Head of Quality

Jackie Kerr Recruitment - Engineering and Manufacturing; Cramlington; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Enhanced pension contributions

Employee assistance programme

Site incentive plan

Discounted shopping and vouchers

Cycle to Work Scheme

RAC membership discount

Gym membership discount

5 weeks annual leave and holidays

Job summary

Jackie Kerr Recruitment - Engineering and Manufacturing is recruiting a Head of Quality for a longstanding client. This senior leadership role will be responsible for the entire Quality Management System ensuring products meet required standards.

You will drive ISO/AS9100 processes, lead the quality team, and ensure regulatory compliance while implementing robust process controls and continuous improvement initiatives in a high-mix, aerospace/defence/automotive setting.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in a Quality Management role.
• Senior leadership experience in high mix/low to medium volume manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement Quality objectives aligned with AS9100 and regulatory compliance.
• Chair Management Reviews to assess QMS effectiveness and improvement opportunities.
• Lead, mentor, and motivate the Quality function to maintain a high-performing environment.
• Manage regulatory compliance including ROHS, REACH, CMRT, EMRT.
• Monitor regulatory changes and issue compliance updates internally and externally.
• Monitor COPQ and quality indicators; drive projects to prevent recurring issues.
• Implement PFMEA, control plans, MSA, SPC, PPAP, layered process audits and finished goods audits.
• Develop ISO procedures to improve flexibility, compliance and standardisation.
• Perform internal ISO and supplier quality audits and support customer audits.
• Lead and train others in 8D and Mistake Proofing for corrective actions.

Skills

Quality leadership

Continuous improvement

AS9100 knowledge

FMEA

SPC

ISO/QS knowledge

Job description

Competitive Salary + Excellent Benefits!

We at JKR are excited to be supporting one of our long-standing clients in recruiting a Head of Quality!

This role is a Senior Leadership position and will be accountable and responsible for all aspects of the company's Quality Management System.

Head of Quality Job Requirements:

The postholder will be responsible for the continual development of a Quality Management System which, at a minimum, meets the requirements of AS9100, to ensure customers receive products that consistently meet necessary standards.

Head of Quality Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement Quality objectives including quality improvement strategies, which are aligned with company goals, AS9100 certification & regulatory compliance.
• Chair Management Reviews to ensure the continuing suitability and effectiveness of the Quality Management System and to assess any improvement opportunities for the Quality team
• Lead, mentor, and motivate the Quality function, fostering a positive and high-performing work environment
• Manage all regulatory compliance including but not limited to ROHS, REACH, CMRT, EMRT
• Monitor regulatory changes and issue compliance updates internally and externally, as required
• Monitor Cost of Poor Quality (COPQ), customer complaints, and other Quality indicators and drive projects to prevent & eliminate recurring issues as well as address special events in order to drive an overall improvement
• Implement effective process and product control strategies such as PFMEA, control plans, Measurement Systems Analysis, Statistical Process Control, Production Part Approval Process, Layered Process Audits and Finished Goods audits, where necessary
• Develop and implement ISO procedures to improve flexibility, compliance, standardisation and overall effectiveness
• Perform Internal ISO and Supplier Quality audits and support customer audits as necessary to ensure compliance with AS9100 certification requirements
• Lead and train others to develop effective corrective and preventive actions using 8D and Mistake Proofing concepts in response to customer concerns, COPQ data or regular product audit results

Head of Quality Ideal Candidate:

• Extensive experience in a Quality Management role
• Previously held a senior position within a high mix / low to medium volume manufacturing environment
• A proven record of results achieved from a continuous improvement approach
• Several years of technical experience with Aerospace, Defence or Automotive customers
• A high level of knowledge of the requirements of AS9100, QS 9000, ISO 9000, TS16949
• Continuous Improvement skills such as FMEA, SPC, 8D, MSA

Head of Quality Benefits:

• Enhanced pension contributions
• Employee assistance programme
• Site incentive plan
• Discounted online and high street shopping and lifestyle vouchers
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Discounted RAC membership
• Discounted Gym membership
• 5 weeks (in hours) annual leave plus bank holidays
• A supportive and friendly working environment with a focus on wellbeing and sustainability