Quality Manager / Lead Inspector in Poole

Quality Manager / Lead Inspector Are you an experienced quality professional who enjoys combining leadership with hands-on technical inspection? We're recruiting a Quality Manager / Lead Inspector for an established precision engineering manufacturer supplying components into highly regulated industries, including aerospace, defence and nuclear. This is an opportunity to take ownership of the quality function, lead and develop an inspection team, and maintain a hands-on role inspecting precision-engineered components. You'll play a key part in maintaining high standards, driving continuous improvement and ensuring customers receive defect-free products. The Role Reporting to the General Manager, you'll be responsible for leading the Quality Department, maintaining and developing the Quality Management System, and carrying out dimensional inspection when required. Key responsibilities include: Owning, maintaining and continually improving the Quality Management System in line with AS9100 and BS EN ISO 9001. Planning and conducting internal, customer and supplier audits. Managing non-conformances, concessions and production permits, including preparing customer 8D reports and liaising with customer quality departments. Leading, supporting and developing the quality inspection team, identifying training needs and improving performance. Managing calibration systems and supplier quality through vendor assessment and approval. Driving root cause analysis, corrective actions and continuous improvement initiatives. Producing quality performance reports, analysing trends and identifying opportunities for improvement. Carrying out in-process and final dimensional inspection of precision components, including procured parts and associated documentation. Operating and programming fixed and portable Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMMs). Leading First Article Inspection (FAI) activities and ensuring accurate documentation, verification and traceability. Promoting a strong quality culture throughout the business and providing operational support to production and planning when required. About You You'll have a proven background in quality within precision engineering or manufacturing, ideally within aerospace, defence or nuclear environments. You'll be comfortable taking responsibility for quality systems and leading a team while remaining technically hands-on. Essential experience and skills: Strong working knowledge of AS9100 and/or BS EN ISO 9001. Experience in quality management, quality assurance or inspection within a precision engineering or manufacturing environment. Confident interpretation of engineering drawings and CAD models, including dimensional tolerances, geometric tolerances and weld symbols. Strong metrology experience, including CMM operation and programming. Experience managing non-conformances, root cause analysis and corrective actions, including 8D reporting. Demonstrable team leadership or supervisory experience. A relevant management qualification at Diploma or Degree level, or significant equivalent practical experience, typically 5-10 years in a similar environment. A recognised engineering apprenticeship to BTEC / ONC level or equivalent time-served experience. Desirable experience: Knowledge of AS9102 First Article Inspection requirements. Experience of precision mechanical manufacturing processes, including machining and welding. Familiarity with MRP / ERP systems. Internal auditor training and/or an NVQ Level 4 qualification or above. Interested? If you're an experienced quality professional looking for a role where you can take ownership of a quality function while remaining hands-on with precision inspection, we'd welcome a conversation. Apply today to find out more about the opportunity