Head of Quality Assurance

You will like Leading QM for this defence/aerospace manufacturing firm based in Bedlington/Blythe, Newcastle/Northumberland, which offers you the opportunity to lead and shape the Quality Management function within a company committed to excellence and continuous improvement. Known for fostering a supportive and inclusive environment, this role provides you with a chance to work within a successful organisation that values innovation, personal development, and technical expertise. With a fantastic package and a key leadership position, it’s an excellent move for a senior-quality professional looking to make a real impact.

Your responsibilities will include facilitating management reviews, championing continuous improvement projects, managing compliance with relevant regulations, and supporting customer audits. More specifically:

• Develop and implement Quality objectives, including quality improvement strategies, which are aligned with company goals, AS9100 certification & regulatory compliance.
• Chair Management Reviews to ensure the continuing suitability and effectiveness of the Quality Management System and to assess any improvement opportunities for the Quality team.
• Lead, mentor, and motivate the Quality function, fostering a positive and high-performing work environment.
• Manage all regulatory compliance, including but not limited to ROHS, REACH, CMRT, EMRT.
• Monitor regulatory changes and issue compliance updates internally and externally, as required.
• Monitor Cost of Poor Quality (COPQ), customer complaints, and other Quality indicators and drive projects to prevent & eliminate recurring issues.
• Implement effective process and product control strategies such as PFMEA, Statistical Process Control, Production Part Approval Process, Layered Process and Finished Goods audits.
• Develop and implement ISO procedures to improve flexibility, compliance, standardisation and overall effectiveness.
• Perform Internal ISO and Supplier Quality audits and support customer audits as necessary to ensure compliance with AS9100 certification requirements.
• Lead and train others to develop effective corrective and preventive actions using 8D and Mistake Proofing concepts in response to customer concerns, COPQ data or regular product audit results.

To be successful as a Head of Quality/Senior Quality Manager here you will have extensive experience in a Quality Management role within manufacturing, plus a healthy mix of the following:

• Previous senior leadership experience, with a proven track record of results from continuous improvement initiatives.
• Technical background supporting Aerospace, Defence, or Automotive sectors.
• Strong knowledge of AS9100, QS 9000, ISO 9000, TS16949 standards.
• Skilled in methodologies such as FMEA, SPC, 8D, MSA, and Layered Process Audits.
• Exceptional leadership skills, with the ability to mentor and develop teams effectively.
• Qualifications relevant to quality management and regulatory compliance.

As Head of Quality, you will enjoy a competitive salary (TBA) complemented by a fantastic benefits package including:

• Enhanced pension contributions.
• Healthcare cashback plan.
• Employee assistance programme.
• Site incentive scheme.
• Financial wellbeing benefits.
• Discounts on online and high-street shopping, lifestyle vouchers.
• Cycle to Work Scheme.
• Discounted RAC and gym memberships.
• Five weeks' annual leave plus bank holidays.
• A supportive and friendly working environment focused on wellbeing and sustainability.

You can apply to this Head of Quality role by clicking the button on this job posting, or by sending your CV in confidence to anthony@macstaff.co.uk.