Head Of Quality Assurance

5S Recruitment Limited; Leominster; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

On-site presence in Leominster

Job summary

5S Recruitment Limited is seeking a Head of Quality for a specialist engineering and manufacturing business in Leominster, Herefordshire. You will lead quality strategy, standards and performance, embedding ISO 9001 and guiding AS9100 implementation.

The role requires a strong track record in senior quality leadership within complex manufacturing, with the ability to influence senior stakeholders and drive sustainable improvements while ensuring compliance across engineering and operations.

Qualifications

• Substantial quality leadership experience in a technically demanding engineering/manufacturing environment.
• Evidence of improving systems, influencing stakeholders and delivering organisational change.
• Experience with ISO 9001 and introduction of AS9100 is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Develop and own a quality strategy aligned to business growth and customer requirements.
• Lead the transformation and development of the quality function.
• Own quality management systems, standards and performance across the business unit.
• Strengthen ISO 9001 arrangements and support AS9100 introduction.
• Embed quality across engineering and manufacturing processes.
• Collaborate with senior stakeholders to deliver sustainable improvements.

Skills

Quality leadership

ISO 9001 knowledge

AS9100 knowledge

Stakeholder management

Quality systems development

Cross-functional collaboration

Job description

Head of Quality

Location: Leominster, Herefordshire
Salary: £70,000-£85,000 per annum, depending on experience
Job Type: Permanent - interim and interim-to-permanent options also considered
Relocation: Support of up to £8,000, subject to approval

The Opportunity

5S Recruitment Limited is recruiting a Head of Quality for a specialist engineering and manufacturing business in Leominster, Herefordshire.

Supplying complex, high-value products and integrated systems into defence, aerospace, communications and other technically demanding markets, the business is experiencing growing international demand and increasing product complexity.

The Role

As Head of Quality, you will join the business unit's senior leadership team and take ownership of quality strategy, standards, processes and performance.

Key priorities include strengthening ISO 9001 arrangements, supporting the subsequent introduction of AS9100 and embedding a consistent, preventative approach to quality throughout the organisation.

Responsibilities

• Developing and implementing a quality strategy that supports business growth and increasingly complex customer requirements.
• Leading the development and transformation of the quality function.
• Taking ownership of quality management systems, standards and performance across the business unit.
• Establishing and strengthening ISO 9001 arrangements.
• Supporting the subsequent introduction of AS9100 aerospace quality standards.
• Embedding quality throughout engineering, manufacturing and wider business processes.
• Developing a preventative approach that identifies and addresses quality risks earlier.
• Working collaboratively with engineering and operational leaders to deliver sustainable improvements.
• Influencing senior stakeholders and building shared accountability for quality.
• Leading cultural change through clear communication, technical credibility and practical support.

About You

You will have substantial quality leadership experience within a technically demanding engineering or manufacturing environment, with evidence of improving systems, influencing stakeholders and delivering organisational change.

You may currently be a Head of Quality, Quality Director, Group Quality Manager or Senior Quality Manager. Experienced Quality Managers with business-wide responsibility and the capability to operate at senior leadership level are also encouraged to apply.

You should demonstrate:

• A track record of leading a quality function within complex manufacturing.
• Senior responsibility for quality systems, strategy and performance.
• Strong knowledge of ISO 9001, supported by practical implementation or improvement experience.
• Experience embedding quality across engineering and manufacturing activities.
• The ability to influence senior management and work effectively across operational functions.
• Examples of quality transformation, systems development or significant business improvement.
• Commercial awareness, sound judgement and a practical approach to solving problems.
• Strong communication skills and a collaborative leadership style.

Relevant backgrounds include aerospace, aviation, defence, automotive, precision engineering, electronics manufacturing and other technically demanding manufacturing sectors.

AS9100 experience would be particularly valuable. Candidates with strong ISO 9001 leadership experience and credible transferable expertise will also be considered.

Leadership and Culture

The business has an experienced, technically knowledgeable workforce. Success will depend on understanding that expertise, building trust and gaining support for new approaches.

You will need to challenge constructively, explain the purpose behind change and work with colleagues to make improvements sustainable.

This opportunity will appeal to someone who enjoys setting direction while remaining closely involved in delivery, with the confidence to influence at senior level and the judgement to adapt their approach to the people and priorities around them.

Salary and Working Arrangements

£70,000-£85,000 per annum, depending on experience.

Relocation support of up to £8,000, subject to individual circumstances and approval.

Based in Leominster, Herefordshire.

Approximately four days per week on-site during the first six months.

Potential to reduce to a minimum of three days per week on-site thereafter.

A significant on-site presence is important, particularly during the initial period. Candidates should be comfortable commuting, staying locally during the week or relocating.

Interim and Interim-to-Permanent Options

Applications are also welcomed from experienced interim quality leaders.

• Initial six-month contract.
• Inside IR35.
• Rates considered according to experience, suitability and ability to deliver.
• The same leadership responsibilities and on-site expectations apply.

Interim candidates should confirm their availability, rate expectations and whether travel and accommodation costs are included or would be additional.

About 5S Recruitment Limited

5S Recruitment Limited specialises in engineering, manufacturing and plastics recruitment. With 17 years of specialist recruitment experience, we take a consultative approach to understanding each vacancy and the experience, motivations and priorities of the candidates we represent