At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead quality management in CNC machining, ensuring high standards and continuous improvement.
- Company: Established precision engineering business in aerospace and defence sectors.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, early finish Fridays, and a close-knit team environment.
- Other info: Hands-on role with autonomy and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on quality standards and drive improvements in a dynamic setting.
- Qualifications: Experience in quality management within CNC machining and knowledge of AS9100 standards.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 60000 £ per year.
A well-established and growing subcontract precision engineering business is seeking a Quality Manager to lead its quality function. The company supplies high-precision CNC machined components into highly regulated sectors, including aerospace and defence, and is looking for a hands-on leader to drive quality standards, improve systems, and embed a right-first-time culture across the shopfloor.
You will take full ownership of Quality and lead a small team of:
- Quality Engineer
- Goods In / Out Inspector
- Inspector
This is a key leadership position within the business, responsible for maintaining and developing the Quality Management System while acting as the escalation point for all quality-related matters. You will be highly visible across the operation, working closely with Production and Engineering to ensure processes are robust, repeatable, and aligned to customer and regulatory requirements.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and continuously improve the Quality Management System in line with AS9100/ISO standards
- Manage internal, customer, and third-party audits, ensuring effective and timely close-out of actions
- Act as the escalation point for non-conformances, leading root cause analysis (8D, 5 Why, Fishbone) and corrective actions
- Oversee all inspection and verification activities, including FAIRs, production inspection, and CMM/metrology capability
- Implement and drive key quality metrics including scrap, rework, customer returns, and OTIF performance
- Manage supplier quality, ensuring compliance, traceability, and flow-down of requirements
- Maintain robust document control and quality record systems
- Work cross-functionally to ensure manufacturing processes are stable, measurable, and repeatable
- Drive continuous improvement and introduce more effective, data-driven and digital quality processes
- Promote a strong quality culture through leadership, coaching, and shopfloor engagement
About You
- Proven experience as a Quality Manager within CNC machining or precision engineering
- Strong knowledge of FAIR/FAI, traceability, non-conformance systems, and metrology
- Able to read and interpret engineering drawings and GD&T
- Experience working within AS9100 or similarly regulated environments
- Confident communicator, able to engage with shopfloor teams, customers, and auditors
- Hands-on, pragmatic approach with a focus on continuous improvement
Desirable
- Lead or Internal Auditor qualification (ISO9001 / AS9100)
- Engineering qualification (HNC / HND / Degree)
- Experience with Lean or Six Sigma
- Background in aerospace, defence, or other regulated industries
Why Apply
- Senior role with full ownership of the quality function
- Stable SME environment with strong industry positioning
- Opportunity to make a visible impact and drive improvements
- Close-knit team with real autonomy
- Early finish every Friday
If you are a hands-on Quality Manager looking for a role where you can genuinely influence standards, systems, and culture, apply now.
Quality Manager - CNC Machining / Aerospace - £60K employer: RGS Global
Join a well-established and growing subcontract precision engineering business in Watford, where you will lead the quality function in a stable SME environment. With a focus on continuous improvement and a close-knit team culture, this role offers you the opportunity to make a visible impact while enjoying an early finish every Friday. The company is committed to employee growth, providing a platform for you to drive quality standards and influence systems in the highly regulated aerospace sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Quality Manager - CNC Machining / Aerospace - £60K
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend local meetups. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that Quality Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of AS9100 and ISO standards. We want you to be able to showcase your expertise in quality management systems and demonstrate how you can drive improvements in a hands-on way.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your STAR technique for answering behavioural questions. We recommend structuring your responses around Situation, Task, Action, and Result to clearly illustrate your experience and problem-solving skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Quality Manager - CNC Machining / Aerospace - £60K
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Quality Manager role. Highlight your experience in CNC machining and any relevant quality management systems you've worked with, especially AS9100 or ISO standards. We want to see how your background aligns with 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 the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've driven quality improvements in previous positions. Remember, we love a hands-on approach, so show us your passion for quality management!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a Quality Manager, you'll be leading a small team, so make sure to highlight your leadership experience. Talk about how you've engaged teams on the shop floor and promoted a strong quality culture. We want to know how you can inspire others to achieve high standards!
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 the role. Plus, it shows us you're keen and ready to take the next step in your career with StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at RGS Global
✨Know Your Standards
Familiarise yourself with AS9100 and ISO standards before the interview. Be ready to discuss how you've implemented these in previous roles, especially in CNC machining or precision engineering.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led teams and driven quality improvements. Think about specific situations where you managed non-conformances or conducted root cause analysis, and be ready to share these stories.
✨Engage with Technical Details
Brush up on your knowledge of FAIRs, metrology, and inspection processes. Be prepared to discuss how you interpret engineering drawings and apply GD&T in your work, as this will show your technical competence.
✨Demonstrate a Continuous Improvement Mindset
Think of examples where you've introduced data-driven quality processes or Lean/Six Sigma methodologies. Highlight your hands-on approach and how it has positively impacted quality metrics in your previous roles.
