Head of Quality in Stockport
Meritus Talent Stockport About the role
MERITUS are recruiting for a Head of Quality to join a well-established precision engineering business supporting complex manufacturing programmes across the aerospace, defence, nuclear and advanced engineering sectors. This is a permanent opportunity for an experienced quality leader to shape and develop the Quality function, driving continuous improvement across a specialist manufacturing environment while working closely with engineering, operations, suppliers and customers.
The Role
Reporting to the Managing Director, you will lead the Quality function, taking ownership of the Quality Management System while ensuring products and processes consistently meet customer, regulatory and industry standards. You will work across the full product life cycle, from new product introduction through to production, supplier quality, customer engagement and continuous improvement, while leading and developing the Quality team.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and continuously improve the Quality Management System (QMS).
- Manage internal, customer and certification audits.
- Support New Product Introduction, process capability and first article inspections.
- Drive supplier quality, performance improvement and corrective actions.
- Lead root cause analysis and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Ensure robust inspection, calibration and product traceability processes.
- Act as the primary quality contact for customers and key stakeholders.
- Mentor and develop the Quality team while promoting a culture of quality across the business.
About You
We are looking for an experienced Quality Manager, Head of Quality, Quality Lead, Quality Assurance Manager or Senior Quality Engineer with experience in a regulated manufacturing environment. You will ideally have experience within aerospace, defence, nuclear, automotive, precision engineering or advanced manufacturing and be confident leading quality strategy while remaining hands-on when required.
You will bring:
- Experience managing Quality Management Systems and quality governance.
- Strong knowledge of manufacturing quality, inspection and process control.
- Experience leading internal and external audits.
- Supplier quality and customer-facing experience.
- A track record of driving continuous improvement and structured problem solving.
- Degree (or equivalent experience) in Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality or a related discipline.
- Auditor qualification or formal quality training would be advantageous.
This is an excellent opportunity to join a respected engineering business where you will have genuine influence over quality strategy, operational improvement and long-term business performance.
Your tasks
Lead and improve the Quality Management System in a dynamic engineering environment.
Your profile
Experience in quality management within regulated manufacturing environments.
What's also included
Competitive salary, career growth, and the chance to shape quality strategy.
Tech stack & ways of working
Head of Quality in Stockport employer: Meritus Talent
Meritus Talent is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Telford where innovation meets opportunity. Employees benefit from a culture that prioritises professional growth, with access to international projects that enhance skills and broaden horizons. The company values collaboration and communication, ensuring that every team member feels supported and empowered to make a meaningful impact in the Aerospace and Defence sectors.
Your perspectives
Make a real impact on quality standards and drive continuous improvement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice
Join Aerospace Forums and Groups
Get involved in aerospace engineering forums and online communities, like the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics). It's a great way to meet industry peers and stay updated on job openings and trends in the field.
Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye on upcoming aerospace conferences and events where you can network with professionals and showcase your interest. Events like the Farnborough International Airshow are not just about flying machines; they're a goldmine for connections and potential job leads.
Spotlight Your Projects
Make sure to highlight any hands-on experience or projects on your portfolio that showcase your skills in aerospace engineering. Employers love seeing practical applications of theoretical knowledge. Show us what you've got!
Apply Directly on Company Websites
When you find companies you want to work for, head straight to their careers page to apply for full-time roles, like the one with Meritus Talent for a Head of Quality. This often puts your application in front of the right people faster than just waiting for job boards!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills
When applying for the aerospace engineering role at Meritus Talent, make sure to highlight your technical expertise. Include specific software skills, like CAD tools or simulation software, and any relevant engineering projects you’ve worked on. This is your chance to really shine and showcase your engineering toolkit!
Don't Skip Your Projects!
Include a section in your CV dedicated to projects that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities in aerospace engineering. Whether it's a university project, an internship, or personal work, we love seeing how you’ve applied your skills in real-world scenarios. Make it clear what your role was and the impact of the project.
Show Your Passion in Your Cover Letter
At Meritus Talent, we're not just looking for skills – we want to know why you’re passionate about aerospace engineering. Use your cover letter to express what excites you about aviation technology and your career goals. Share any relevant experiences or inspirations that have led you to apply for this full-time position.
Tailor Your CV for Aerospace
Make sure your CV is specifically tailored to aerospace engineering. Focus on your education, any certifications, and your work experience, ensuring you highlight aspects that relate directly to the role. Don’t forget to mention any internships or apprenticeships that have given you hands-on experience.
How to prepare for a job interview at Meritus Talent
Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Aerospace engineering is all about technical precision, so make sure you’re comfortable with key concepts like aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science. We recommend going through any relevant coursework or projects you’ve worked on – these real-world examples can illustrate your understanding during the interview with Meritus Talent.
Showcase Your Projects with Confidence
Make sure to have a portfolio ready that details any significant projects you've worked on, whether it’s a group assignment or a personal endeavour. Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced, the tools you used, like CAD software, and what you learned from the experience, as this will show your problem-solving skills in action.
Prepare for Technical Interviews
Expect some technical questions or even problem-solving exercises during your interview with Meritus Talent. Get familiar with design challenges or theoretical problems related to aerospace; this can range from calculating lift and drag forces to materials selection under stress. Practising these can help you feel more at ease when faced with tricky questions.
Emphasise Your Passion and Teamwork Skills
As a full-time candidate, it’s crucial to convey your passion for aerospace engineering and your ability to work in teams. Highlight any group projects or internships you've done, focusing on how you collaborated with others to achieve a goal. Companies like Meritus Talent love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
Locations
- Stockport
