Quality Improvement Specialist - Contract Role in Bristol

We are thrilled to announce an exciting six‑month contract opportunity for a Quality Process Improvement Specialist located in Severn Beach, Bristol. We seek a highly skilled and motivated professional to join our team temporarily to tackle our immediate needs in production support, quality enhancement, and knowledge sharing. This role is crucial in capturing valuable expertise from retiring staff, swiftly addressing quality issues, bolstering production operations, and spearheading continuous improvement initiatives.

To excel in this position, candidates must possess expert knowledge in advanced problem‑solving methodologies such as Lean Six Sigma (Green or Black Belt), 8D, A3, Quick Response Quality Control (QRQC), and lead auditing. Your contributions will be essential in ensuring compliance and driving sustainable improvements in both production and quality, making a lasting impact on our operations.

• Knowledge Transfer & Documentation: Work closely with retiring staff to document critical processes and knowledge. Develop detailed SOPs and training materials to ensure knowledge continuity.
• Production Support: Provide hands‑on support to production teams to address high absenteeism and operational bottlenecks. Lead and participate in continuous improvement (CI) projects to optimise production efficiency and reduce waste.
• Quality Improvement: Identify, analyse and resolve poor‑quality issues found during Tool Quality Review (TQR). Implement corrective actions and preventive actions to drive sustainable quality improvements. Embed solutions back into the production process to prevent recurrence.
• Lead Auditing: Plan, execute and document internal and external audits to ensure compliance with quality and production standards. Identify non‑conformances, root causes, and improvement opportunities.
• Problem‑Solving Expertise: Utilise advanced problem‑solving methodologies (Lean 6S, 8D, A3, QRQC) to address critical issues. Provide training and mentoring to staff on these frameworks as needed.
• Collaboration and Communication: Work closely with cross‑functional teams, including production, engineering, and quality assurance. Provide regular updates to the Head of Department on progress, challenges, and opportunities.

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality Management, or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years experience in production, quality assurance, or a related role in a manufacturing environment.
• Certified Lead Auditor for relevant standard ISO 9001:2015.
• Proven expertise in Lean 6S, 8D, A3, or QRQC.
• Strong knowledge of continuous improvement tools and Lean manufacturing principles.
• Excellent analytical, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects at pace.

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

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.

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.

Note to recruitment agencies: Oxford Instruments operates a Preferred Supplier List, and we do not accept unsolicited agency CVs. Please do not forward candidate details in response to this advert, or to any Oxford Instruments employees or other company locations. Oxford Instruments is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited CVs.