At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead quality initiatives and ensure top-notch product standards in manufacturing.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking company shaping the future of quality in defence and aerospace.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, flexible benefits, and 26 days holiday plus bank holidays.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team driving innovation and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on product quality and operational excellence in critical industries.
- Qualifications: Degree in Engineering or Quality-related field with leadership experience in manufacturing.
The predicted salary is between 56700 - 69300 £ per year.
Our Quality Engineering team serves as the critical link between design, manufacturing, and customer delivery. We go beyond traditional inspection, embedding quality into every stage of the product lifecycle to build enduring confidence with customers and stakeholders. Through a proactive, prevention-focused mindset and data-driven decision-making, we strengthen capability, reduce risk, and deliver measurable operational and business improvements while maintaining the highest standards of safety, reliability, and performance.
As the Production Quality Manager at our Rugby site, you will be a visible leader on the shop floor, taking ownership of product quality across our manufacturing operations. Working closely with production teams, you'll make critical quality decisions, resolve issues at source, and ensure the right balance between quality, delivery, and customer requirements.
Supporting low-volume, highly specialised manufacturing for the defence, aerospace, and heavy industrial sectors, you'll drive a culture of accountability, problem-solving, and continuous improvement, ensuring products are built right first time. As a key member of the site leadership team, you'll strengthen operational performance and help shape the future of our manufacturing capability.
Management & Leadership:
- Maintain a daily, proactive presence on the shop floor to monitor performance and identify process risks before they affect delivery.
- Review legacy processes to drive the adoption of modern, effective methodologies.
- Provide daily leadership to the quality teams setting clear objectives and development plans.
- Maintain rigorous performance management standards to ensure alignment with manufacturing and quality goals.
Operational Governance & Performance Management:
- Chair daily quality governance meetings and hold authority over GO/NO-GO decisions.
- Monitor the RMR Quality Dashboard to identify trends, manage risks, and report performance to the leadership team.
- Drive measurable improvements in customer and internal escapes, Product COPQ, inspection backlogs, audit completion, and production recovery activities.
Product Conformity & Quality Assurance:
- Define risk-based inspection strategies and lead production quality readiness activities, including FAT and pre-FAT milestones.
- Establish expectations for reliability engineering and analytical methodologies, including FMEA, DFMEA, FTA, and structured problem-solving approaches such as 8D and DMAIC.
Process Improvement:
- Act as the primary technical point of contact for customer quality requirements, ensuring expectations are understood and achieved.
- Lead Lean Quality initiatives and chair weekly Root Cause Analysis (RCA) reviews to drive sustainable corrective and preventive actions.
Digital Data Transformation:
- Experience leveraging digital quality systems, performance analytics, dashboards, and ERP platforms such as SAP to drive informed decision-making and operational excellence.
- Champion Visual Management, Kaizen activities, and lessons learned programmes to strengthen manufacturing robustness, quality performance, and operational efficiency.
Essential Candidate Requirements:
- A degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or a Quality-related discipline (or equivalent professional experience) with a proven track record in manufacturing quality leadership.
- The ability to coach and develop talent across diverse engineering teams.
- Demonstrated success in leading quality transformation, moving beyond traditional inspection to embed quality at the source through modern, digital quality systems.
- Advanced expertise in Root Cause Analysis (RCA), CAPA, ISO 9001, Lean manufacturing principles, and KPI management.
- Experience influencing manufacturing strategy and driving operational excellence within high-compliance environments.
Desirable:
- Working knowledge of APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, Control Plans, and statistical quality tools, including SPC and MSA.
- Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification, or equivalent experience in driving operational and quality improvement initiatives.
- Experience within rotating electrical machines, heavy engineering, power generation, aerospace, defence, or other complex manufacturing environments.
At GE Vernova, we invest in your long-term success and wellbeing through a comprehensive, flexible benefits package designed to support what matters most to you. Our Total Reward offering includes competitive compensation, a performance-related bonus, flexible pension with a 10% employers’ contribution, employer-funded private health insurance, income protection, and life assurance. We support your time to recharge with 26 days of holiday, plus bank holidays.
Join us at a pivotal time as we modernise our manufacturing capability and shape the future of quality across our Rugby operation. This is an opportunity to influence strategy, lead meaningful change, strengthen digital capability, and make a lasting impact on the performance, reliability, and integrity of products used in critical applications worldwide.
Production Quality Manager in Rugby employer: GE Vernova
GE Vernova in Stafford is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration among engineers. With a strong commitment to employee growth, you will have access to ongoing training and development opportunities, as well as the chance to work on cutting-edge HVDC projects that make a real impact globally. The supportive environment and emphasis on teamwork ensure that every employee can thrive while contributing to sustainable energy solutions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Production Quality Manager in Rugby
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like GE Vernova, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace Production Quality Manager in Rugby
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to GE Vernova specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at GE Vernova
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with GE Vernova, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like GE Vernova value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
