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- Tasks: Lead quality improvement initiatives and ensure product integrity across engineering and manufacturing.
- Company: Join a leading firm in defence, aerospace, and automotive sectors with a focus on excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, health benefits, and a competitive salary.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with excellent career growth opportunities and additional perks.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving a culture of quality and innovation in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in regulated environments; strong engineering background and quality management expertise.
The predicted salary is between 57000 - 63000 ÂŁ per year.
Reporting directly to our UK Head of Excellence, you will act as a strategic architect for product integrity across engineering and manufacturing functions. This high‑visibility role focuses on bridging the gap between design intent and world‑class production, ensuring mission‑critical technology is “designed for excellence” long before it reaches the shop floor. You will lead a proactive, “right‑first‑time” culture, using FMEA and DMAIC methodologies to empower teams and achieve zero‑defect excellence across the product portfolio.
Responsibilities
- Risk Mitigation: Support quality and engineering functions through APQP toolsets; facilitate DFMEA and PFMEA workshops and coach teams to identify and design out risks early.
- Design to Production Link: Guide the transfer of “Special Characteristics” and severity ratings into practical Control Plans; partner with manufacturing to manage risks with realistic measurement and robust control plans.
- Process Stability & Coaching: Mentor teams through DMAIC cycles to stabilise production, improve yields, and use data to monitor performance and reduce variation.
- Problem Solving & Lessons Learned: Lead and coach Root Cause Analysis; ensure findings are fed back into FMEAs and Control Plans to keep them living documents.
- Standards & Audit Support: Act as subject‑matter expert for risk‑related audits, ensuring compliance with EN9100/ISO 9001 and prioritising engineering changes based on action‑priority logic.
Qualifications
- Professional Experience: 5+ years in a mission‑critical, regulated environment (defence, aerospace or automotive); experience leading teams and mentoring staff on quality principles.
- Technical Background: Engineering background (HNC/HND or higher) with expertise in electronics, manufacturing and design.
- Standards Knowledge: Excellent knowledge of EN9100 / ISO 9001 and competency in AIAG & VDA FMEA handbook or SAE J1739 methodologies.
- Product Risk: Proven track record managing product risk through DFMEA, DFx, PFMEA and robust Control Plans.
- Problem‑Solving & Tools: Highly proficient in Root Cause Analysis (8D, 5‑Why) and FMEA software (APIS IQ‑FMEA, Relyence or similar).
- Lean Six Sigma: Certified Black Belt and proactive risk mitigation to prevent field failures; experience with DMAIC cycles preferred.
- Influencing & Facilitation: Strong influence and facilitation skills, bridging design and shop‑floor teams through coaching to drive a Quality‑First culture.
Benefits
- Annual leave: 25 paid days per calendar year, with an additional day after 5, 10, and 15 years of service and up to five extra days purchasable through payroll.
- Dynamic Working: Flexible hours and location with 3 days on‑site per week; options for paid overtime, time‑in‑leave, and more.
- Retirement Savings: 4% employee contribution and 6% employer contribution to a defined‑contribution plan, with options to increase contributions by up to 2%.
- Health & Wellbeing: Company‑sponsored medical benefits, private medical insurance for eligible staff, dental and healthcare cash plans, and access to financial and mortgage advice.
- Leave enhancements: up to 26 weeks maternity, adoption and shared parental leave; paternity, neonatal and fertility‑support enhancements.
- Additional perks: optional childcare support, seasonal ticket loan, volunteer opportunities, and access to discount platforms.
Salary & Working Conditions
- Salary: Circa ÂŁ60,000, depending on experience.
- Security clearance: British citizen or dual UK national with British citizenship required; all successful candidates will undergo BPSS checks.
- Location: Hybrid; 3 days per week on‑site at the Manchester site, with remote work options as part of the agreed dynamic working arrangement.
Quality Improvement & Capability Manager in Stevenage employer: MBDA S.A.S.
Contact Detail:
MBDA S.A.S. Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Quality Improvement & Capability Manager in Stevenage
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to quality improvement and risk management. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and showcase your experience effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise in FMEA and DMAIC methodologies during interviews. Bring examples of how you've successfully implemented these tools in past roles to demonstrate your capability and fit for the Quality Improvement & Capability Manager position.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our team at StudySmarter.
We think you need these skills to ace Quality Improvement & Capability Manager in Stevenage
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Quality Improvement & Capability Manager. Highlight your experience with FMEA, DMAIC, and any relevant methodologies that align with our mission for zero-defect excellence.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about quality improvement and how your background in engineering and manufacturing makes you the perfect fit for us.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: We love a good problem solver! Include examples of how you've used Root Cause Analysis or led teams through DMAIC cycles to improve processes. This will show us you can lead the charge in creating a Quality-First culture.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at MBDA S.A.S.
✨Know Your Methodologies
Make sure you brush up on FMEA and DMAIC methodologies before the interview. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in your previous roles, especially in risk mitigation and quality improvement. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the terms but can actually implement them effectively.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare specific examples of how you've led Root Cause Analysis or used tools like 8D and 5-Why in past projects. Highlighting your hands-on experience will demonstrate your capability to tackle challenges head-on and contribute to a 'right-first-time' culture.
✨Understand the Standards
Familiarise yourself with EN9100 and ISO 9001 standards, as well as the AIAG & VDA FMEA handbook. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve ensured compliance in your previous roles and how you can bring that expertise to the table.
✨Emphasise Your Coaching Experience
Since mentoring teams is a key part of this role, think about times when you've successfully coached others through DMAIC cycles or facilitated workshops. Sharing these experiences will highlight your leadership skills and ability to foster a Quality-First culture.