Head of Quality in Lewes

Location: Lewes, East Sussex

Salary: £60,000 – £75,000 (dependent on experience)

Company Overview

Talented People is proud to be partnered with a leading UK-based manufacturer specialising in advanced electronic and mechanical systems for the public transport sector. With global reach and a reputation for quality, innovation, and reliability, the company designs and manufactures cutting‑edge solutions to exacting standards at their headquarters in East Sussex.

Job Overview

The QHSE Manager is a pivotal role responsible for ensuring and improving quality, health and safety, and environmental standards across the business. This includes overseeing quality assurance and control, maintaining ISO certifications, ensuring compliance with industry‑specific regulations (e.g., IPC standards for electronics), and driving a culture of continuous improvement. The ideal candidate will bring leadership, expertise, and a hands‑on approach within an electronics and mechanical assembly manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Quality Management
  • Develop, maintain, and enhance a certified QMS in alignment with ISO 9001 standards.
  • Ensure full compliance with relevant customer, regulatory, and industry requirements.
  • Lead quality planning, process validation, and PPAP submissions for automotive sector clients.
  • Oversee QA and QC functions, ensuring adequate resourcing and training.
  • Conduct regular visits to global subsidiaries and OEM customers to ensure quality consistency.
• Health & Safety
  • Ensure compliance with occupational health and safety standards, including safe handling of ESD‑sensitive components and hazardous materials.
  • Carry out risk assessments, lead safety investigations, and coordinate corrective actions.
  • Deliver relevant training in H&S procedures across departments.
• Environmental Management
  • Maintain ISO 14001 certification and ensure compliance with REACH, RoHS, and environmental regulations.
  • Oversee e‑waste disposal, chemical storage, and initiatives to improve resource efficiency.
• Systems & Continuous Improvement
  • Champion continuous improvement initiatives using tools such as 8D, FMEA, SPC, and Lean Six Sigma.
  • Manage document control for QHSE policies, SOPs, and process instructions.
  • Analyse and report key metrics including defect rates, audit findings, and incident logs.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Degree or equivalent in Engineering, Quality, or a related technical discipline.
• At least 5 years’ QHSE experience within electronics manufacturing or mechanical assembly.
• Strong working knowledge of ISO 9001 and ISO 14001.
• Hands‑on experience with root cause analysis, audits, PPAP, APQP, and control plans.
• Proficient in MS Office and QHSE software systems.

Desirable Skills & Knowledge

• Working knowledge of IATF16949, IPC‑A‑610, IPC/WHMA‑A‑620.
• Experience with product realisation, design and process transfer.
• Multilingual communication skills (French, German, or Spanish desirable).
• Experience supporting compliance within regulated international supply chains.

Key Competencies

• Detail‑oriented with strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Effective communicator with excellent leadership and coaching abilities.
• Able to work cross‑functionally with engineering, manufacturing, and commercial teams.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain compliance and foster a culture of quality and safety.

Salary, Bonus & Benefits

• Salary: £60,000 – £75,000 DOE
• Bonuses: Personal and company performance bonuses
• Hours: 40‑hour week with flexible working between 07:30 – 09:30 start and 15:30 – 17:30 finish
• Holiday: 25 days annual leave + bank holidays
• Pension: 6% employer contribution
• Healthcare: Full private medical insurance (including dependants)
• Other benefits: Staff social events, Modern office and engineering facilities, Career development support