At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead quality delivery for a major nuclear construction programme and manage a team of quality professionals.
- Company: Shirley Parsons, a specialist consultancy in nuclear infrastructure and major projects.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, European travel opportunities, and a chance to influence critical projects.
- Other info: Ideal for resilient leaders passionate about quality in complex programmes.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on safety and quality in the nuclear sector while leading a dynamic team.
- Qualifications: Significant quality leadership experience in regulated industries and strong knowledge of ISO 9001.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Location: London or Bristol / Hybrid with European travel
Sector: Nuclear Infrastructure & Major Projects
About Shirley Parsons
Shirley Parsons Consultancy & Advisory is a specialist consultancy supporting some of the UK's most complex infrastructure, energy, defence and nuclear programmes. We partner with clients to provide expert leadership, technical assurance and quality management capability, helping organisations deliver critical projects safely, compliantly and successfully.
We are currently supporting a major UK nuclear new-build programme and are seeking an experienced Head of Quality to lead quality delivery at Sizewell C.
The Opportunity
As Head of Quality, you will provide strategic leadership for quality across a major nuclear construction programme, leading a team of approximately 25–30 quality professionals. You will ensure quality requirements are embedded throughout programme delivery and that work is delivered safely, compliantly and right first time. A key focus of the role will be the management of a critical European supplier whose products and services are fundamental to project success. This organisation requires strong stakeholder management, effective challenge and regular engagement at senior levels, including travel to Europe for approximately one week per month.
This opportunity is ideally suited to an experienced Head of Quality, Quality Director, Programme Quality Manager or Senior Quality Leader from a highly regulated environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the quality function across a major nuclear construction programme.
- Manage and develop three Quality Delivery Managers and their teams.
- Ensure compliance with ISO 9001 and project quality requirements.
- Identify, manage and mitigate quality risks to programme delivery.
- Monitor and report quality performance to programme leadership.
- Lead audits, assurance activities, governance reviews and corrective actions.
- Act as the senior quality advisor to programme stakeholders.
- Manage a strategic European supplier, driving quality, performance and delivery outcomes.
- Support supplier evaluations, procurement activities and contract reviews.
- Promote a culture of continuous improvement, quality excellence and nuclear safety.
Experience
- Significant quality leadership experience within a highly regulated industry.
- Proven experience leading quality teams on major projects or programmes.
- Strong knowledge of ISO 9001 and quality management systems.
- Experience managing complex supplier relationships and supply chains.
- Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills.
- Ability to operate effectively within a matrix organisation.
- Willingness to travel regularly within Europe.
- Experience within nuclear, defence, energy or major infrastructure projects.
- Degree qualified in Engineering, Quality Management or a related discipline.
- Chartered or professionally affiliated status.
About You
You are a credible and resilient leader who can influence at all levels, manage challenging stakeholders and drive quality performance across complex programmes. You combine strategic thinking with practical delivery and are passionate about achieving high-quality outcomes in highly regulated environments.
Head of Quality in London employer: Shirley Parsons
Shirley Parsons is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises health, safety, and wellbeing in the vibrant city of London. Employees benefit from a supportive environment that fosters professional growth through continuous learning opportunities and leadership development, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in their careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Quality in London
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like Shirley Parsons, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Head of Quality at Shirley Parsons.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Quality in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Shirley Parsons
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
