At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead quality initiatives and mentor teams to enhance medical device quality.
- Company: Smith+Nephew, a leader in innovative medical technology.
- Benefits: Generous bonuses, flexible work, health plans, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Join a community committed to inclusion and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on healthcare while growing your career.
- Qualifications: 8+ years in Quality Engineering, Lean Six Sigma certified.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Life Unlimited. At Smith+Nephew we design and manufacture technology that takes the limits off living. We are currently looking for a Quality Engineering Lead to join our team in Hull. As a Quality Engineering Lead, you will play a critical role in ensuring the quality, compliance, and continuous improvement of our medical devices throughout their lifecycle. Acting as a key technical expert and trusted partner to cross-functional teams, you will provide hands-on quality engineering support, oversee product and process changes, and help drive the successful introduction of new products into manufacturing.
In this individual contributor role, you will mentor Quality Engineers, support project governance activities, and champion data-driven quality initiatives.
What will you be doing?
- Lead Statistical Process Control (SPC), process capability, and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance product quality, reduce variation, and drive operational excellence across manufacturing operations.
- Analyse and improve process performance using statistical tools and methodologies, identifying trends, addressing quality issues, and delivering sustainable improvements in yield, compliance, and customer satisfaction.
- Drive root cause investigations, CAPA activities, and continuous improvement projects using Lean Six Sigma, DMAIC, 8D, and other structured problem-solving approaches to prevent recurrence and reduce Cost of Poor Quality (COPQ).
- Provide quality leadership and oversight for product and process changes, validation activities, risk management, and new product introductions, ensuring compliance with regulatory, quality, and business requirements.
- Partner with cross-functional teams including Engineering, Operations, Regulatory Affairs, NPI, and Suppliers to improve process capability, manage quality risks, and ensure successful project execution.
- Serve as a technical quality expert during audits, inspections, customer complaint investigations, and management reviews, presenting quality metrics, trends, and data-driven recommendations.
- Mentor and coach Quality Engineers and wider operational teams, fostering technical excellence, continuous learning, and a proactive quality culture while providing delegated support to site quality leadership when required.
What will you need to be successful?
- A minimum of 8 years’ experience in Quality & Engineering related work, with 3 or more years in a management role, knowledge of ISO13485, quality tools, statistics, process control, etc.
- Lean Six Sigma certification required (minimum green belt, ideally black belt).
- Experience and thorough understanding of SPC and DMAIC / data-driven problem-solving methodology essential.
- Bachelor degree or above, at least 3 years’ experience working within Medical Device / Pharmaceutical Industry.
- Strong analytical and communication skills are essential. Although direct line management is not part of this role, excellent interpersonal skills and mentor experience desirable.
We believe in creating the greatest good for society. Our strongest investments are in our people and the patients we serve.
Inclusion and Belonging: Committed to welcoming, celebrating and thriving on inclusion and belonging.
Your Future: Generous annual bonus and pension schemes, Save As You Earn share options.
Work/Life Balance: Flexible vacation and time off, paid holidays and paid volunteering hours, so we can give back to our communities.
Your Wellbeing: Private health and dental plans, healthcare cash plans, income protection, life assurance and much more.
Flexibility: Hybrid working model (for most professional roles).
Training: Hands-on, team-customised, mentorship.
Extra Perks: Discounts on gyms and fitness clubs, salary sacrifice bicycle and car schemes and many other employee discounts.
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Quality Engineering Lead employer: Smith & Nephew
Smith & Nephew is an exceptional employer that values clinical expertise and fosters a supportive work culture for its Wound Care Field Specialists. With flexible working options, comprehensive training, and opportunities for professional growth, employees are empowered to make a meaningful impact in the healthcare sector while enjoying a rewarding career in the North Wales and Midlands region.
