At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead quality initiatives and drive operational improvements in a manufacturing environment.
- Company: Established manufacturing organisation with a focus on quality and continuous improvement.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership role, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape a culture of quality and make a real impact on business processes.
- Qualifications: Experience in quality leadership and strong knowledge of ISO 9001.
- Other info: Dynamic role with potential for significant career advancement.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 60000 £ per year.
Salary: £55,000 – £60,000 per annum
Location: Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire ST1
Full-time, office-based working Monday to Friday
Are you an experienced quality leader ready to take ownership of a business-wide Quality Management System and drive real operational improvement? This is a key leadership role with responsibility for shaping, strengthening, and embedding a culture of quality across an established manufacturing organisation.
About the Role
As Head of Quality & Business Systems, you will be the owner of the organisation’s Quality Management Systems and the driving force behind continuous improvement. You’ll lead internal and external audit activity, manage NCR/CAPA governance, and ensure processes are documented, trained, and followed across all departments. You’ll also oversee product quality, customer complaints, supplier quality, and risk-based control plans, ensuring the business delivers right‑first‑time performance and consistently high standards.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, coach, and develop the Quality team
- Own and maintain the ISO 9001 Quality Management System
- Lead external audits and manage corrective actions
- Standardise and improve documented processes across all functions
- Manage training and competency frameworks linked to process compliance
- Create and deliver the internal audit programme
- Oversee NCR and CAPA governance, including root cause analysis
- Reduce defects, rework, scrap, and quality-related waste
- Manage customer complaints, investigations, and corrective actions
- Drive supplier quality improvements and manage incoming inspection strategies
- Embed risk-based thinking and develop control plans
- Ensure controlled management of change across processes and engineering
- Own the digital QMS structure and documentation accessibility
- Lead quality reviews, KPI reporting, and management review inputs
What We’re Looking For
- Strong working knowledge of ISO 9001 and internal auditing
- Proven quality leadership experience within a manufacturing environment
- Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills
- Strong communication and analytical abilities
- Internal auditing qualification (preferred)
- Self-motivated, organised, and able to work independently
- Strong IT capability, including digital QMS tools
If you would like to apply for the role of Head of Quality and Business Systems then please email your CV or call Deb on 07557803946. Closing date is 28.3.2026. Please note this could change subject to suitable applications.
Hawk 3 Talent Solutions are committed to the selection, recruitment and development of the best people, basing judgements solely on suitability for the job. Thank you for your interest in this role and we look forward to working with you in the future.
Head of Quality Assurance in Stafford employer: Hawk 3 Talent Solutions
Contact Detail:
Hawk 3 Talent Solutions Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Quality Assurance in Stafford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about letting people know you’re on the hunt for a Head of Quality role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s quality standards and recent projects. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in how you can elevate their processes and culture of quality.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with their needs, especially around ISO 9001 compliance and leading teams. Confidence is key, so rehearse until it feels natural.
✨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 take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Quality Assurance in Stafford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Quality & Business Systems role. Highlight your experience with ISO 9001 and any leadership roles you've held in quality management. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've driven quality improvements in previous positions. We love a good story that showcases your impact!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a key leadership role, we’re keen to see your ability to lead and develop teams. Mention any relevant experiences where you’ve coached or mentored others, and how you’ve influenced quality culture in your past roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hawk 3 Talent Solutions
✨Know Your ISO 9001 Inside Out
As a Head of Quality & Business Systems, you'll need to demonstrate a strong working knowledge of ISO 9001. Brush up on the standards and be ready to discuss how you've implemented them in previous roles. Think about specific examples where you’ve led audits or improved compliance.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role requires you to lead and develop a quality team. Prepare to share your leadership style and experiences. Think of instances where you've successfully coached team members or influenced stakeholders to adopt quality improvements.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills, especially around managing customer complaints or conducting root cause analysis. Have a few scenarios ready where you turned a quality issue into an opportunity for improvement.
✨Demonstrate Your IT Savvy
With a focus on digital QMS tools, be prepared to discuss your experience with technology in quality management. Highlight any specific software or systems you've used and how they helped streamline processes or improve quality outcomes.