At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead quality assurance initiatives and ensure top-notch product quality in precision manufacturing.
- Company: Global engineering organisation known for high-accuracy components.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, enhanced holiday, pension package, and additional employee perks.
- Other info: Hands-on role with excellent career growth opportunities and a supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on quality processes and drive continuous improvement in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: 7+ years in quality roles with strong knowledge of CNC machining and quality systems.
A fantastic permanent opportunity has arisen with a global engineering organisation recognised for producing high-accuracy, precision-manufactured components. The business is seeking a hands-on Quality Specialist who can take ownership of the site’s Quality Management System and promote a culture where robust processes, reliable data, and right-first-time output are the norm.
This position is ideal for an experienced quality professional who enjoys being present on the shop floor, thrives on solving complex machining challenges, and can confidently represent the company during customer interactions and external audits.
Key Responsibilities- Customer & Product Quality: Serve as the primary contact for all customer quality concerns, from initial containment through to validated corrective actions. Lead structured problem-solving activities using 8D, A3, 5-Why and other analytical tools to prevent recurrence. Manage all customer and internal quality submissions, including full PPAP documentation (PSW, PFMEA, Control Plans, MSA, capability studies, etc.).
- Inspection & Process Control: Oversee in-process and final inspection for CNC-machined components, ensuring compliance with GD&T, special characteristics, and functional requirements. Implement and maintain layered audits, patrol checks, and escalation processes such as stop-build/stop-ship. Drive effective use of SPC across machining operations, monitoring Cp/Cpk and responding quickly to out-of-control conditions.
- Quality Systems & Compliance: Own and maintain the site’s QMS, ensuring full readiness for ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 audits. Lead internal audit programmes, corrective actions, and controlled documentation updates. Manage MRB activities including nonconformance review, dispositions, concessions, and deviations.
- Continuous Improvement: Lead CI initiatives aimed at reducing scrap, improving first-pass yield, and strengthening process capability. Work closely with Manufacturing Engineering to introduce error-proofing, robust process controls, and standardised work. Facilitate cross-functional workshops focused on flow, stability, and quality performance.
- Supplier Development: Conduct supplier audits and manage supplier PPAPs. Drive supplier improvement through scorecards, corrective actions, and ongoing performance reviews.
- Leadership & Reporting: Support and mentor the quality team in metrology, GD&T, problem-solving, and customer communication. Report weekly and monthly KPIs including PPM, scrap, rework, FPY, capability, and cost of poor quality.
- Degree in Engineering or equivalent technical background.
- Minimum 7 years’ experience in quality roles within CNC machining, precision engineering, or 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).
- Proven problem-solving capability (8D, Ishikawa, DOE, etc.).
- Experience with ISO 9001 auditing; Lead Auditor certification advantageous.
- Confident communicator with experience managing customer escalations.
- Lean/CI training (Green Belt, Black Belt, or equivalent) preferred.
- Permanent day shift
- Enhanced holiday and pension package
- Additional employee benefits offered by a global, well-established organisation
NB: This role requires regular presence on the shop floor and flexibility to support audits, customer visits, and urgent investigations.
Work Location: In person
Quality Assurance Lead employer: ProARecruitment
Join a global engineering organisation in Hertfordshire that values precision and quality, offering a dynamic work culture where your expertise as a Quality Assurance Lead will be recognised and rewarded. With a competitive salary of £50,000 and an excellent benefits package, you will have the opportunity to drive continuous improvement initiatives and mentor a dedicated quality team, all while enjoying a supportive environment that fosters professional growth and development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Quality Assurance Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research their values, recent projects, and any news. This will help you tailor your conversations and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for the interview process. It’s all about making connections!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky questions! Think about how your experience aligns with the job description. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've tackled quality issues or led improvements in past roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a great way to keep yourself top of mind and show your enthusiasm for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Quality Assurance Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Quality Assurance Lead role. Highlight your experience in CNC machining and quality management systems, and don’t forget to mention any relevant certifications like ISO 9001 auditing.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about quality assurance and how your hands-on experience aligns with our needs. Be sure to mention specific tools and methodologies you’ve used.
Showcase Problem-Solving Skills:We love a good problem-solver! In your application, share examples of how you've tackled complex quality issues using structured problem-solving techniques like 8D or 5-Why. This will show us you can handle the challenges of the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
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 problems and improve processes.
✨Showcase Your Hands-On Experience
Since this role requires a presence on the shop floor, be prepared to share specific examples of how you've engaged with teams in a manufacturing environment. Highlight any direct involvement in inspections or audits.
✨Prepare for Customer Scenarios
Think about potential customer quality concerns you might face and how you would address them. Practise articulating your approach to managing escalations and ensuring customer satisfaction.
✨Demonstrate Continuous Improvement Mindset
Be ready to discuss your experience with continuous improvement initiatives. Share examples of how you've led projects that reduced scrap or improved first-pass yield, and how you collaborated with cross-functional teams.
