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- Tasks: Lead quality assurance for new product introductions in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
- Company: Join a cutting-edge aerospace and defence company with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, bonus potential, flexible working, and comprehensive healthcare benefits.
- Other info: High autonomy and direct visibility to senior stakeholders for career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping quality processes in high-reliability products.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in quality assurance and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 65000 £ per year.
Salary Circa £65,000 depending on experience. Dynamic (hybrid) working 3 days per week on-site due to workload classification.
Security Clearance: British Citizen or a Dual UK national with British citizenship. Restrictions and/or limitations relating to nationality and/or rights to work may apply. As a minimum and after offer stage, all successful candidates will need to undergo HMG Basic Personnel Security Standard checks (BPSS), which are managed by the MBDA Personnel Security Team.
What we can offer you:
- Company Bonus: Bonus of up to 21% of base salary
- Pension: maximum total (employer and employee) contribution of up to 14%
- Flexible working: We welcome applicants who are looking for flexible working arrangements
- Enhanced parental leave: offers up to 26 weeks for maternity, adoption and shared parental leave - enhancements are available for paternity leave, neonatal leave and fertility testing and treatments
- Facilities: Fantastic site facilities including subsidised meals, free car parking and much more...
- Healthcare Cash Plan: The Healthcare Cash Plan benefit provides the option to claim cash back on everyday healthcare expenses such as optical, dental, health and wellbeing and more.
- Private Medical Insurance: Eligible employees are enrolled as standard into the company funded Private Medical Insurance benefit.
The opportunity:
We're looking for an experienced Quality professional to play a key role in assuring the successful introduction of new products into series production manufacturing. This is a high-impact position where you will provide independent assurance, strategic quality leadership, and risk mitigation across NPI programmes. Working within a technically advanced environment—from electronic assemblies through to fully integrated systems—you will influence how products are built, ensuring that processes are robust, scalable, and right first time.
What you'll be doing:
- Provide independent quality assurance and governance across NPI manufacturing programmes
- Act as a trusted advisor to Engineering and Manufacturing, influencing decisions to ensure quality, cost, and delivery targets are achieved
- Lead risk identification and mitigation activities, embedding a proactive quality mindset early in the product lifecycle
- Drive process effectiveness and continuous improvement, ensuring manufacturing methods are robust, repeatable, and compliant
- Conduct and lead internal audits and independent assessments, reporting outcomes to senior stakeholders and ensuring timely resolution of findings
- Analyse non-conformance and defect data, leading structured root cause investigations and implementing sustainable corrective actions
- Facilitate and support PFMEA/DFMEA activities, ensuring risks are actively managed and reduced
- Support industrial validation and product introduction, ensuring readiness for manufacture at scale
- Champion the effective use of systems (e.g. SAP) for non-conformance management and quality data insights
- Collaborate across functions and sites to share best practice and drive quality excellence
What makes this role different:
- High level of autonomy and influence across critical programmes
- Opportunity to shape how quality is embedded in NPI, not just audit it
- Exposure to complex, high-reliability products in a cutting‑edge environment
- Direct visibility to senior stakeholders and real impact on business performance
What we're looking for:
- Proven experience in a senior quality or product assurance role within manufacturing or engineering
- Strong background in process-based management systems and continuous improvement
- Demonstrable experience of risk management and structured problem solving (e.g. 8D, 5 Whys, PFMEA)
- Experience conducting audits and driving compliance within regulated environments
- Solid understanding of aerospace/defence quality standards such as AS9100 (or equivalent)
- Ability to influence, challenge and engage stakeholders at all levels
- Strong analytical mindset with the ability to turn data into actionable improvements
Desirable:
- Knowledge of APQP/PPAP (AS9145) and First Article Inspection (AS9102)
- Experience supporting New Product Introduction (NPI) in a complex manufacturing environment
- Experience in the application of Lean Six Sigma
New Product Introduction - Product Assurance Manager employer: MBDA UK Ltd
Contact Detail:
MBDA UK Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land New Product Introduction - Product Assurance Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people 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 researching the company and its products. Understand their values and how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your answers to common interview questions, but keep it natural. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses and showcase your achievements effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and show your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you on their radar as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace New Product Introduction - Product Assurance Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Product Assurance Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in quality assurance and NPI, and don’t forget to mention any specific methodologies you’ve used, like 8D or PFMEA.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention your passion for quality assurance and how your background aligns with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on your achievements rather than just duties. Use metrics where possible to demonstrate how you've improved processes or driven compliance in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at MBDA UK Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of quality assurance and product introduction processes. Familiarise yourself with key concepts like PFMEA, DFMEA, and the aerospace/defence quality standards such as AS9100. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're not just a candidate, but a knowledgeable professional ready to take on the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles where you've successfully led risk management or continuous improvement initiatives. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. This will help you demonstrate your ability to influence decisions and drive quality excellence effectively.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since this role involves influencing various stakeholders, think about how you can showcase your communication skills during the interview. Prepare to discuss how you've engaged with different teams in the past and how you’ve navigated challenges to achieve quality targets. This will highlight your ability to build relationships and work collaboratively.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions that show your interest in the company and the role. Inquire about their current NPI programmes, how they measure success in quality assurance, or what challenges they face in embedding quality into new products. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.