Quality Lead

United Infrastructure is a dynamic and rapidly expanding business, focused on delivering critical infrastructure projects across the utility and social infrastructure sectors. Our team of highly skilled and hardworking specialists deliver innovative solutions to the complex challenges our clients face.

Our company is split into two business areas:

• Utility Infrastructure – Our team of Utility Infrastructure specialists design, build and maintain critical water, energy (gas), power and telecoms infrastructure for the UK’s largest network owners and operators.
• Social Infrastructure - Our team of Social Infrastructure specialists revitalise homes and communities by carrying out a wide range of work, from retrofit to refurbishment, and maintenance.

Equal Opportunities Statement - At United Infrastructure, we are committed to making every interaction a positive and inclusive experience. If there is anything we can do to support you, remove barriers, or make the process more accessible, please let us know — we want this to be the best possible experience for you.

As the UK transitions towards a low‑carbon energy system under the Government’s Clean Power 2030 Action Plan, resilient and flexible electricity infrastructure is critical. United Infrastructure supports this transition by delivering fully integrated power infrastructure solutions across transmission and distribution networks. As an Independent Connection Provider (ICP), we deliver end-to-end design, construction, and maintenance of electrical networks up to 400kV.

As part of our services, the Power Transmission & Distribution (UIPT&D) team are seeking a full time Project Quality Lead to support the quality management processes and controls in the delivery of a significant project to our client. The project, based in Alness, Scotland, is to construct and install energy transmission infrastructure covering approximately 80km of the Scottish Highlands between Loch Buidhe to Beauly.

Reporting to the HSEQ Manager, the Project Quality Lead is responsible for establishing, implementing, and maintaining robust quality management systems across Transmission and Distribution construction projects. The role ensures that all works are delivered in full compliance with contractual requirements, client specifications, statutory obligations, and applicable standards, while driving a strong culture of right‑first‑time delivery and continual improvement. The role operates as a key member of the project HSEQ leadership team and provides assurance to both internal management and the client that quality risks are effectively controlled throughout the project lifecycle.

Other responsibilities of the role include:

• Quality Management & Assurance - Develop, implement, and maintain the Project Quality Plan (PQP) in line with ISO Standards, client requirements, and company management systems. Establish inspection and test plans (ITPs), quality procedures, and workmanship standards for all UIPT&D phases of construction activities. Ensure quality requirements are fully integrated into project planning, construction methodologies, and supply chain activities. Act as the lead adviser for all quality‑related matters with the client, designer, and supply chain.
• Compliance & Governance - Ensure compliance with contractual quality requirements, client technical specifications, industry standards (e.g. BS, IEC, EN), and statutory and regulatory obligations. Manage internal and external audits, including client, certification body, and regulatory audits. Track, trend, and report quality performance metrics, non‑conformances, and improvement actions.
• Non‑Conformance & Corrective Action - Lead the identification, investigation, and close‑out of non‑conformances (NCRs). Ensure root cause analysis is completed and effective corrective and preventive actions are implemented. Provide assurance that defects are effectively managed, and lessons learned are captured and shared.
• Construction & Operational Interface - Work closely with Project Managers, Construction Managers, Site Managers, and Engineers to embed quality into day‑to‑day construction activities. Provide quality input into method statements, risk assessments, and temporary works where relevant. Support first article inspections, hold points, and quality surveillance on site.
• Supply Chain & Subcontractor Management - Assess and approve subcontractor and supplier quality documentation, including quality plans and ITPs. Monitor subcontractor performance and provide quality oversight of off‑site fabrication and on‑site works. Support supplier audits and technical assessments as required.
• Continuous Improvement & Culture - Promote a strong quality culture across site teams and the wider project organisation. Deliver quality briefings, toolbox talks, and awareness sessions. Capture lessons learned and contribute to business‑wide improvement initiatives.
• Health, Safety & Environmental Interface - Work collaboratively with HSE teams to ensure quality and safety requirements are aligned and mutually reinforcing. Support the prevention of quality‑related safety risks, rework, and defects that could impact system integrity or operational safety. Ensure quality processes support safe systems of work and asset reliability.
• Quality Team - The Quality Lead is responsible for the day-to-day line supervision and management of the project quality team. Coordinate and manage any contracted quality services in support of the project.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong understanding of Transmission & Distribution construction, including substations, overhead lines, and cable systems.
• Detailed knowledge of quality management systems and assurance methodologies.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications, and industry standards.
• Confident communicator, able to challenge constructively at all levels.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with experience in root cause analysis.
• Organized, detail‑focused, and able to manage multiple quality priorities across complex projects.

Qualifications & Experience

• Essential - Degree or equivalent experience in Engineering, Construction, or a related discipline. Proven experience in a Quality Lead / Quality Manager role within T&D, utilities, or major infrastructure construction. Working knowledge of ISO 9001 and quality assurance principles.
• Desirable - Chartered status or professional membership (e.g. CQP, CQI, IET). Lead Auditor qualification (ISO 9001). Experience working under UK DNO/TSO frameworks (e.g. National Grid, SSEN, UKPN). Knowledge of asset adoption, commissioning, and handover processes.

Accountability & Authority

• Authority to stop work where serious quality non‑conformances or specification breaches are identified.
• Accountable for project quality performance and compliance outcomes.
• Responsible for escalating quality risks to project leadership when required.

Outline of benefits:

• Competitive Annual Salary with regular reviews in line with the industry sector based upon knowledge, skills and experience. (£60,750 - £74,250)
• Car/Car Allowance Based on your location, the option of a company Car or Car Allowance (£3750/year taxable) may be included.
• Holidays 34 days annual leave (including 8 x public holidays).
• Death in Service 4 x Annual salary.
• Contributory Pension Scheme Basic level: 3% employee / 6% employer contributions.
• Access to United Infrastructure optional benefits package private medical cover, Gym discounts, cycle to work, holiday purchase, leisure and shopping discounts; all of these and more that can be adapted to suit your own lifestyle.
• Remote Workers Provision of worker accommodation (Where vacancy allows) or support in finding accommodation, Accommodation allowance, Meals/Food allowance, living away from home allowance (Distance based).
• Commitment to continued professional development: development plans that are tailored to your individual needs and interests.
• National connections: join experts around the UK who are at the leading edge of our industry, shaping the standards of our profession.
• Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: we are an organisation actively committed to diversity and inclusion across our business.

If all of this sounds good to you, then forward a copy of your CV to apply and start your career journey with United Infrastructure Power Transmission & Distribution. Join us at United Infrastructure and be part of our mission to deliver innovative and sustainable solutions to the complex infrastructure needs of the UK.