At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead quality engineering activities and ensure premium product delivery in manufacturing.
- Company: Join an iconic British motorcycle brand with over 120 years of history.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 33 days holiday, private medical insurance, and a generous pension scheme.
- Other info: Enjoy free electric bicycle hire and on-site parking, plus exciting team events!
- Why this job: Shape the future of a legendary brand while working in a dynamic, entrepreneurial environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in engineering and significant experience in manufacturing quality engineering.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
We’re not just another bike brand - we're an iconic, British motorcycle brand with over 120 years of history behind us. Our new state-of-the-art facilities in Solihull, West Midlands are home to a tight-knit, but ever-expanding team that's passionate about delivering exquisite riding experiences to our customers. Under new ownership and proud to be part of the TVS Motor family, we're entering a new era of global success. And we want you to be a part of it!
At Norton, we value respect, trust, and responsibility. We trust our employees to execute their roles exceptionally and professionally, and we value personal development, teaching, and learning. When you join our team, you'll have the opportunity to grow and learn alongside some of the most talented and dedicated people in the business.
So if you're passionate about motorcycles and looking to join a team that's shaping the future of this legendary brand, we'd love to hear from you!
The Role
As the Lead Plant Quality Engineer, you will be responsible for leading all plant quality engineering activities within manufacturing. You will work cross-functionally with Production, Manufacturing Engineering, Supply Chain, Product Development, and Supplier Quality to ensure robust quality systems are implemented and sustained, delivering premium products that exceed customer expectations.
You will lead a team of Plant Quality Engineers and provide technical leadership in problem solving, root cause analysis, containment activities, process capability improvement, and quality planning.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the Plant Quality Engineering team, providing technical guidance, coaching, and performance development
- Drive a proactive quality culture across manufacturing operations
- Ensure manufacturing processes consistently achieve quality, safety, and customer requirements
- Lead investigations into internal quality concerns using structured problem-solving methodologies (8D, A3, 5 Why, Ishikawa, DMAIC)
- Manage containment, corrective, and preventive actions (CAPA), ensuring effective implementation and validation
- Develop and maintain Process Control Plans, PFMEAs, inspection standards, and quality documentation
- Monitor manufacturing quality performance through KPIs and statistical analysis, identifying trends and implementing improvement actions
- Support new product introduction (NPI) activities to ensure quality is built into manufacturing processes from launch
- Lead process validation activities, including capability studies (Cp/Cpk), MSA, and process audits
- Coordinate response to customer quality concerns and support warranty investigations where required
- Collaborate with Supplier Quality to resolve supplier-related issues affecting production
- Ensure compliance with ISO 9001 and support implementation of automotive quality standards and best practices where applicable
- Lead Layered Process Audits (LPA), internal audits, and manufacturing process reviews
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on reducing defects, improving first-time-through quality, and lowering the cost of poor quality
- Support production teams through daily quality reviews and escalation management
- Present quality performance updates to senior management and contribute to strategic quality planning
Skills & Experience
Essential
- Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality Engineering, or a related discipline
- Significant experience within manufacturing quality engineering in automotive, motorcycle, aerospace, or high-value engineering industries
- Previous experience leading or mentoring quality engineering teams
- Strong understanding of manufacturing processes including machining, assembly, fabrication, and paint
- Proven experience with structured problem-solving techniques including: 8D, 5 Why, Ishikawa, FMEA, Control Plans, SPC, MSAP, APQP principles
- Experience conducting process and product audits
- Excellent analytical and data interpretation skills
- Experience supporting New Product Introduction (NPI)
- Strong communication and stakeholder management abilities
- Ability to influence cross-functional teams and drive quality improvements
Desirable
- Lead Auditor qualification
- Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt
- Knowledge of IATF 16949 core quality tools
- Experience within premium automotive or motorcycle manufacturing
- Familiarity with digital quality systems and Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES)
Rewards of working for Norton:
We like to take care of our Nortoneers and we think we offer some pretty decent rewards. Here's what you'll get when you join the team:
- Competitive salary package that recognises your skills and experience
- 33 days of holiday (inc. Bank Hols) to relax and recharge
- Generous pension scheme that sets you up for the future, with access to personalised advice
- Private Medical Insurance and a Cash Back Programme to keep you feeling your best
- Life insurance (4x salary) because we've got your back no matter what
- FREE fruit, got to have your five-a-day!
- WeCare Employee Assistance Programme, which includes access to online GP services, dietary advice, mental health support, bereavement counselling, and a fitness programme
- Experience the thrill of an entrepreneurial environment within a larger, well-funded company with ambitious long-term goals.
- Elevate your career with our Ideas for Excellence scheme, where every brilliant idea is not just valued, but also rewarded!
- A diverse and international team that brings together different perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences.
- Join the fun with our twice-yearly employee events, payday socials, and loads of exciting activities in between!
- Want to go green? You can enjoy free electric bicycle hire
- Plus, no need to stress about finding a parking spot - we've got on-site free parking covered and FREE electric charge points.
We know how important it is to take care of our team, and we're committed to continually improving our reward offering in line with the business growth plan. Join us and see for yourself!
PLEASE NOTE, WE DO NOT ACCEPT AGENCY APPLICATIONS
Lead Plant Quality Engineer in Solihull employer: Norton Motorcycles
At Norton Motorcycles, we pride ourselves on being an iconic British motorcycle brand with a rich history and a bright future. Located in Solihull, our state-of-the-art facilities foster a collaborative and innovative work culture where respect, trust, and personal development are at the forefront. As a Product Cost Engineer, you'll not only enjoy competitive benefits like generous holidays and private medical insurance but also have the opportunity to grow your career in an entrepreneurial environment that values your ideas and contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Plant Quality Engineer in Solihull
✨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 Norton Motorcycles, 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 Lead Plant Quality Engineer in Solihull
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 Norton Motorcycles 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 Norton Motorcycles
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Norton Motorcycles, 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 Norton Motorcycles 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.
