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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead inspection activities and ensure quality standards in a high-precision engineering environment.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at a leading engineering firm with growth potential.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, potential for permanent role, and supportive work culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on quality assurance and drive continuous improvement.
- Qualifications: HNC/HND in Mechanical Engineering and experience in inspection and metrology required.
- Other info: Opportunity to develop leadership skills and work with cutting-edge measurement technologies.
The predicted salary is between 52000 - 78000 £ per year.
We are currently seeking an experienced Lead Quality Inspector to join our Inspection & Metrology team on a contract basis. This is an excellent opportunity to work in a high-precision engineering environment, with the chance to secure a permanent position for the right candidate.
The Role
As Lead Quality Inspector, you will take ownership of all dimensional inspection and measurement activities within the Inspection Lab. You will ensure that all components and assemblies meet engineering and quality requirements while driving continuous improvement in accuracy, repeatability, and efficiency of measurement systems. You will also lead and support the inspection team, maintain compliance with the Quality Management System (QMS), and provide technical support across engineering, production, and supplier quality.
Key Responsibilities
- Inspection Planning & Coordination - Plan, prioritise, and allocate inspection workloads based on production and project demands. Review drawings, specifications, and work requests to select the correct inspection methods and equipment. Monitor and report inspection throughput, bottlenecks, and quality performance.
- Quality Assurance & Continuous Improvement - Ensure compliance with Norton’s QMS and Laboratory Manual. Maintain and improve inspection control plans, procedures, and documentation. Support internal and external audits. Identify and drive improvements in accuracy, turnaround time, and cost of measurement. Promote 5S, error-proofing, and digitalisation within the lab.
- Measurement System Assurance - Lead Measurement System Analysis (MSA) and Gage R&R studies. Maintain calibration traceability and control of calibration intervals. Investigate and resolve measurement system issues such as drift, bias, or uncertainty.
- People Development - Maintain skills and competency matrices for the inspection team. Coach and support inspectors in GD&T, CMM programming, and advanced metrology techniques. Promote a culture of precision, ownership, and continuous improvement.
- Cross-Functional Support - Provide accurate measurement data to support problem-solving and root-cause analysis. Work closely with Engineering, Production, and Supplier Quality. Support PFMEA, control plans, and fixture validation activities.
Experience & Skills Required
- HNC/HND in Mechanical or Manufacturing Engineering (or equivalent experience).
- Proven experience in inspection and metrology in automotive, aerospace, or precision engineering.
- Strong GD&T knowledge and tolerance analysis.
- Experience with CMM programming and portable measurement systems (e.g. FARO arm, laser scanner, shadowgraph).
- Hands-on experience with MSA, Gage R&R, and statistical data analysis.
- Knowledge of ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 (ISO 17025 preferred).
Key Competencies
- High attention to detail and accuracy.
- Strong organisation and coordination skills.
- Leadership and mentoring ability.
- Data-driven and continuous-improvement mindset.
- Effective communication across functions.
Lead Quality Inspector employer: Mane Contract Services
Contact Detail:
Mane Contract Services Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Quality Inspector
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the engineering and quality inspection fields. You never know who might have a lead on a job or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and soft skills. Be ready to discuss your experience with GD&T, CMM programming, and how you've driven continuous improvement in past roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! If you’ve mentored others or led teams, make sure to highlight these experiences during interviews. Companies love candidates who can inspire and develop their teams.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals to join our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Quality Inspector
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Lead Quality Inspector role. Highlight your experience in inspection and metrology, especially in high-precision environments. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for our team. Mention specific experiences that relate to the key responsibilities in the job description, and show us your passion for quality assurance.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t forget to highlight your technical skills, especially in GD&T, CMM programming, and measurement systems. We love data-driven candidates, so include any relevant statistical analysis experience to impress us!
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 Mane Contract Services
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of GD&T, CMM programming, and the specific measurement systems mentioned in the job description. Being able to discuss your hands-on experience with these tools will show that you're not just familiar with the theory but can apply it practically.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Lead Quality Inspector, you'll be expected to mentor and support your team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or improved processes in previous roles. This will demonstrate your ability to foster a culture of precision and continuous improvement.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions about inspection planning, quality assurance, and measurement system analysis. Think about specific challenges you've faced in these areas and how you overcame them. This will help you articulate your problem-solving skills effectively.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the current challenges the Inspection Lab is facing or how they measure success in this role. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
