Quality Management Lead

About us Founded in 2017, Wayve is the leading developer of Embodied AI technology. Our advanced AI software and foundation models enable vehicles to perceive, understand, and navigate any complex environment, enhancing the usability and safety of automated driving systems. Our vision is to create autonomy that propels the world forward. Our intelligent, mapless, and hardware-agnostic AI products are designed for automakers, accelerating the transition from assisted to automated driving. In our fast-paced environment big problems ignite us—we embrace uncertainty, leaning into complex challenges to unlock groundbreaking solutions. We aim high and stay humble in our pursuit of excellence, constantly learning and evolving as we pave the way for a smarter, safer future. At Wayve, your contributions matter. We value diversity, embrace new perspectives, and foster an inclusive work environment; we back each other to deliver impact. Make Wayve the experience that defines your career!

The Role We are looking for a Quality Management Lead / Quality Program Manager to design, implement and operationalise Wayve's Quality Management System (QMS) and Integrated Management System (IMS). This role will be responsible for leading Wayve's journey towards ISO 9001 certification, building the processes, governance, documentation standards and operational controls required to support Wayve as it transitions from a research-led organisation to a company delivering safety‑critical products to global automotive OEMs. Working closely with Product, Engineering, Safety, Security and Risk teams, this individual will drive organisational maturity, establish scalable quality processes and ensure Wayve can meet the expectations of OEM partners. This is a highly cross‑functional role requiring strong programme leadership, stakeholder management and change management skills. Success will depend on the ability to bring structure and consistency to a fast-moving environment while building engagement and adoption across the business.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the design, implementation and ongoing management of Wayve's ISO 9001-compliant Quality Management System.
• Develop and maintain quality policies, procedures, standards and governance frameworks.
• Build and operationalise an Integrated Management System that supports multiple compliance and regulatory frameworks.
• Drive Wayve's ISO 9001 certification programme and manage certification readiness activities.
• Establish processes for document control, process management, non‑conformance management, corrective actions and continuous improvement.
• Partner with Product, Engineering, Safety, Security and Risk teams to define, document and govern critical business processes.
• Coordinate cross‑functional programmes and drive delivery against quality and compliance milestones.
• Lead organisational change management activities to ensure adoption of new ways of working.
• Develop governance structures, reporting mechanisms and operating rhythms that drive accountability across teams.
• Work alongside external consultants during the initial implementation phase before assuming long‑term ownership of the programme.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency through tooling, automation and AI‑enabled workflows.
• Ensure quality processes become embedded into day‑to‑day operations rather than existing solely as compliance exercises.

About You You are a pragmatic operator who combines deep quality management expertise with the ability to drive change in complex organisations. You have successfully implemented quality management systems in dynamic environments and know how to bring people on the journey without relying on formal authority. You are comfortable operating in ambiguity, enjoy building systems from the ground up and have a track record of turning immature processes into scalable, auditable operating models. You balance strategic thinking with a willingness to roll up your sleeves and get things done.

Essential:

• Experience leading the implementation of an ISO 9001 Quality Management System from design through certification.
• Strong knowledge of ISO 9001 standards, requirements and implementation methodologies.
• Experience building and operationalising governance, process management and documentation frameworks.
• Proven programme management experience leading complex cross‑functional initiatives.
• Demonstrated success driving organisational change and influencing stakeholders across multiple teams.
• Experience creating and improving quality processes within technology, software or engineering organisations.
• Ability to work independently and establish structure in ambiguous environments.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Experience developing audit‑ready documentation, policies and operational controls.
• Track record of delivering outcomes rather than producing recommendations alone.

Desirable:

• Experience implementing quality management systems within a scaling technology company or startup environment.
• Experience working within automotive, mobility, telecommunications or other highly regulated industries.
• Knowledge of Automotive SPICE and its relationship to broader quality management systems.
• Familiarity with ISO 31000, ISO 26262 or other risk, safety and compliance frameworks.
• Experience developing Integrated Management Systems covering multiple standards and compliance requirements.
• Experience working with OEM customers and customer‑driven compliance requirements.
• Consulting background combined with hands‑on implementation experience.
• Experience leveraging AI and automation tools to improve operational efficiency and documentation workflows.
• Experience supporting organisations through periods of significant operational maturity and productisation.

Wayve is committed to creating an inclusive interview experience. If you require any accommodations or adjustments to participate fully in our interview process, please let us know. We understand that everyone has a unique set of skills and experiences and that not everyone will meet all of the requirements listed above. If you’re passionate about self‑driving cars and think you have what it takes to make a positive impact on the world, we encourage you to apply. At Wayve we're committed to creating a diverse, fair and respectful culture that is inclusive of everyone based on their unique skills and perspectives, and regardless of sex, race, religion or belief, ethnic or national origin, disability, age, citizenship, marital, domestic or civil partnership status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, pregnancy or related condition (including breastfeeding) or any other basis as protected by applicable law.