At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead quality assurance and documentation management for innovative time scale projects.
- Company: Join a world-leading Time & Frequency department at NPL.
- Benefits: Exciting work environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on UK Digital Infrastructure and enhance quality standards.
- Qualifications: Experience in ISO 9001 environments and internal audits required.
- Other info: Dynamic role with office and lab work, plus occasional travel.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 Β£ per year.
Our world-leading Time & Frequency department are seeking a Quality Lead with experience in quality assurance and documentation management.
ABOUT THE ROLE
You will be joining our team at an exciting time - we maintain the UKβs National Time Scale, UTC (NPL), and are currently developing a new resilient Time Scale facility that will underpin UK Digital Infrastructure. This will address the risks associated with our dependency on global navigation satellite systems (such as GPS) that are vulnerable to both natural and intentional interference.
Key responsibilities
- Primary contact for Quality Assurance best-practice; ensuring first-line checks and compliance, leading communication to implement Quality Management standards, customer testing and reporting, and consultancy.
- Documentation Management: Analyse current processes to identify gaps, risks and improvement opportunities using data-driven methodologies. Develop, implement and manage standard operating procedures (SOPs), process maps, and governance frameworks.
- Compliance of Quality Systems; including data integrity, review of calibration of equipment, lab procedures, software compliance, training and competence records, and assisting with change control processes.
- Audit assistance; ensuring required documentation, evidence, and reports align with regulatory and accreditation requirements. Manage audit outcomes, root-cause analysis and corrective actions with relevant stakeholders, in a timely manner.
- Cross-functional collaboration: nurture supplier relationships, measure supplier performance, ensure quality control, and maintain regulatory compliance.
- Continuous Improvement: act as the process owner, ensuring accountability, consistency, and driving continuous improvement.
Please note: This role will require you to work in both an office and laboratory environment, at our Teddington site with occasional travel to support activities in our regional hubs.
ABOUT YOU
To be successful in this role, you will have the following skills, experience, and qualifications:
- Experience working in an ISO 9001 environment
- Assisting with internal audit
- Key equipment control and maintenance
- Experience of external audits BSI/UKAS
We actively recruit citizens of all backgrounds, but the nature of our work in specific departments means that nationality, residency and security requirements can be more tightly defined than others. You will be asked about this throughout the recruitment process. To work at NPL, you will need to obtain BPSS security clearance. However, to work in this role in the Time & Frequency department, you will need to have an SC clearance with no restrictions, or you must have the ability to obtain an SC clearance.
Please note: Applications will be reviewed, and interviews conducted throughout the duration of this advert therefore we may at any time bring the closing date forward. We encourage all interested applicants to apply as soon as practical.
Quality Lead employer: National Physical Laboratory (NPL)
Contact Detail:
National Physical Laboratory (NPL) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Quality Lead
β¨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the industry, attend relevant events, and connect with people on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
β¨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their quality assurance processes and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs. Show them youβre not just another candidate, but someone who genuinely cares about their mission.
β¨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to quality management and compliance. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your achievements effectively.
β¨Tip Number 4
Donβt 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 Quality Lead
Some tips for your application π«‘
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Quality Lead role. Highlight your experience in quality assurance and documentation management, and donβt forget to mention any ISO 9001 experience you have. We want to see how your skills align with what weβre looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why youβre passionate about quality assurance and how you can contribute to our Time & Frequency department. Be specific about your achievements and how they relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since the role involves analysing processes and identifying gaps, make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have with data-driven methodologies. We love seeing examples of how you've improved processes or implemented standard operating procedures in the past.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. Itβs super easy, and youβll be able to keep track of your application status. Plus, it shows us youβre serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at National Physical Laboratory (NPL)
β¨Know Your Quality Standards
Familiarise yourself with ISO 9001 standards and any specific quality management frameworks relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss how you've implemented these in past positions, as this will show your understanding of quality assurance best practices.
β¨Prepare for Compliance Questions
Expect questions about compliance and documentation management. Brush up on your experience with audits, both internal and external, and be prepared to share examples of how you've ensured adherence to regulatory requirements in previous roles.
β¨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Since the role involves analysing processes for improvement opportunities, think of specific instances where you've identified gaps or risks. Be ready to explain your data-driven approach and how it led to successful outcomes.
β¨Highlight Cross-Functional Collaboration
This position requires working with various stakeholders, so prepare to discuss your experience in cross-functional teams. Share examples of how you've nurtured supplier relationships and ensured quality control through collaboration.