SQA Team Leader in Ballymena

Job type: Permanent

Location: Wrightbus

Closing date: Wednesday 01 Jul

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications from suitably qualified and experienced candidates. We therefore encourage early applications.

All applicants must hold valid right to work in the UK. Please be aware that we are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position now or in the future.

The Job Summary:

Wrightbus is Europe's fastest-growing production company. The SQA Team Leader leads a team of Supplier Quality Engineers & Technicians, ensuring suppliers meet quality, delivery, and compliance requirements.

The Role:

• Lead and manage the Supplier Quality team of Engineers & Technicians, providing direction and coaching.
• Develop and maintain supplier quality processes & procedures aligned with business goals.
• Identify and lead continuous improvement projects.
• Oversee new supplier selection, qualification, and performance monitoring.
• Ensure timely completion of ISIR submissions and approvals.
• Manage Goods inwards inspection processes.
• Lead supplier audits (process, system, and product audits).
• Drive supplier corrective actions using 8D, 5 Why and other root cause methodologies.
• Monitor supplier KPIs (Reject Rate, response times, 8D completion, audit scores, cost impact, warranty returns).
• Support new product launches and ensure supplier readiness.
• Collaborate with Procurement, Engineering, Manufacturing, and Logistics teams.
• Escalate supplier quality risks and implement rapid containment actions.
• Collaborate with the supplier development team with supplier action plans and continuous improvement initiatives within the supply chain.
• Ensure compliance with Quality Management System requirements (ISO 9001:2015).
• Collaborate with Warranty team on supplier-related customer complaints and warranty issues.
• Support cost recovery for supplier-related issues.
• Coach suppliers on 8D & other problem-solving techniques.
• Request & Co-ordinate rapid onsite supplier rework & containment campaigns avoiding disruption to output objectives.
• Ensure supplier containment actions and rework meet agreed standards.
• Report on objectives and KPIs weekly to senior management team.

The Requirements:

• One of the following: 5 GCSE's grade C and above including Maths/Time served tradesperson through technical apprenticeship/HNC engineering or related subject or equivalent/Work experience demonstrating capacity to learn and develop new skills, complete written and numerical work required by the Job Description.
• Minimum 5 years' experience in Quality role in a manufacturing industry.
• Or Minimum 2 years' experience in Quality role in a highly regulated industry such as Automotive or Aerospace and Minimum 1-year experience in a Supervisory role.
• Structured problem-solving methodologies (8D, PPS, DMAIC).
• Auditing skills.
• Knowledge of Manufacturing processes, Inspection and test methods relevant to scope of responsibility.
• Data analysis skills including statistical methods.
• Understanding of relevant quality standards such as ISO 9001, IATF 16949 or AS9001.

The Benefits:

• Discretionary bonus.
• Life Insurance.
• Medicash scheme.
• Discount with local businesses e.g. Galgorm Spa Resort and McAtamney's.
• Free car parking.
• Canteen.
• Career progression.
• Professional development.
• Flexitime.

To be considered for this role you will be redirected to and must complete the application process on our careers page. To start the process click the Continue to Application or Login/Register to apply button below.