Senior Quality & Supplier Excellence Leader

Senior Quality & Supplier Excellence Leader

Full-Time 55000 - 65000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
W Talent

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead quality assurance and supplier management in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
  • Company: Well-established manufacturing business in Derbyshire with a focus on growth.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, career progression, and leadership opportunities.
  • Other info: Join a proactive team and drive continuous improvement in a complex industry.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on operational excellence and supplier quality improvements.
  • Qualifications: Experience in Quality Management and strong knowledge of ISO standards required.

The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.

W Talent Engineering are proud to be working in partnership with a well-established and highly respected manufacturing business in Derbyshire to recruit an experienced Quality Manager. This is an excellent opportunity to join a complex manufacturing operation supplying technically advanced products into demanding global markets. The business has continued to invest heavily in its people, processes and operational capability, creating a strong platform for future growth and continuous improvement.

The successful candidate will play a key leadership role across the site, with particular focus on supplier quality, quality systems and driving operational excellence across manufacturing and supply chain activities.

The Role

Reporting into senior leadership, the Quality Manager will be responsible for leading all aspects of quality assurance and supplier quality management across the manufacturing operation.

Key Responsibilities
  • Lead and maintain the site Quality Management System (QMS) ensuring compliance with ISO standards and customer requirements.
  • Manage supplier quality activities including supplier audits, performance management, corrective actions and supplier development.
  • Drive root cause analysis and problem‑solving activities using structured quality methodologies.
  • Support manufacturing operations with robust quality assurance processes and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Lead internal and external audit activities and ensure effective close‑out of actions.
  • Monitor and report quality KPIs, driving improvements across non‑conformance, scrap, rework and customer complaints.
  • Work closely with Engineering, Operations and Procurement teams to improve process capability and supplier performance.
  • Lead and develop the Quality team, promoting a proactive quality culture across the site.
  • Support customer quality requirements and act as the key contact for quality‑related issues.
Candidate Requirements
  • Proven experience within a Quality Management position in a manufacturing or engineering environment.
  • Strong background in Supplier Quality and supplier development activities.
  • Excellent working knowledge of ISO 9001 and quality systems management.
  • Experience conducting supplier and internal audits.
  • Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and continuous improvement methodologies.
  • Experience using quality tools such as 8D, FMEA, CAPA and Root Cause Analysis.
  • Strong systems knowledge including ERP/MRP and quality management software.
  • Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
  • Previous experience within complex manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, industrial or highly regulated environments would be advantageous.
What's on Offer
  • £55,000 - £65,000 salary
  • Career progression opportunities
  • Leadership role within a growing manufacturing business
  • Opportunity to drive meaningful operational and supplier quality improvements

Senior Quality & Supplier Excellence Leader employer: W Talent

Join a well-established manufacturing business in Derbyshire that prioritises employee development and operational excellence. With a strong commitment to investing in its people and processes, this company offers a dynamic work culture where you can lead quality initiatives and drive significant improvements in supplier management. Enjoy competitive salary packages, career progression opportunities, and the chance to make a meaningful impact in a complex manufacturing environment.

W Talent

Contact Details:

W Talent Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Quality & Supplier Excellence Leader

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the manufacturing and quality sectors. Attend industry events or webinars to meet potential employers and get your name out there. Remember, sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of ISO standards and quality management systems. Be ready to discuss your experience with supplier audits and continuous improvement initiatives. Show them you’re the expert they need!

Tip Number 3

Don’t forget to showcase your leadership skills! Talk about how you’ve developed teams and promoted a proactive quality culture in your previous roles. Employers love to see candidates who can inspire and lead others.

Tip Number 4

Apply through our website for the best chance at landing that Senior Quality & Supplier Excellence Leader role. We’re all about connecting talent with opportunity, so make sure you’re in the right place to get noticed!

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Quality & Supplier Excellence Leader

Quality Management System (QMS)
ISO 9001
Supplier Quality Management
Supplier Audits
Performance Management
Corrective Actions
Root Cause Analysis

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Senior Quality & Supplier Excellence Leader. Highlight your experience in quality management and supplier development, and don’t forget to mention any relevant ISO standards you’ve worked with.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific achievements in quality assurance and how you’ve driven operational excellence in previous positions.

Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your skills; demonstrate them! Use examples from your past experiences to show how you’ve successfully used quality tools like 8D, FMEA, and Root Cause Analysis to solve problems and improve processes.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!

How to prepare for a job interview at W Talent

Know Your Quality Standards

Make sure you brush up on ISO 9001 and any other relevant quality standards before the interview. Being able to discuss how you've implemented these standards in your previous roles will show that you're not just familiar with them, but that you can apply them effectively.

Showcase Your Supplier Management Skills

Prepare specific examples of how you've managed supplier quality activities in the past. Talk about audits you've conducted, performance management strategies you've implemented, and how you've developed suppliers to meet quality expectations. This will demonstrate your hands-on experience in supplier quality management.

Be Ready for Problem-Solving Scenarios

Expect to be asked about your approach to root cause analysis and problem-solving. Have a couple of structured methodologies in mind, like 8D or FMEA, and be ready to walk through a real-life example where you successfully resolved a quality issue.

Communicate Effectively

Since this role involves working closely with various teams, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Highlight your stakeholder management skills and how you've fostered a proactive quality culture in your previous positions. Good communication can set you apart from other candidates.