At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead quality assurance activities and ensure compliance with aerospace standards.
- Company: Join Independent Forgings and Alloys, a top precision forging company in Europe.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 33 days holiday, pension scheme, and professional development.
- Other info: Permanent role with excellent career growth opportunities in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in aerospace manufacturing and drive continuous improvement.
- Qualifications: Experience in Quality Assurance within aerospace or high-integrity manufacturing.
Independent Forgings and Alloys (IFA), one of Europe's leading precision forging companies, is expanding and looking to recruit a Quality Assurance Lead to join its Sheffield-based team. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Quality professional to join a highly respected aerospace manufacturing organisation. The successful candidate will play a key role in driving quality assurance activities across the business, ensuring full compliance with AS9100, NADCAP, customer and regulatory requirements, whilst supporting continuous improvement initiatives throughout a complex forging and machining environment.
As the Quality Assurance Lead, you will be based at the Sheffield manufacturing facility, providing leadership across quality systems, compliance, auditing and continuous improvement activities within an AS9100 and NADCAP-accredited aerospace manufacturing environment. Working closely with Production, Manufacturing Engineering, Metallurgy and Customer Quality teams, you will take ownership of the Quality Management System (QMS), support accreditation requirements, lead audits, manage non-conformances and drive corrective actions across the business.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and maintain compliance with AS9100 Quality Management System requirements
- Support and manage NADCAP accreditation requirements, audits and compliance activities where applicable
- Act as the site lead for internal, customer and third-party quality audits
- Ensure ongoing compliance with aerospace, customer and regulatory quality standards
- Lead investigations into non-conformances, customer complaints and internal quality issues
- Drive root cause analysis and implementation of effective corrective and preventive actions (8D methodology)
- Monitor and report on quality performance metrics, KPIs and trends
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on product quality, process capability and operational excellence
- Work closely with Production, Manufacturing Engineering and Metallurgy teams to ensure process control and product conformity
- Review and approve quality documentation, procedures, control plans and compliance records
- Support process validation, FMEA activities and risk assessments
- Ensure full traceability and compliance of manufacturing records in line with aerospace requirements
- Support customer quality requirements, technical reviews and audits
- Lead and support training and coaching of quality principles across operational teams
- Ensure adherence to AS9100/NADCAP requirements in all manufacturing processes
- Carry out any other reasonable duties as requested by management
Qualifications and Experience
- Proven experience in a Quality Assurance, Quality Engineering or Quality Management role within aerospace or high-integrity manufacturing
- Strong working knowledge of AS9100 requirements (essential)
- Experience working within or supporting NADCAP-accredited processes (essential or highly desirable depending on exposure)
- Strong background in forging, metals, steel, machining or precision manufacturing environments
- Demonstrated experience leading internal, customer and certification audits
- Strong knowledge of root cause analysis, 8D, FMEA and corrective action systems
- Understanding of metallurgical or heat treatment processes is advantageous
- Strong understanding of manufacturing process control and quality systems
- Experience working closely with Production, Engineering and Metallurgy functions
- Excellent communication, leadership and stakeholder management skills
Salary Information
This position would suit an experienced Quality Engineer, Quality Lead or Quality Manager from a highly regulated aerospace or precision manufacturing environment with strong knowledge of AS9100 and NADCAP standards. The starting salary is between £50,000 - £55,000, depending on experience.
Additional Benefits
- Permanent position with long-term career opportunities
- Training and professional development support
- Opportunity to work within an advanced aerospace manufacturing environment
- 33 days holiday
- Pension scheme with employer contribution
- Bonus scheme and Westfield cash plan
- On-site parking available
- Opportunity to lead AS9100/NADCAP compliance and influence quality strategy across the business
This position is being recruited exclusively by W Talent Recruitment, who will be conducting the first-stage pre-screen interview. Any questions, please contact Glyn Dobb at W Talent directly.
Quality Assurance Lead in Sheffield employer: W Talent
Independent Forgings and Alloys (IFA) is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Sheffield that fosters professional growth and development within the aerospace manufacturing sector. With a commitment to quality and compliance, IFA provides its employees with extensive training opportunities, competitive salaries, and a comprehensive benefits package, including a pension scheme and bonus incentives. Joining IFA means becoming part of a respected team dedicated to innovation and excellence in precision forging, where your contributions directly impact the success of the organisation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Quality Assurance Lead in Sheffield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the aerospace and manufacturing sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their products, values, and recent news. This will help us tailor our answers and show that we’re genuinely interested in IFA and the Quality Assurance Lead role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family. Focus on common questions related to quality assurance and compliance. This will help us articulate our experience and skills confidently when it counts.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in leaving a positive impression. It shows our enthusiasm for the role and keeps us on their radar. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why we’re the perfect fit!
We think you need these skills to ace Quality Assurance Lead in Sheffield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Quality Assurance Lead role. Highlight your experience with AS9100 and NADCAP, and any relevant achievements in quality management. We want to see how your background fits perfectly with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about quality assurance in aerospace manufacturing. Share specific examples of how you've driven continuous improvement in past roles, and let us know why you want to join our team at IFA.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t forget to showcase your skills in root cause analysis, auditing, and compliance. We’re looking for someone who can lead investigations and drive corrective actions, so make sure these skills are front and centre in your application.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at W Talent
✨Know Your Standards
Make sure you have a solid understanding of AS9100 and NADCAP standards. Brush up on the key requirements and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with these standards during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Quality Assurance Lead, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership abilities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past, especially in quality management or compliance settings.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions related to quality assurance processes, root cause analysis, and corrective actions. Be ready to explain methodologies like 8D and FMEA, and how you've applied them in real-world scenarios.
✨Highlight Continuous Improvement Initiatives
Discuss any continuous improvement initiatives you've been involved in. Share specific examples of how you've driven quality enhancements or operational excellence in previous roles, as this will resonate well with the company's focus.
