At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead safety, quality, and environmental standards in rail vehicle operations.
- Company: Dynamic heavy industry leader focused on rail, energy, and automotive sectors.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and the chance to influence company culture.
- Why this job: Shape safety and quality standards while making a real impact in the industry.
- Qualifications: Experience in senior SQE roles and strong understanding of safety-critical environments.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for professional development and strategic influence.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: Midlands (with travel to depots/sites as required)
Reporting to: Managing Director
Working with: Executive & Senior Leadership Team
Sector: Heavy Industry – Rail, Energy, Automotive or Manufacturing
Role Purpose
The SQE Lead will be responsible for leading and embedding best-in-class Safety, Quality and Environmental standards across the organisation’s rail vehicle overhaul and maintenance operations. This is a senior, influential role working closely with the leadership team to shape, govern, and continuously improve company-wide SQE frameworks, ensuring compliance with rail industry regulations while driving a proactive safety and quality culture. The role will act as the custodian of standards, ensuring that safety and quality are integral to operational delivery, business growth, and client confidence.
Key Responsibilities
Safety Leadership
- Lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of the company’s safety management system.
- Ensure compliance with relevant rail industry standards, legislation, and regulatory requirements (e.g. ROGS, HSWA, RSSB guidance).
- Act as the principal authority on safety matters, providing expert advice to the leadership team.
- Promote a strong, positive safety culture across all depots and functions.
- Lead accident, incident, and near-miss investigations, ensuring robust root cause analysis and corrective actions.
- Oversee risk assessments, method statements, and safe systems of work.
Quality Management
- Own and continuously improve the company’s Quality Management System.
- Ensure maintenance, overhaul, and modification activities meet contractual, regulatory, and customer requirements.
- Drive right-first-time delivery through audits, inspections, and performance monitoring.
- Lead internal and external audits, including customer and certification body audits.
- Manage non-conformances, corrective actions, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Environmental Management
- Oversee environmental compliance and performance across operations.
- Support the development and implementation of environmental objectives and sustainability initiatives.
- Ensure environmental risks are identified, controlled, and monitored effectively.
Leadership & Strategic Influence
- Work collaboratively with the Executive and Senior Leadership Team to shape company standards and strategy.
- Influence operational decision-making to ensure safety and quality are embedded at all levels.
- Provide regular SQE performance reporting, KPIs, and trend analysis to leadership.
- Support business growth by ensuring SQE capability aligns with new contracts, depots, and services.
Skills & Experience
Essential
- Significant experience in a senior SQE, Safety, or Quality role within heavy industry.
- Strong understanding of safety critical environments.
- Proven experience developing and leading safety and quality management systems.
- Demonstrable ability to influence senior stakeholders and drive cultural change.
- Experience managing audits, investigations, and regulatory compliance.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
Qualifications
- NEBOSH Diploma (or equivalent) or strong rail safety qualification.
- Lead Auditor qualification (ISO 9001 essential).
- ISO 14001 and/or ISO 45001 Lead Auditor.
- Rail-specific safety or quality certifications.
- Chartered status (CMIOSH or equivalent).
Supplier Quality Engineer employer: Infinitive Resources
Contact Detail:
Infinitive Resources Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Supplier Quality Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy to reach out to professionals. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its SQE practices. Understand their safety culture and quality management systems. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you’re genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the role of SQE Lead. Highlight your achievements in safety and quality management, and how you’ve influenced change in previous roles.
✨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 are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Supplier Quality Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Supplier Quality Engineer role. Highlight your experience in safety, quality, and environmental management, especially in heavy industry. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about safety and quality in the rail industry. Share specific examples of how you've led initiatives or influenced change in previous roles.
Showcase Your Qualifications: Don’t forget to mention your qualifications like the NEBOSH Diploma or any lead auditor certifications. We’re looking for candidates who can demonstrate their expertise and commitment to safety and quality standards.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Infinitive Resources
✨Know Your Standards
Familiarise yourself with the relevant rail industry standards and regulations like ROGS and HSWA. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you understand the critical safety and quality frameworks that are essential for the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led safety and quality initiatives in previous roles. Highlight your experience in influencing senior stakeholders and driving cultural change, as this is key for the SQE Lead position.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills, especially in safety-critical environments. Think of specific incidents where you conducted root cause analysis or managed non-conformances, and be ready to discuss the outcomes.
✨Demonstrate Continuous Improvement Mindset
Discuss how you've implemented continuous improvement initiatives in past roles. Show that you’re proactive about enhancing safety and quality management systems, as this aligns with the company’s goals for growth and compliance.