Quality Systems Manager in Witham

Salary: circa up to £70k subject to skills & experience

Hours: Mon‑Fri, 08:00 – 16:30

Location: Witham, Essex

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Quality team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement by supporting individual employee growth, performance, and professional development.
• Define, implement, and maintain the Quality Management System (QMS) in line with IATF 16949, ISO standards, and OEM customer requirements.
• Lead internal and external audit programmes, including system, process, and product audits, ensuring timely closure of corrective actions.
• Manage and maintain compliance with customer‑specific requirements (CSRs), regulatory obligations, and internal standards.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across manufacturing and business processes using structured problem‑solving methodologies.
• Support New Product Introduction (NPI) activities and ensure quality system readiness for product launches.
• Lead root cause investigations and corrective/preventive actions using 8D, 5 Why, and Ishikawa methodologies.
• Monitor and report key quality performance indicators (KPIs), identifying trends and implementing improvement plans.
• Ensure effective document control and maintenance of quality records within the QMS.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Manufacturing, and Procurement teams to ensure quality requirements are embedded throughout operations.
• Support supplier quality and customer quality activities where required.
• Act as the primary point of contact for certification bodies and customer audits.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in Quality Systems or Quality Management within the automotive manufacturing industry.
• Degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, or a related discipline is desirable.
• Strong working knowledge of IATF 16949, APQP, PPAP, FMEA, MSA, and SPC.
• Experience managing internal and external audits, including customer and certification audits.
• Strong understanding of quality assurance processes within a low‑volume, high‑pressure manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of carbon fibre component manufacturing and painting processes is desirable.
• Excellent root cause analysis and problem‑solving capability using structured methodologies such as 8D and 5 Why.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and challenge constructively.
• Experience leading continuous improvement activities and driving quality culture initiatives.
• Able to work cross‑functionally with Engineering, Manufacturing, Procurement, and Operations teams.
• Six Sigma Black Belt or equivalent continuous improvement certification desirable.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Willingness to travel occasionally to suppliers, customers, or external audit locations where required.

Additional Expectations

The role requires a flexible approach, with the ability to adapt to business needs. While the key responsibilities cover the main duties of the role, additional tasks aligned with the general scope and level of responsibility may be required.

Benefits

• Holiday allowance: 20 days plus bank holidays.
• Life Insurance (3x salary).
• Free on‑site parking.

Equal Opportunities Statement

As an equal opportunities employer, TECNIQ is committed to the equal treatment of all current and prospective employees and does not condone discrimination on the basis of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership. We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and join TECNIQ.