Senior Consultant in Birmingham

Senior Consultant - IATF 16949, Automotive Quality & Oversight

Location: UK Based with Regular UK & International Travel

Help Shape the Future of Automotive Quality

SMMT Quality Management is a globally recognised organisation dedicated to improving manufacturing competitiveness and driving business excellence throughout the automotive supply chain.

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Senior Consultant to join our growing team. This is a unique opportunity for an automotive quality professional to combine consultancy, training, auditing, and industry leadership within one role.

You will work with leading manufacturers, suppliers, Certification Bodies, and industry stakeholders, delivering high-quality consultancy and training services while supporting SMMT's important role within the global IATF certification scheme.

This is a highly visible position requiring deep technical expertise in IATF 16949:2016, exceptional communication skills, and the credibility to engage confidently with senior leaders across the automotive industry.

What You'll Be Doing

Consultancy, Training & Coaching

You will deliver consultancy, coaching, and training to clients ranging from global OEMs to specialist automotive suppliers, helping them improve quality, performance, and competitiveness.

Responsibilities include:

• Delivering training programmes both face-to-face and virtually.
• Delivering 1st, 2nd and 3rd Party Auditor Training.
• Providing training and coaching in:
• IATF 16949:2016
• APQP
• FMEA
• SPC
• MSA
• PPAP
• Supporting organisations with the implementation and continuous improvement of quality management systems.
• Contributing to the ongoing development of SMMT QM's consultancy and training services.

SMMT Oversight & Industry Engagement

As part of this role, you'll support SMMT's automotive quality oversight activities through engagement with Certification Bodies and participation in industry working groups.

Responsibilities include:

• Undertaking IATF Witness Audits.
• Supporting SMMT Oversight events, committees and technical activities, including Technical Committee meetings and associated sub-groups where specialist expertise is required.
• Providing technical expertise and support to industry oversight activities, working groups and stakeholder forums as appropriate.
• Representing SQM professionally in interactions with certification bodies, industry stakeholders and automotive sector organisations.
• Contributing to the ongoing development and promotion of quality best practices across the automotive industry.

Business Development & Relationship Management

You’ll play an active role in developing long‑term client relationships and supporting the continued growth of the business by:

• Building trusted relationships with clients and stakeholders.
• Identifying opportunities for additional consultancy and training support.
• Supporting proposals and account development activities.
• Working collaboratively with colleagues on larger improvement and transformation programmes.

About You

We’re looking for an experienced automotive quality professional who combines technical expertise with strong interpersonal and consulting skills.

Essential Experience & Skills

• Significant experience auditing within a manufacturing environment.
• Experience as a Certification Body Auditor for IATF 16949:2016.
• Strong knowledge of Automotive Core Tools, including APQP, FMEA, SPC, MSA and PPAP.
• Experience delivering training, coaching or facilitation programmes.
• Strong customer engagement and relationship management skills.
• Demonstrable experience of problem‑solving methodologies, including 8D.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong presentation and public speaking capability.
• Ability to engage confidently with senior leaders and executives.
• Commercial awareness and a client‑focused approach.
• Strong report‑writing, analytical and organisational skills.
• Willingness to travel regularly throughout the UK and internationally.
• Degree, qualification or equivalent experience in Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Operations Management or a related field.

Personal Attributes

• Professional, credible and confident.
• An excellent communicator and relationship builder.
• Diplomatic, tactful and persuasive.
• Positive, enthusiastic and collaborative.
• Adaptable and willing to learn.
• Self‑motivated with a proactive mindset.
• Comfortable working across different cultures and international environments.
• Previous consultancy experience within a consulting or professional services environment.
• Experience working within an IATF‑recognised Certification Body.
• Participation in industry committees, technical groups or standards development activities.
• Additional expertise that broadens SMMT QM's capability offering.
• Lead Auditor or related quality qualifications.

Why Join SMMT Quality Management?

This is an opportunity to join an organisation at the heart of the automotive industry, influencing quality standards and helping manufacturers improve performance on a global scale.

You’ll work with leading organisations, contribute to internationally recognised quality initiatives, and play an important role in shaping the future of automotive excellence.

If you're looking for a challenging and rewarding role where your expertise can make a genuine impact across the automotive sector, we'd love to hear from you.

#J-18808-Ljbffr