Manufacturing & Inspection Auditor in Royal Leamington Spa

Our vision is to create a safe and sustainable world. Ricardo, member of WSP, is a global strategic, environmental, and engineering consulting company. With over 100 years of engineering excellence and employing close to 3,000 employees in more than 20 countries, we provide exceptional levels of expertise in delivering leading‑edge and innovative cross‑sector sustainable products and solutions.

The Role

We are seeking a highly meticulous and proactive individual to join our Quality team in this hands‑on role. Reporting directly to the Head of Compliance, you will play a critical part in upholding our no‑fault‑forward methodology by ensuring that the inspection capabilities of all manufacturing technicians and inspectors consistently meet required standards. You will be an experienced Component Inspector from a low‑volume precision engineering environment, with strong knowledge of batch machining processes and the diligence required to audit inspection work carried out across the team.

In this role, you will take ownership of ensuring all technicians are fully competent in inspecting components accurately and using the correct measurement equipment for each task, ultimately supporting a culture of operational excellence and product integrity.

Role Autonomy

The role holder has the autonomy to adjust and refine the audit plan as needed, making changes to the scheduled plan in response to findings or operational priorities.

Problem Solving

Problems encountered are generally routine in nature, with solutions often drawn from personal experience or the knowledge of colleagues. However, the variety of issues that may arise requires logical thinking and a methodical approach to reach effective resolutions.

Knowledge and Complexity

• Experienced senior inspector of precision‑machined components within a batch manufacturing environment.
• Fully conversant with engineering drawings and Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T).
• Strong interpersonal skills, enabling effective collaboration across the team while holding colleagues accountable for inspection capability and process adherence.
• Responsible for auditing approximately 20 team members, including weekly reviews of new starters, assessing capability and correct use of inspection tools.
• Provides recommendations on audit frequency for each individual based on audit results and any identified quality escapes.

Accountability

• Produces weekly reports summarising audit activity and maintains an up‑to‑date capability matrix, determining individual audit intervals.
• Establishes, maintains, and continuously improves an objective and robust audit process.

Leadership

Although the role has no formal line management responsibilities, it requires ongoing professional, supportive interaction with colleagues across the Quality and Manufacturing teams. Provides guidance and acts as a technical reference for others performing similar inspection and auditing work.

Skills and Experience

• Essential: Experienced senior inspector of precision‑machined components within a batch manufacturing environment.
• Fully conversant with engineering drawings and Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T).
• Strong interpersonal skills, able to collaborate effectively with all team members while holding individuals accountable for their inspection capability and performance.
• Experience in both product and process auditing.
• A thorough, uncompromising individual who can positively influence KPIs and strengthen the Quality culture while maintaining a firm, objective approach to accountability.

• Desirable: A background in inspecting low‑volume precision‑machined steels and castings is essential.
• Knowledge of gears and gear geometry would be a strong advantage.
• Computer literacy is essential.
• Demonstrates a proactive and innovative approach to supporting the team, with a natural drive to contribute to continuous improvement and a willingness to go the extra mile to achieve quality enhancements.
• Able to recommend appropriate audit frequencies for each individual based on audit findings and identified quality escapes.

Additional details

This position will be based at PP MTC. Work will primarily be on the day shift. Periodic auditing of the night shift and weekend night shift (around once per month) is required. No routine travel is expected, though occasional travel may be necessary to support operational needs. This role is not expected to include direct customer‑facing activities.

Working with Ricardo

You will be warmly welcomed into our workplace where every voice matters. We are diverse thinkers and doers, coming together to create a culture of inclusion. We will support you to find your place. We will encourage you to use your passion and expertise to make a positive impact through the projects you work on.

Wellbeing and work life balance

Wellbeing is at the core to our culture, allowing employees to flourish and to achieve their full potential. Our People are important to us, and we take pride in our wellbeing programs and policies that support individuals including flexible working, careers policy, mental health first aiders and readily available support through our extensive Employee Assistance program.

Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in each person's potential, and we'll help you reach yours. We have an ambitious diversity, equality, and inclusion approach. We value diversity; recognising that a more diverse workforce creates a richer and more varied working environment. Diversity also drives innovation, by allowing us to offer our clients the best consultancy service that we can.

Next steps

Once you have submitted your application a member of our Recruitment Team will be in touch. Please be aware that the timing can vary dependent on the volume of applications that we receive for each role and in some cases, we may start to review applications prior to the closing date.

Ricardo is a Disability confident employer please advise the recruitment team via recruit@ricardo.com if you require any adjustments to support you throughout the recruitment process.