Quality Manager

Quality Manager Precision Engineering Location: Cambridge Salary: Up to £55k (negotiable, dependent on experience) Hours: 41.5 hours per week MondayThursday: 8:00am 5:00pm Friday: 8:00am 4:00pm Benefits: 23 days holiday, increasing with length of service 4% company pension contribution Death in Service benefit Christmas bonus dependent on company profitability Long service awards Free on-site parking Safety shoes and uniform provided Free tea and coffee Quarterly company social events Excellent ongoing training and development opportunities Company Profile A well-established and growing precision engineering manufacturer specialising in the subcontract manufacture of high-quality, precision machined parts and components for customers across a diverse range of technically demanding industries. Operating from a modern, well-equipped manufacturing facility, the company provides an end-to-end manufacturing service and continues to invest heavily in state-of-the-art CNC machine tools, inspection technology, equipment and its people. With a full order book , continued investment and a busy subcontract machining environment, the business is now looking to strengthen its Quality function with the appointment of an experienced Quality Manager . Working Environment Modern, state-of-the-art subcontract precision machining facility Busy manufacturing environment with a strong order book 40 employees working across the shop floor Dedicated, fully equipped Quality Department Team of approximately 7 Quality Inspectors Modern manual and CMM inspection equipment Clean, organised and professional working environment Continued investment in machinery, inspection technology and staff development The Opportunity This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Quality Manager, Quality Team Leader, Senior Quality Inspector or Quality Supervisor who comes from a strong hands-on precision engineering background and is ready to take ownership of a Quality Department. This is not a purely compliance, systems or paperwork-focused Quality Manager position . The business is looking for a technically strong, time-served Quality professional who understands the realities of inspecting precision machined components and can combine that knowledge with proven leadership and management ability. You will be given the opportunity to take ownership of the Quality Department, review how it currently operates, challenge existing processes and drive meaningful improvements across the function . The successful individual will be comfortable getting involved on the shop floor, supporting the inspection team, solving quality problems and leading from the front. For someone who enjoys improving departments rather than simply maintaining them, this represents an opportunity to make a genuine impact within a busy and growing engineering business. Key Responsibilities Take day-to-day ownership of the Quality Department and its team of Quality Inspectors Lead, support, develop and motivate the existing Quality team Review current inspection processes, working practices and departmental structure Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, consistency, communication and overall quality performance Remain technically hands-on and provide support with the inspection of precision machined parts and components when required Read and interpret detailed engineering drawings, specifications and tolerances Operate Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMMs) to inspect precision machined components Support the development of CMM inspection capability within the department Use and support inspection using manual measuring equipment including micrometres, verniers, gauges, calipers and associated equipment Investigate manufacturing and quality issues and support effective root cause analysis Manage customer and supplier non-conformances where required Work closely with Production, Engineering and Manufacturing teams to resolve quality issues Support continuous improvement activities throughout the Quality function Maintain effective communication with customers regarding technical and quality matters Support customer and external audits where required Ensure quality standards are maintained within a busy subcontract machining environment Help develop the Quality Department in line with the continued growth and investment of the business Skills Experience We are particularly interested in candidates who have developed their careers through hands-on precision engineering inspection and subsequently progressed into leadership, supervisory or management responsibility. You should ideally have: Extensive experience within precision engineering, CNC machining or subcontract machining A strong hands-on background inspecting precision machined parts and components Previous experience leading, supervising or managing a Quality / Inspection team Excellent ability to read and interpret engineering drawings Strong understanding of dimensional tolerances, geometric tolerancing and precision measurement Practical experience operating CMM inspection equipment Experience programming CMMs would be highly advantageous, although this is not essential Strong experience using manual inspection equipment including micrometres, verniers, gauges and calipers A practical understanding of quality issues arising within CNC machining and precision manufacturing The confidence to challenge existing processes and introduce improvements Strong leadership and people-management skills A proactive, practical and solutions-focused approach The ability to communicate effectively with machinists, engineers, management and customers Experience working within Aerospace, Defence or similarly demanding precision engineering sectors would be advantageous. Knowledge of quality standards such as ISO 9001 and AS9100 would also be beneficial; however, the emphasis of this position is on hands-on quality leadership, inspection expertise and departmental improvement rather than purely Quality Systems compliance . The Person The business is looking for someone who wants to make the Quality Department their own . You may currently be an experienced Quality Manager looking for a more hands-on position, or you could be a highly experienced Quality Supervisor, Quality Team Leader or Senior Quality Inspector who has the technical ability and leadership experience to take the next step. You will need to be comfortable working within a fast-paced subcontract manufacturing environment where priorities can change and quality needs to work closely alongside Production. Most importantly, you will have the credibility that comes from having spent time inspecting precision engineered components yourself. You will understand the challenges faced by the inspection team, be confident making technical decisions and have the leadership ability to bring people with you as you introduce improvements. For the right person, this is an opportunity to take responsibility for an established Quality Department within a growing precision engineering business, give it a fresh perspective and help transform it into an even stronger function supporting the companys continued growth.