Quality Manager in Manchester

Quality Manager – Precision Engineering & Tooling

Location: South Manchester

Salary: Competitive + Benefits

Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent

About the Opportunity

Winsearch is recruiting on behalf of a respected precision engineering and tooling subcontract manufacturer based in South Manchester. The client delivers high‑tolerance, high‑quality components, tooling, jigs and fixtures to aerospace, automotive, medical and advanced manufacturing sectors. Due to continued growth and investment, an experienced Quality Manager is required to own the quality function and drive operational excellence.

Role Overview

The Quality Manager will be responsible for the full Quality Management System (QMS), inspection activities, audit processes and continuous improvement initiatives. This hands‑on leadership role is ideal for someone with strong knowledge of precision machining, tooling and metrology who can work confidently with both customers and cross‑functional teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and maintain the company’s ISO 9001 QMS (AS 9100 exposure advantageous).
• Oversee first‑off, in‑process and final inspection of precision‑engineered components.
• Manage and develop a small quality/inspection team, providing guidance and support.
• Conduct internal audits and support external audits with customers and certification bodies.
• Drive root‑cause analysis and corrective actions (8D, 5‑Why, Ishikawa).
• Ensure calibration control of gauges, tooling and metrology equipment.
• Collaborate with production, engineering and tooling departments to ensure dimensional conformance.
• Champion continuous improvement and lean initiatives across the shop floor.
• Review and control engineering drawings, customer specifications and quality documentation.
• Support APQP, PPAP, FAIRs and customer‑specific compliance requirements.
• Prepare and present quality performance reports to senior management.

Skills & Experience Required

• Proven experience as a Quality Manager or Senior Quality Engineer within precision machining, toolmaking or CNC manufacturing.
• Strong understanding of tight‑tolerance engineering, machining processes and GD&T.
• Solid experience with ISO 9001 auditing; AS 9100 knowledge highly beneficial.
• Competent in metrology and measurement systems; CMM experience desirable.
• Strong communicator with the ability to influence, lead, and build positive internal and external relationships.
• Highly organised, detail‑focused and proactive in driving improvements.

What’s on Offer

• Competitive salary depending on experience
• Company benefits package
• Opportunity to join a stable, well‑invested and growing engineering business
• Long‑term career progression and development opportunities
• Supportive team environment with modern manufacturing facilities