Senior Quality Engineer in Horsham

• Senior Quality Engineer
• £45,000–£55,000
  Horsham, UK
  Full time, Permanent

Are you an experienced Quality Engineer looking for a role where you can influence quality strategy, lead improvement initiatives and support the development of others?

We're recruiting a Senior Quality Engineer to provide technical leadership across quality management, compliance and continual improvement within a design, development and manufacturing environment.

Reporting to the Head of Quality, you'll act as the quality subject matter expert for designated programmes and business areas.

You'll combine hands-on investigation and assurance activities with the opportunity to shape processes, guide colleagues and drive improvements across the business.

The Role

You'll take a leading role in developing and improving the Business Management System, ensuring it remains effective, compliant with BS EN ISO 9001 and aligned with customer, regulatory and business requirements.

Working closely with engineering, manufacturing, programme teams and customers, you'll provide independent quality assurance throughout the programme lifecycle and help embed a proactive approach to quality.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the governance, development and continual improvement of the Business Management System, including processes, procedures, work instructions and controls.
• Provide expert guidance on quality management principles and best practice across the organisation.
• Lead the internal audit programme, analyse findings and trends, identify systemic risks and drive corrective and preventive actions.
• Lead complex investigations into product, process and system non-conformances, customer returns and field-related issues.
• Apply structured root cause analysis to deliver effective corrective actions and recommendations to senior stakeholders.
• Provide quality leadership at design reviews, programme reviews and lifecycle gate reviews.
• Review contracts, specifications and bid documentation to interpret and address customer quality requirements.
• Build effective customer relationships, support issue resolution and assist with external audits and regulatory compliance activities.
• Mentor and coach Quality Engineers and wider business teams.
• Support the development of quality strategy, objectives and improvement roadmaps aligned with business goals.
• What You'll Bring
• Proven experience developing, implementing and improving quality management systems within a design, development and manufacturing environment.
• Extensive experience managing audit programmes and conducting internal, customer, supplier and third-party audits.
• An HNC/HND or equivalent qualification in an engineering-related discipline, supported by professional experience in quality engineering and management.
• Strong practical knowledge of structured problem-solving methods, including 8D, 5 Whys, Ishikawa, root cause analysis and risk-based thinking.
• Leadership and influencing skills, with the confidence to challenge constructively and drive organisational change.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, including working with customers, suppliers, senior leaders and cross-functional teams.

Desirable Experience

• A background in defence, aerospace or highly regulated electro-mechanical manufacturing.
• Working knowledge of ISO 9001, AQAP 2110, AQAP 2210, AS9100, ISO 27001 or ISO 14001.
• Experience in Design Assurance, Product Assurance or Quality Assurance leadership.
• CQI membership, Chartered Quality Professional status, IRCA Registered Auditor qualification or equivalent accreditation.
• Experience leading teams, mentoring technical professionals or delivering cross-functional improvement programmes.
• Good health and safety awareness, ideally supported by an IOSH certificate.
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