Quality Improvement Specialist (Contract)

Join to apply for the Quality Improvement Specialist (Contract) role at Oxford Instruments plc. Are you an experienced Quality Improvement Engineer looking for your next exciting opportunity? Look no further! We are currently seeking a talented individual to join our team at our site in Severn Beach, Bristol, for a 6-month contract with potential extension.

In this role, you will be responsible for ensuring that all products produced meet the highest quality standards, while minimizing quality costs and maximizing customer satisfaction. You will be a key player in ensuring that all procedures and processes are adhered to and that all incoming and outgoing materials meet the necessary quality standards. Furthermore, you will be responsible for identifying any quality issues that arise and promptly resolving them to ensure that our customers receive only the best possible products.

Key Responsibilities:

• Work with internal and external stakeholders to resolve quality issues that arise as quickly and efficiently as possible to prevent compromising quality and safety standards.
• Use of recognised problem-solving tools and techniques e.g. 8D, DMAIC, QRQC or CAPA, to have a positive impact on reducing the cost of poor quality and drive improvement.
• Ensure effective final/in process inspection of product conformity.
• Raise Fault Report Notices (FRN) & Supplier Corrective Action Reports (SCARs) as necessary to provide feedback on quality issues to internal and external stakeholders.
• Undertake internal Quality System audits, write audit reports and perform follow up activities to ensure effective corrective actions.
• Establish collaborative relationships with suppliers to ensure the highest quality product is always achieved (Undertake supplier audits, communicate supplier quality performance, assess supplier corrective actions, develop and improve supplier product quality and processes).
• Write reports and monitor progress of customer quality concerns (e.g. 8D reports).
• Produce detailed business processes to ISO9001 standards.
• Act as quality representative of new product introduction and/or high-level assembly outsourcing projects.
• Produce management KPI’s and provide end of month reporting.
• Provide support to FAI activities when required internally or at a supplier’s facility.
• Covering for other team members in absence periods e.g. holidays.
• Willingness to travel occasionally (including overseas travel).

Education / Qualifications:

• ONC in Mechanical, Electrical Engineering or Quality.
• Professional qualification in Quality Assurance, preferred.
• Proven recent experience of applying modern, leading edge quality/manufacturing principles and tools within a production environment.
• Full Driving licence.

Professional Skills/ Abilities:

• The personal and professional skills to be credible and generate confidence in others and to make a big impact very quickly on quality improvements.
• Computer literate, strong knowledge of Microsoft products (Visio, Word, PowerPoint and Excel).
• Familiarity with statistical analysis problem solving techniques.
• Understanding of engineering drawings and manufacturing processes.

Personal Qualities:

• Presents self assertively, willing to challenge others and reacts positively to challenges to own thinking/judgement.
• An excellent systems thinker.
• Able to keep the broader picture in mind when dealing with specific issues.
• Able to identify trends and prioritise critical issues.
• A high level of confidence, drive and persistence to motivate and influence people across several departments and at all levels of the organisation.
• The communication and people skills to work effectively across multifunctional teams where there may be significant conflicts of interest.
• Highly innovative and thinks ahead to act decisively on opportunities or problems.
• A team player that makes the best use of the contributions of others, and has the ability to work constructively with others.
• The enthusiasm and energy to take on the challenge of making a difference to the work management processes across the supply chain.
• Broad understanding of the commercial dynamics of the business and how the business objectives can be supported by the manufacturing agenda.
• Valid Passport.

At Oxford Instruments Plasma Technology, we provide tools for the engineering of micro- and nano-structures, with customers using our process solutions to research and produce materials and semiconductors vital for everything from medical devices and diagnostics, to electric cars and quantum computers.

Benefits:

• In addition to a competitive starting salary, structured career development opportunities, and a good work-life balance, Oxford Instruments offers 25 days annual leave, early finish on Fridays, private healthcare, a share incentive plan, a defined contribution Group Personal Pension Plan, and a flexible benefits package that you can tailor to your own requirements.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and would ask you to get in touch if you are concerned about any barriers you feel you may be facing in your application process with us.