Quality Lead in Hertford

Quality Lead in Hertford

Hertford Full-Time 50000 - 50000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead quality management and ensure high standards in precision manufacturing.
  • Company: Global engineering leader in precision manufacturing.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, enhanced holiday, pension entitlements, and excellent employee benefits.
  • Other info: Hands-on role with opportunities for leadership and professional growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in quality assurance and drive continuous improvement.
  • Qualifications: Degree in Engineering and 7+ years in quality roles within CNC machining.

The predicted salary is between 50000 - 50000 £ per year.

Based in Hertfordshire, salary: £50,000 plus a range of highly attractive employee benefits. A new permanent career opportunity has arisen working for a global engineering leader who excels in the production of high-accuracy, precision manufactured parts and products. This job role seeks a hands-on Quality Leader who can take full ownership of the Quality Management System and champion a culture where robust processes, reliable data, and right-first-time output are considered standard practice.

Ideally suited to a professional Quality Manager who thrives on the shop floor, enjoys solving complex machining challenges, and can confidently represent the business to customers and auditors.

Key responsibilities

  • Customer & Product Quality
    • Act as the main point of contact for all customer quality matters, from initial containment through to verified corrective actions.
    • Lead structured investigations using 8D, A3, 5-Why and other analytical tools to eliminate repeat issues.
    • Manage all quality submissions including PPAP packages (PSW, PFMEA, Control Plans, MSA, capability studies, etc.).
  • Inspection & Process Control
    • Oversee in-process and final inspection activities for CNC-machined components, ensuring compliance with GD&T, special characteristics, and functional requirements.
    • Introduce and maintain layered audits, patrol checks, and escalation processes such as stop-build/stop-ship.
    • Drive SPC utilisation across machining operations, monitoring Cp/Cpk and reacting quickly to out-of-control signals.
  • Quality Systems & Compliance
    • Own the site’s QMS and maintain readiness for ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 audits.
    • Lead internal audit programmes, corrective actions, and documentation updates.
    • Manage MRB processes including nonconformance review, dispositions, concessions, and deviations.
  • Continuous Improvement
    • Lead CI initiatives focused on scrap reduction, first-pass yield, and process capability.
    • Partner with Manufacturing Engineering to implement error-proofing, robust process controls, and standardised work.
    • Facilitate cross-functional improvement workshops targeting flow, stability, and quality performance.
  • Supplier Development
    • Conduct supplier audits, manage supplier PPAPs, and drive improvement through scorecards and corrective actions.
  • Leadership & Reporting
    • Develop and mentor the quality team in metrology, GD&T, problem-solving, and customer communication.
    • Report weekly and monthly performance metrics including PPM, scrap, rework, FPY, capability, and cost of poor quality.

Key skills and Requirements

  • Degree in Engineering or equivalent technical experience.
  • 7+ years in quality roles within CNC machining, precision engineering, or similar high-mix manufacturing.
  • Strong working knowledge of APQP/PPAP, PFMEA, MSA, and capability analysis.
  • Advanced understanding of GD&T and metrology tools (CMM, height gauges, surface measurement equipment).
  • Demonstrated problem-solving expertise (8D, Ishikawa, DOE, etc.).
  • Experience with ISO 9001 auditing; Lead Auditor certification is a plus.
  • Confident communicator with experience managing customer escalations.
  • Lean/CI training (Green Belt, Black Belt, or equivalent) preferred.

Hours of work and benefits

  • Monday to Friday - permanent day shift.
  • Excellent employee benefits package to include enhanced holiday and pension entitlements.
  • NB. This is a role that requires regular presence on the shop floor and flexibility to support audits, customer visits, and urgent investigations.

Quality Lead in Hertford employer: ProARecruitment

Join a global engineering leader in the precision manufacturing sector, where you will thrive in a dynamic work culture that prioritises quality and continuous improvement. With a competitive salary of £50,000 and an attractive benefits package, including enhanced holiday and pension entitlements, this role offers significant opportunities for professional growth and development. Located in Hertfordshire, you will be part of a hands-on team dedicated to excellence, making a meaningful impact on high-accuracy production processes.
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Contact Detail:

ProARecruitment Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Quality Lead in Hertford

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the precision manufacturing sector and let them know you're on the lookout for a Quality Lead role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your problem-solving skills. Since this role involves tackling complex machining challenges, be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've used tools like 8D or A3 in past roles. Show them you’re the hands-on leader they need!

✨Tip Number 3

Don’t just wait for job alerts; actively search for opportunities on our website. We often post exclusive roles that might not be listed elsewhere, so keep checking back and apply directly through us for the best chance at landing that Quality Lead position.

✨Tip Number 4

Showcase your leadership skills during interviews. Talk about how you've developed and mentored teams in quality management. Highlight your experience with audits and compliance, as this will resonate well with employers looking for someone to own their QMS.

We think you need these skills to ace Quality Lead in Hertford

Quality Management System (QMS)
ISO 9001
IATF 16949
8D Problem Solving
A3 Thinking
5-Why Analysis
PPAP (Production Part Approval Process)
PFMEA (Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis)
GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing)
CNC Machining
Statistical Process Control (SPC)
Metrology Tools (CMM, height gauges)
Lean Manufacturing
Continuous Improvement (CI)
Customer Communication

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Quality Lead role. Highlight your experience in quality management systems and any relevant certifications. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about quality management and how you can contribute to our team. Be sure to mention specific experiences that relate to the job description.

Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, don’t forget to showcase your problem-solving expertise. Mention specific tools like 8D or PFMEA that you've used in past roles. We love candidates who can tackle challenges head-on!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!

How to prepare for a job interview at ProARecruitment

✨Know Your Quality Tools

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of quality management tools like 8D, A3, and 5-Why. Be ready to discuss how you've used these in past roles to solve complex issues, as this will show your hands-on experience and problem-solving skills.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Prepare examples of how you've developed and mentored teams in previous positions. Highlight any specific instances where your leadership directly improved quality metrics or team performance, as this aligns perfectly with the role's requirements.

✨Understand the QMS Inside Out

Familiarise yourself with ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 standards, as well as the specifics of the Quality Management System you'll be managing. Being able to discuss how you would maintain compliance and readiness for audits will demonstrate your commitment to quality.

✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions

Expect scenario-based questions that test your ability to handle customer escalations or manage nonconformance reviews. Think through potential situations you might face in the role and how you would approach them, showcasing your analytical and communication skills.

Quality Lead in Hertford
ProARecruitment
Location: Hertford

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