Lead Quality Specialist

NES Fircroft are supporting a leading engineering organisation with the recruitment of a Lead Quality Specialist for a 12-month PAYE contract based in Nailsea, Somerset. This is an excellent opportunity to play a key role in delivering quality excellence across complex engineering projects within the energy sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the primary point of contact for all project‑related quality matters, ensuring clear communication across internal teams and external stakeholders.
• Provide expert guidance on quality requirements across design, manufacturing, testing, and installation phases, ensuring full compliance with customer specifications and industry standards.
• Contribute to project delivery as an active member of larger programmes or lead quality activities on smaller projects from initiation through to close‑out.
• Develop and implement Project Quality Plans (PQP), Inspection & Test Plans (ITP), and supporting documentation in line with contractual and regulatory requirements.
• Lead and support design and quality reviews, including risk assessments, non‑conformance management, and root cause analysis.
• Collaborate closely with engineering, procurement, manufacturing, and site teams to embed quality throughout the full project lifecycle.
• Monitor key quality metrics, identify trends, risks, and improvement opportunities, and report findings to stakeholders and leadership teams.
• Support supplier qualification, audits, and surveillance activities to ensure compliance with required standards.
• Participate in internal and external audits, ensuring adherence to ISO and relevant industry standards.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives and promote lessons learned across projects.

Requirements

• Degree in Engineering, Quality, or a related discipline (or equivalent experience).
• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in Quality Management, Project Quality, or a similar role within the energy or oil & gas sector.
• UK right to work is essential.

Desirable Experience & Skills

• Strong communication skills with the ability to engage both technical and non‑technical stakeholders.
• Proven ability to lead and influence within cross‑functional, matrix environments.
• Experience managing multiple projects and delivering against tight timelines.
• Strong problem‑solving skills, including root cause analysis and CAPA methodologies.
• Familiarity with international standards such as ISO 9001, API, and ASME.
• Background in fabrication, assembly, or construction of complex engineering equipment (subsea/deepwater experience highly advantageous).
• Understanding of offshore installation and regulatory requirements.