Job Description

Job Title: Quality Manager

Company Overview

We are a highly skilled precision engineering company with a turnover of 3M, specialising in complex, low-to-medium volume components (10-500 off) primarily for the defence sector. Operating from a modern facility and holding AS9100 accreditation, we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional quality and reliability to our customers.

As we prepare for significant growth, we are looking to recruit an experienced

Quality Manager

with a strong background in defence manufacturing and hands-on machining. This is a key role that will help shape the next phase of our development.

Role Overview

The Quality Manager will lead all aspects of the company's quality assurance and compliance systems, ensuring continued adherence to AS9100 standards and customer requirements. They will manage and develop a small quality team (two inspectors), maintain and improve our QMS, and oversee all quality-related functions across the factory. The role will also include responsibility for Health & Safety compliance, working closely with the leadership team to ensure a safe and well-controlled environment.

This role requires someone who understands the realities of the shop floor, can communicate effectively across all levels, and is ready to be a cornerstone of the business as we scale.

Key Responsibilities

Quality Management & Compliance

Maintain and develop the AS9100 Quality Management System, ensuring continued accreditation and audit readiness. Lead internal and external audits (customer, regulatory, certification bodies). Own and drive the Non-Conformance, CAPA, and continuous improvement processes. Work closely with machining, planning, and sales teams to support quality at every stage of manufacture. Maintain all documentation, procedures, and quality records.

Team Leadership

Manage, mentor and support two Quality Inspectors, ensuring consistent and capable inspection practices. Allocate workloads, support training needs, and drive accountability and improvement within the team.

Customer & Supplier Interface

Lead quality investigations and communication with key defence and aerospace customers. Oversee supplier approvals and quality performance. Respond professionally and promptly to customer concerns and returns.

Health & Safety

Maintain and improve Health & Safety policies, risk assessments, and compliance across the site. Work with department leads to drive a proactive safety culture. Ensure all incidents, near misses, and safety concerns are investigated and addressed.

Business Improvement

Support and influence wider business decisions related to quality, risk, and process control. Participate in strategic planning as a key member of the leadership team. Drive best practices in inspection, documentation, and production quality from a practical, hands-on perspective.

Skills & Experience Required

Essential:

Significant experience in a Quality Manager or Senior Quality Engineer role in a CNC machining or precision engineering environment. Strong working knowledge of AS9100, defence/aerospace quality standards, and audit processes. Background as a machinist or strong understanding of CNC milling and turning. Demonstrable leadership skills and ability to manage and develop a team. Familiarity with measurement equipment, CMMs, and first article inspection (FAIRs). Strong understanding of Health & Safety practices and legislation. Excellent communication, reporting, and problem-solving skills.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Benefits:

Company pension Free parking On-site parking
Schedule:

Day shift Monday to Friday Night shift Overtime Weekend availability
Work Location: In person