At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Quality team to ensure top-notch manufacturing and customer support.
- Company: Join the UK's largest steel storage manufacturer with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, career growth, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values equality and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving quality and continuous improvement in manufacturing.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in Quality Management with strong ISO 9001 knowledge.
Quality Assurance Manager
Full Time | Permanent
The Whittan Group is the largest manufacturer of steel storage products in the United Kingdom. Operating through a number of market-leading brands, we design, manufacture and install storage solutions for commercial and industrial environments across the UK and Europe.
Milton Keynes
Full time
Permanent
Quality Assurance Manager
Location: Milton Keynes Full Time | Permanent
The Whittan Group is the largest manufacturer of steel storage products in the United Kingdom. Operating through a number of market-leading brands, we design, manufacture and install storage solutions for commercial and industrial environments across the UK and Europe.
As we continue to grow, we are looking for an experienced Quality Assurance Manager to lead our Quality function and drive excellence across our manufacturing operations.
About The Role
Reporting to the Group Operations Director, you will be responsible for leading all aspects of Quality Assurance across manufacturing and customer support activities. You will establish and develop a dedicated Quality team, ensuring products consistently meet customer expectations, industry standards and regulatory requirements.
This is a pivotal leadership role focused on defect prevention, reducing the Cost of Poor Quality (COPQ), improving customer satisfaction, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement throughout the business.
Key Responsibilities
Quality Assurance
- Lead and develop the Quality team responsible for factory quality assurance and customer support.
- Ensure independent inspection and verification of production activities throughout manufacture.
- Develop and implement in-process inspection plans across fabrication, welding, roll forming, powder coating and assembly.
- Conduct layered process audits and manufacturing quality audits.
- Lead root cause investigations and drive effective corrective actions.
- Reduce internal defects through proactive quality assurance activities.
Customer Quality
- Own the customer complaint process.
- Lead 8D investigations and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Conduct customer site visits where required.
- Analyse warranty claims and field failures.
- Drive lessons learned back into manufacturing processes.
- Improve customer satisfaction through rapid containment and permanent corrective actions.
Quality Management Systems
- Support and continually improve the ISO 9001 Quality Management System.
- Lead internal and external audits.
- Manage CAPA processes and document control systems.
- Ensure procedures, work instructions and process controls remain current and effective.
Supplier Quality
- Approve, monitor and audit suppliers.
- Manage supplier corrective actions.
- Develop supplier performance scorecards.
- Reduce incoming material defects and improve supplier performance.
Continuous Improvement
Lead improvement projects using Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma principles, focusing on reducing:
- Customer complaints
- Scrap and rework
- Internal defects
- Manufacturing waste
- Process variation
- Cost of Poor Quality (COPQ)
Essential
About You
- Degree, HNC/HND or equivalent qualification in Engineering, Manufacturing or Quality.
- Minimum five years' experience managing Quality within a manufacturing environment.
- Strong working knowledge of ISO 9001.
- Lead Auditor experience
- Excellent understanding of fabrication, welding and manufacturing processes.
- Experience with Root Cause Analysis, 8D, CAPA and structured problem-solving methodologies.
- Strong leadership and people management skills.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
- Ability to analyse quality data and drive measurable business improvements.
Desirable
- Lead Auditor qualification.
- Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt.
- Lean Manufacturing qualification.
- Experience within pallet racking, steel storage or structural steel manufacturing.
- Experience using ERP and Quality Management Systems.
What You'll Bring
You'll be a proactive and collaborative leader who:
- Promotes a culture of quality, accountability and continuous improvement.
- Leads by example and inspires high performance.
- Builds strong relationships across all departments.
- Makes objective, data-driven decisions.
- Demonstrates integrity, professionalism and attention to detail.
- Is passionate about delivering exceptional customer outcomes.
The Whittan Group promotes equality of opportunity in that everyone who works for us and any job applicants will be treated equally, regardless of gender or gender reassignment, age, ethnic or national origin, nationality, race, colour, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, disability, sexual orientation, religion or belief.
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Quality Assurance Manager in Milton Keynes employer: The Whittan Group
The Whittan Group is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Telford where innovation meets collaboration. As the UK's largest manufacturer of steel storage products, we provide our Inside Sales Representatives with extensive training and growth opportunities, fostering a culture that values teamwork and customer satisfaction. With a commitment to equality and a focus on professional development, we ensure that every employee can thrive while contributing to our mission of delivering outstanding storage solutions across the UK and Europe.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Quality Assurance Manager in Milton Keynes
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We think you need these skills to ace Quality Assurance Manager in Milton Keynes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
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Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to The Whittan Group specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
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How to prepare for a job interview at The Whittan Group
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
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Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
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Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like The Whittan Group value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
