At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a quality team to enhance product standards and drive continuous improvement.
- Company: Join Hozelock, a trusted name in gardening solutions with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy an annual bonus, health cash plan, and discounted staff shop.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and opportunities for professional growth await you.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on product quality while nurturing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in quality management and strong analytical skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 45000 £ per year.
As Product Quality Manager, you will be responsible for ensuring that products and manufacturing processes consistently meet customer expectations, regulatory requirements, and company quality standards. Working closely with production, engineering, and supply chain teams, you will drive a culture of continuous improvement, leading initiatives that enhance product quality, reduce defects and waste, improve process capability, and minimise operational costs while supporting business growth and customer satisfaction. The working hours for this role is Monday to Thursday, 8.00am - 4.45pm. Friday 8.00am - 3.45pm.
Duties & Responsibilities:
- Lead, develop and motivate the Quality team, ensuring high levels of performance and engagement.
- Drive product and process quality improvements, reducing defects, waste and costs across the business.
- Manage quality issues and customer complaints, ensuring robust root cause analysis and sustainable corrective actions.
- Work closely with cross-functional teams to resolve product and manufacturing challenges and support continuous improvement initiatives.
- Support new product development projects by ensuring quality requirements are embedded throughout the design and launch process.
- Maintain compliance with ISO 9001 and company quality processes through effective quality management systems and auditing.
- Monitor and report on key quality metrics, driving actions to improve performance and achieve business objectives.
- Oversee quality control processes, including quarantine, concessions, corrective actions and measurement services.
- Provide quality training, guidance and technical expertise to colleagues across the business.
- Represent the Quality function at key business meetings, sharing insights from customers, suppliers and manufacturing teams.
- Foster a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration, and best practice across the organisation.
- Ensure compliance with Health & Safety policies and promote a safe working environment.
What are we looking for?
- Proven experience leading, developing and motivating a quality team. (essential)
- Strong background in quality management within an FMCG or manufacturing environment.
- Experience supporting new product development and product launches.
- Knowledge of plastic injection moulding processes and quality standards.
- Skilled in the use of quality tools and techniques, including root cause analysis and statistical process control (SPC).
- Experience conducting internal audits and maintaining quality management systems.
- Ability to work across a diverse product range and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce clear reports and present findings.
- Competent user of Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Word and Outlook.
- Experience using ERP and quality management systems would be advantageous.
- Good standard of education, including qualifications in Engineering, Mathematics and English.
What do we offer?
- Annual bonus scheme
- Life assurance (x4 annual salary)
- Health Cash Plan (Bronze cover)
- Additional annual leave for long service
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Bike2Work scheme
- Staff shop (discounted)
- Discounted benefits hub
- Free onsite parking
- EV salary sacrifice scheme
About us:
At Hozelock, we’ve been helping people nurture their gardens for generations. From innovative watering solutions to trusted gardening tools, our products are designed to make growing easier, more enjoyable, and more sustainable. But behind every great product is a great team. We’re a company that values curiosity, craftsmanship and collaboration, where ideas are encouraged, expertise is shared, and people are empowered to make a real impact. If you’re passionate about quality, innovation and being part of a business with a proud heritage and an exciting future, Hozelock could be the place for you.
Product Quality Manager employer: Hozelock
Hozelock is an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of collaboration, innovation, and empowerment, making it an ideal place for a Finance Director to thrive. With a competitive salary, flexible working options, and a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, Hozelock not only values its team members but also invests in their growth through mentorship and development opportunities. Located in a vibrant area, the company offers unique advantages such as free onsite parking and an EV salary sacrifice scheme, ensuring a supportive environment for both personal and professional success.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Product Quality Manager
✨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 Hozelock, 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 Product Quality Manager
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 Hozelock 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 Hozelock
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Hozelock, 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 Hozelock 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.
