters, GIS, cooling systems, and control buildings.
  • Review and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and technical standards accurately.
  • Ensure compliance with IEC, EN, BS, and utility-specific HVDC standards across all construction activities.
  • Assess installation methods, construction sequencing, and tolerances to maintain technical integrity.
• Quality Management & Assurance
  • Develop and implement Project Quality Plans, Inspection & Test Plans (ITPs), and quality control procedures.
  • Conduct audits of contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers, ensuring timely resolution of non-conformances.
  • Verify that all materials, equipment, and installations meet required certifications and acceptance criteria.
  • Maintain comprehensive quality documentation to support commissioning and energisation readiness.
• Risk Management & Problem Solving
  • Identify quality-related risks proactively and implement mitigation strategies.
  • Lead root cause investigations for defects, installation issues, and process failures.
  • Support timely decision-making to protect project quality and delivery objectives.
  • Drive preventive actions and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Leadership & Contractor Oversight
  • Provide clear direction to contractors and subcontractors regarding quality expectations and compliance requirements.
  • Promote a “right first time” quality culture across the project.
  • Coach project teams on inspection readiness, quality standards, and best practices.
  • Monitor and manage contractor quality performance.
• Stakeholder Management & Communication
  • Act as the primary point of contact for quality-related matters with EPC contractors, OEMs, client representatives, and regulatory bodies.
  • Facilitate quality coordination meetings and ensure alignment across all project stakeholders.
  • Communicate technical quality issues clearly and effectively.
  • Prepare accurate and concise quality reports for project leadership.
• Documentation & Reporting
  • Ensure inspection records, test results, NCR logs, and as-built documentation are complete, accurate, and auditable.
  • Support commissioning activities by ensuring all pre-commissioning quality deliverables are achieved.
  • Maintain high standards of document control and traceability throughout the project lifecycle.
• Safety, Compliance & Integrity
  • Ensure all quality activities comply with project safety requirements and CDM regulations.
  • Promote safe working practices across all construction activities.
  • Maintain high ethical standards and integrity in all quality and compliance decisions.

Qualifications & Experience

• Degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Civil Engineering, or a related discipline (or equivalent experience).
• Minimum 5 years' experience in quality management on major power or infrastructure projects.
• Experience within HVDC, substations, or high-voltage transmission projects strongly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems.
• Proven experience managing quality within EPC or multi-contractor environments.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Compliance with project quality plans, procedures, and standards.
• Reduction in non-conformances and rework.
• Timely completion of inspections, testing, and documentation.
• Contractor audit performance and quality compliance.
• Readiness of quality dossiers for commissioning and energisation milestones.

At First Recruitment Group we understand just how important it is to secure the right people. That is why our Recruitment Consultants always take the time to understand requirements in detail and offer sound advice to both clients and candidates. We actively recruit at all levels and this is a superb opportunity for a Quality Manager looking for new employment. As part of putting people first, we strive to be an equal opportunities employer and we are always looking to increase the diversity of our workforce, working closely with our clients to ensure everyone is included.