At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead quality management and drive improvements in production processes.
- Company: Pailton Engineering, a leader in steering components for military and commercial vehicles.
- Benefits: Competitive salary of £55,000, workplace pension, and genuine ownership of quality systems.
- Other info: Join a long-serving team with excellent career growth and some international travel opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on quality in vehicles used worldwide, from buses to military transport.
- Qualifications: HNC/HND in Engineering or Quality, with proven quality management experience.
If you want to own quality strategy rather than just police it, and see your work end up in military vehicles, buses and construction plant worldwide, this is worth a look.
About the company
Pailton Engineering designs and manufactures steering components and systems, from drag link assemblies to complete steering columns, for military, commercial vehicle, and bus and coach manufacturers. Its parts have gone into vehicles for names including JCB and IVECO. The business started in a small shed and has since designed over 10,000 different parts, with a number of staff who've been there 25 years or more. It holds IATF accreditation, reflecting the standard its automotive and defence customers expect.
The role
As Quality Manager, you'll take ownership of the quality management system across the site, reporting into senior site management. You'll be the first point of contact for customer and third-party audits, and the person managers turn to when a quality issue needs root-causing fast.
What you'll do
- Lead root-cause investigation into quality issues across production and own the fix
- Develop and maintain the site's quality management system, procedures and documentation
- Manage internal, third-party and customer audits from planning through to close-out
- Assess new suppliers for quality performance and support new product introduction
- Drive APQP and PPAP activity through every new project launch
- Apply recognised problem-solving tools to cut waste and lift efficiency
- Liaise with customers and internal teams to keep quality expectations aligned
- Report quality trends and performance to senior management and key customers
What you'll bring
Essential
- HNC/HND (or equivalent) in Engineering, Manufacturing, or a Quality discipline
- Proven experience in quality management and warranty analysis
- Auditing experience certified to ISO 9001
- Practical experience with APQP and PPAP
- Confident use of structured problem-solving tools for continuous improvement
Useful, not essential
- Experience within a medium-sized automotive Tier 1 manufacturer
- Familiarity with FMEA, control plans and work instructions
- Project management or programme launch experience
- Exposure to IATF 16949
Benefits & culture
Financial: £55,000 per annum, plus workplace pension
Development: Genuine ownership of the QMS, with exposure to APQP and PPAP across every new project launch
Culture: A long-serving team, several with 25 years or more at the business, in a site that's been solving the same kind of engineering problems for decades
Working arrangements
Location: Coventry, office-based, full-time.
Contract: Permanent.
Travel: Some international travel may be required for supplier or customer visits.
How to apply
If this sounds like the quality role you've been looking for, click apply and send us your CV. We'll be in touch to talk through the details.
Quality Manager employer: Pailton Engineering
Pailton Engineering is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation and continuous improvement are at the forefront. With competitive salaries, opportunities for overtime, and a commitment to employee development, you will thrive in our modern facility that values your input and expertise as a Production Engineer – Milling.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Quality Manager
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
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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!
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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 Pailton Engineering, 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 Pailton Engineering 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 Pailton Engineering
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Pailton Engineering, 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 Pailton Engineering 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.
