At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive quality performance in automotive manufacturing and lead continuous improvement initiatives.
- Company: Established automotive manufacturer with a focus on innovation and quality.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £42,000, permanent role, and a 37.5-hour work week.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team in a specialist engineering environment with growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on high-end automotive projects and work with top brands.
- Qualifications: Experience in automotive quality systems and strong communication skills required.
Location: Daventry, Northamptonshire
Salary: Up to £42,000 per annum
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
Sector: Automotive / Advanced Manufacturing
Workforce Group are working with a highly established specialist automotive manufacturer in Daventry, supporting the recruitment of an experienced Senior Quality Engineer to join their growing engineering and production operation. This is a genuine opportunity to take ownership of customer and supplier quality within a technically demanding automotive manufacturing environment, working across new product introduction, APQP, PPAP, production launch and ongoing quality improvement.
The business specialises in the design and manufacture of high-end automotive OE components and accessory systems, including specialist exhaust, powertrain and lightweight components. With a strong focus on engineering, innovation, quality and continuous investment in manufacturing technology, you will be joining a business working on technically interesting automotive programmes rather than high-volume commodity manufacturing.
THE ROLE
As Senior Quality Engineer, you will become a key technical quality contact across assigned automotive programmes, working closely with OEM customers, suppliers, production and engineering teams. You will have genuine responsibility for driving quality performance from initial development through to production and continuous improvement.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Acting as a key quality contact for assigned OEM customers
- Managing customer quality concerns, non-conformances and concessions
- Leading structured 8D, 5 Whys and Fishbone root-cause investigations
- Managing PSW submissions and supporting customer approvals
- Supporting APQP and new product introduction activities
- Reviewing and approving supplier PPAP submissions
- Managing supplier quality performance and corrective actions
- Conducting and supporting supplier audits
- Identifying and escalating supplier quality, capability and delivery risks
- Supporting new supplier assessment and onboarding
- Leading supplier readiness activities ahead of production launch
- Supporting trial runs, first-off inspections and process validation
- Ensuring quality processes and documentation align with IATF 16949
- Monitoring and reporting quality KPIs
- Working closely with Production, Engineering and Quality teams to resolve issues
- Driving continuous improvement and corrective/preventative actions
- Maintaining a hands-on presence within production and at supplier sites
- Using FARO CMM equipment where required
- Developing measurement programmes
- Working with GD&T, engineering drawings and datum strategies
- Supporting the successful introduction of new automotive products into production
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR
We are looking for an experienced Quality Engineer / Senior Quality Engineer who understands the demands of automotive manufacturing and is comfortable dealing directly with both customers and suppliers. You will ideally have experience within an OEM, Tier 1, Tier 2 or specialist automotive manufacturing environment, with a strong understanding of quality systems and new product introduction.
Experience with the following would be highly desirable:
- IATF 16949
- Automotive Core Tools
- APQP
- PPAP
- PFMEA
- Control Plans
- 8D
- 5 Whys / Fishbone
- Customer complaint and non-conformance management
- Supplier quality and development
- Supplier audits
- Engineering drawings and GD&T
- Manufacturing and production processes
- Measurement systems / dimensional inspection
- FARO CMM
- New product introduction / production launch
You will need to be confident communicating with OEM customers, suppliers and internal stakeholders, while being capable of working independently and taking ownership of quality issues through to resolution. A full UK driving licence is required due to occasional travel to customer and supplier sites.
WHY JOIN?
This isn’t a traditional paperwork-heavy Quality Engineer position. You will be working within a specialist automotive engineering and manufacturing environment where quality, engineering innovation and continuous improvement are central to the operation. The business has a long history within the automotive sector and has worked on programmes involving some of the world’s best-known automotive brands, with specialist capability across areas including exhaust systems, powertrain components, titanium and stainless-steel fabrication, tube bending, lightweight materials and automotive accessories.
The company has also invested heavily in its Daventry manufacturing facilities and technology, including dedicated production, distribution and lightweight manufacturing capabilities. Its quality culture has included certification to the automotive ISO/TS 16949 standard, demonstrating its long-standing focus on automotive quality systems and process control.
THE OPPORTUNITY
If you’re an experienced Quality Engineer looking to step into a senior position where you can genuinely influence customer quality, supplier performance, new product introduction and production quality, this could be an excellent next step. Salary up to £42,000 + 37.5-hour week + permanent position + specialist automotive manufacturing environment. If you have the automotive quality experience we’re looking for, get in touch with Workforce Group today.
SENIOR QUALITY ENGINEER in Daventry employer: Workforce Staffing Ltd
Join a dynamic and expanding organisation in Cheltenham as a Business Development Manager, where your ambition and commercial acumen will be rewarded with a competitive salary, car allowance, and bonus structure. Our supportive work culture fosters employee growth through continuous development opportunities and a focus on collaboration, allowing you to build meaningful relationships with key decision-makers while driving significant business growth. Enjoy generous holiday entitlement, healthcare benefits, and a chance to make a direct impact on our success in a fast-paced environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SENIOR QUALITY ENGINEER in Daventry
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like Workforce Staffing Ltd, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace SENIOR QUALITY ENGINEER in Daventry
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!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Workforce Staffing Ltd 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!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Workforce Staffing Ltd
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Workforce Staffing Ltd, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
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!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
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 Workforce Staffing Ltd 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.
