Quality Assurance Manager in Alton, Hampshire

Thales is a global technology leader with more than 83,000 employees on five continents. With over 7,500 people in the UK, operating across defence, space, aerospace, and digital security, we help build a future we can all trust. Thales supports the security and stability of our nation by providing extraordinary technology to our customers, as well as delivering social value to the UK with our products and services.

Are you an inquisitive, collaborative, and influential individual looking for an exciting, dynamic, and varied role in Quality Assurance? Do you enjoy using your judgement, risk-based thinking, and problem-solving skills to help shape decisions and support programme success throughout the project lifecycle? If so, we'd love to hear from you. We're looking for Quality Assurance Managers to join our team in Cheadle.

What We're Looking For

We value diverse experiences and perspectives, and we're interested in people who can bring fresh thinking, curiosity, and a willingness to learn. We're looking for someone who thrives on building strong relationships, enjoys working collaboratively, and is passionate about making a positive impact through continuous improvement and thoughtful problem-solving. Successful people in this role often bring many of the following qualities:

• A natural relationship-builder who communicates effectively and enjoys working as part of a project team environment.
• Strong in analytical and critical thinking, with the ability to identify trends, interpret data, and turn insights into meaningful recommendations.
• Proactive and forward-thinking, anticipating challenges and opportunities whilst developing practical solutions to prevent issues before they arise and therefore a culture of continuous improvement.
• An engaging communicator who can influence, inspire, and build trusted partnerships across a variety of stakeholders.
• Curious, adaptable, and open-minded, with a willingness to learn, embrace change, and continuously develop.
• Confident facilitating discussions and bringing people together to achieve shared goals.
• Adaptable, resilient, and flexible, able to navigate changing priorities whilst maintaining momentum and focus.
• A collaborative team player with high levels of self-awareness and emotional intelligence.
• Well-organised, with strong planning and prioritisation skills.
• A creative problem-solver who can make well-informed decisions and approach challenges with confidence.
• Able to balance day-to-day requirements with a broader strategic perspective.
• Committed to acting with integrity and upholding the Thales Ethics Policy.

Why Join Thales?

Quality Assurance Managers at Thales play a critical role in supporting programme delivery, representing the voice of the customer, and driving a culture of quality and continuous improvement. You'll work closely with project teams, customers, suppliers, and business leaders, helping to ensure that quality remains at the heart of decision-making throughout the project lifecycle.

What the Role Has to Offer

• Highly visible role with exposure across all areas of the business.
• Opportunity to act as the voice of the customer within bids and projects.
• Varied and rewarding work where no two days are the same.
• Hybrid working, with 3 days per week on-site.
• Funded CQI membership.
• Support for professional development and formal quality training, including Lead Auditor certification where appropriate.

What Will Your Day Look Like?

Reporting to the Quality Manager, you'll be responsible for:

• Acting as the customer's representative within project and bid teams to maximise customer satisfaction.
• Monitoring, analysing, and reporting quality performance to support successful project delivery.
• Encouraging and developing best practice across programmes and functions.
• Identifying risks, opportunities, and areas for continuous improvement.
• Planning and conducting project audits and surveillance activities in line with Project Quality Plans and audit strategies.
• Promoting a positive quality culture throughout the business.

Experience & Technical Knowledge

We're interested in individuals who can demonstrate the behaviours above and who also bring some of the following experience:

• Essential
• Experience working within a quality assurance, regulated, or continuous improvement environment.
• Sound knowledge of current quality standards, practices, and methodologies.
• Understanding of Quality Management Systems (QMS) and certification requirements.
• Desirable
• Quality assurance experience within project, design, engineering, or manufacturing environments.
• Proven experience collaborating across multi-functional teams to drive quality improvements.
• Qualified auditor status or equivalent auditing experience.

Security Clearance

This role will require SC Clearance. It would be advantageous if currently held; however, if not currently held, it is a requirement that the successful applicant will undergo, achieve, and maintain SC Clearance. Please visit the UKSV website for further guidance. To be eligible for full SC, you generally need to have resided in the UK for the last 5 years. In some circumstances, a minimum of 3 years' residence in the UK over the last 5 years may be accepted, with additional overseas checks.

For further details of the evidence required to apply for Baseline and Security Clearance please refer to the National Security Vetting (NSV) Agency - United Kingdom Security Vetting - GOV.UK.

At Thales, we ensure equal opportunities, pay, and working conditions for all. The benefits we offer include private medical insurance, buying or selling annual leave, cycle to work schemes, employee discounts, paid volunteering day, stocks and shares, annual bonus, and much more depending on the role. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued for who they are and the unique strengths they bring.

If this role isn't quite right for you, we encourage you to join our talent community where your details will be shared with our recruitment teams for other potential opportunities.

Join Thales in the UK – Innovate with us and shape the future!