Quality Manager - Rail in Manchester

Hayley Dexis has an opportunity available for a forward-thinking Quality Manager to join our growing Rail division based in Manchester. Hayley Dexis is the largest independent distributor of engineering products and consumables in the UK. With a commitment to innovation and excellence, we provide cutting‑edge solutions to our clients across various industries. We are an equal opportunities employer, currently employing over 1,300 people who continue to be a cornerstone of our business and are fundamental to providing industry‑leading customer service.

About the Quality Manager role

This role is more than maintaining standards; it’s about inspiring a culture where quality is owned by everyone and excellence is the norm. You’ll lead a team of Quality Engineers and Inspectors, drive continuous improvement, and ensure our processes meet the highest industry standards. If you thrive in a fast‑paced environment, enjoy solving complex challenges, and want to lead from the front, this is your chance to shape the quality landscape of our Rail business.

You’ll have experience in a senior quality role within a demanding, high‑compliance industry (rail, engineering, manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, defence, etc.). Experience managing multiple projects in a fast‑moving environment is key along with excellent leadership skills and the ability to influence at all levels. The successful candidate will also have Lead Auditor training, strong QMS knowledge, and experience with regulatory requirements. You’ll also have knowledge of ISO 9001:2015 and ideally have experience with RISAS/RISQS assurance.

Working Hours

40 hours per week Monday to Friday; 9am – 5pm

What you’ll do

• Lead a Culture of Quality
  • Champion a “right‑first time” mindset across the division.
  • Promote proactive customer focus and ensure customer expectations are exceeded.
  • Act as the go‑to authority on Quality Systems and best practice.
• Governance & Compliance
  • Ensure all processes are supported with robust procedures and work instructions.
  • Review and maintain documentation to guarantee compliance, clarity, and effectiveness.
  • Report on key quality metrics, enabling data‑driven decisions.
  • Maintain our management system in alignment with ISO 9001 and relevant industry standards.
• Assurance
  • Lead and develop the internal and external audit programme.
  • Manage concession processes and non‑conformances with rigour and transparency.
  • Provide strong leadership for our engineering and inspection teams.
• Continuous Improvement
  • Embed continuous improvement principles across the department.
  • Lead improvement initiatives aligned with divisional and business‑wide goals.
  • Develop and coach quality personnel to strengthen capability and future succession.
  • Maintain and improve key company records, including training matrices, performance reviews, and risk assessments.
  • Promote standards that reflect the high expectations of our Rail customers.

What you’ll get in return

• Company vehicle.
• From 23 days annual leave (plus public/bank holidays) increased with length of service.
• Training provided through our own Hayley Academy.
• Company pension (if eligible).
• Life Assurance cover (x2 salary).
• Invitation to healthcare schemes.
• Wellness programmes.
• Uniform and PPE provided.
• Excellent opportunities and career prospects available.

The recruitment process

Adverts will close on Sunday 19th April 2026. The advert will be closed should a suitable person be identified during the advertising window, so please submit applications or notes of interest ASAP!

Our process includes shortlisting throughout the advertising window, a Teams interview with our Talent Acquisition Partner, and a face-to-face interview in branch location. Candidates selected for final interview will be asked to prepare for an interview lasting 1 hour focused on skills, knowledge, experience, and motivations.

Finally… We know sometimes you might feel that you don’t meet the criteria or have a question you would like to ask - we’re here to help so please ask us! You can contact us at careers@hayley-group.co.uk. We aim to get back to everyone that applies and are super keen to speak to talented people for upcoming positions. Please inform our careers team if you require any adjustments throughout the recruitment process.

Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to join the team at Hayley Group – please click ‘apply’ now to become our Quality Manager in the Rail department - we’d love to hear from you!