At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead quality performance and drive improvement in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
- Company: Join a successful engineering business with a focus on innovation and quality.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, generous leave, pension, and healthcare benefits.
- Other info: Flexible working options and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on quality standards and develop your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in quality management within engineering or manufacturing, with strong technical knowledge.
The predicted salary is between 38250 - 46750 £ per year.
Location: South Yorkshire
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience
Hours: 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday
Permanent | Full-Time
This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced Quality professional to take the lead on quality performance across a growing manufacturing operation, with real scope to influence processes, develop people and drive lasting improvement. You will lead a team of Quality Engineers and Technicians, working closely with Production, Engineering, Design and Procurement to ensure quality is built into the process from the outset. The focus is firmly on prevention. You'll be expected to challenge the status quo, use data to understand performance and ensure problems are properly solved rather than repeatedly contained.
The Role
You'll take ownership of the Quality function, ensuring robust systems, standards and processes are in place and consistently followed. Your key responsibilities will include:
- Leading, coaching and developing the Quality Engineering and Technician teams.
- Driving a strong right-first-time and no-fault-forward culture.
- Leading root cause investigations and corrective actions using 8D, Practical Problem Solving and other structured methodologies.
- Maintaining and improving the ISO 9001 Quality Management System and internal audit programme.
- Developing effective inspection, measurement, calibration and quality assurance processes.
- Using SPC, process capability and statistical analysis to identify trends and drive improvement.
- Developing supplier quality through auditing, performance management and corrective action.
- Ensuring Quality is embedded within APQP, PPAP and new product introduction activity.
- Managing customer quality concerns through robust containment, investigation and permanent preventative action.
- Establishing and reporting meaningful quality KPIs to support operational decision making.
What we're looking for?
We're looking for an established Quality Manager or senior Quality professional who can combine strong technical knowledge with confident people leadership. Ideally, you'll have:
- A relevant Quality, Engineering or technical qualification at Level 4 or above, or equivalent experience.
- Proven experience leading a Quality function within an engineering or manufacturing environment.
- Experience within automotive, aerospace or another technically demanding manufacturing environment.
- Strong knowledge of Lean, Kaizen and Six Sigma methodologies.
- Practical experience of 8D, root cause analysis and structured problem solving.
- Good understanding of PFMEA and DFMEA.
- Knowledge of APQP, PPAP and DMAIC.
- Experience using SPC, Cpk/Ppk and statistical techniques to improve process performance.
- Experience developing and managing supplier quality.
- Strong understanding of ISO 9001 and internal auditing.
- Experience working with MRP or manufacturing systems would be advantageous.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the confidence to influence stakeholders at all levels.
- Strong coaching and people-management skills, with a genuine desire to develop others.
- A proactive, analytical and commercially minded approach to quality and continuous improvement.
Most importantly, you'll be a hands-on and credible leader who can challenge constructively, bring people with you and turn quality improvement plans into measurable results.
What's in It for You?
In return, you'll join a successful and forward-thinking engineering business where you will have genuine influence over the future direction of the Quality function. The package includes:
- Competitive salary.
- Annual business performance bonus.
- 25 days' annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing with service.
- 5% contributory pension.
- Healthcare and benefits scheme.
- Death in Service life insurance.
- Cycle to Work Scheme.
- Employee referral scheme.
- Subsidised refreshments.
- Excellent working conditions within a modern manufacturing environment.
Working Hours
Monday to Thursday: 07:30 - 16:30
Friday: 07:30 - 13:30
40 hours per week.
Ready to Make a Difference?
If you're looking for a Quality leadership role where you can make a genuine impact, develop a team and help shape a culture of continuous improvement, we'd like to hear from you.
About Us
We are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive community. In line with our Diversity and Inclusion policy, we welcome applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability. As a Disability Confident Employer, and part of the Nicholas Associates Group, we are committed to supporting candidates with disabilities, and we're happy to discuss flexible working options. We are committed to protecting the privacy of all our candidates and clients. If you choose to apply, your information will be processed in accordance with the Nicholas Associates Group of companies.
Quality Manager employer: Nicholas Associates
As a CNC Miller at our modern precision engineering facility near Long Eaton, you will thrive in a dynamic work environment that prioritises employee growth and development. We offer competitive pay rates, generous holiday allowances, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, ensuring that every team member feels valued and supported. Join us for a rewarding career where your skills can flourish and contribute to our innovative projects.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Quality Manager
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like Nicholas Associates, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace Quality Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Nicholas Associates specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Nicholas Associates
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Nicholas Associates, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Nicholas Associates value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
