Inspection Supervisor

Smart4Sciences; Blackburn; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and benefits

Job summary

Smart4Sciences, a leading global manufacturing organisation, is recruiting an Inspection Lead for its Blackburn site. You will lead the final inspection team, drive quality improvements, and ensure products meet high standards before reaching customers.

Reporting to the Quality Manager, you will manage resourcing, training, and data integrity while supporting root cause investigations and continuous improvement initiatives across the facility.

Qualifications

• HND or equivalent qualification in Engineering, Manufacturing, Scientific or related discipline.
• Experience in inspection, quality assurance or quality control environment.
• Proven experience supervising or managing teams in manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Lead the final inspection team, ensuring activities meet quality standards.
• Manage day-to-day inspector resourcing, holidays, absence and overtime.
• Develop and maintain training plans and competency matrices for inspectors.
• Supervise inspection activities to ensure accurate data recording and timely completion.
• Monitor KPIs and drive improvements in efficiency, quality, and safety.
• Escalate quality concerns and non-conformities to Quality and Operations teams.
• Support root cause investigations and implement corrective actions for inspections.
• Manage team performance in line with procedures and quality standards.
• Support documentation reviews and continuous improvement of inspection processes.
• Contribute to wider quality strategy and development across the facility.
• Collaborate with production and quality teams to meet customer requirements.

Skills

Leadership

Quality assurance

Quality control

Communication

Problem-solving

Organisational skills

Education

HND or equivalent qualification in Engineering/Manufacturing/Scientific discipline

Job description

We are working with a leading global manufacturing organisation to recruit an Inspection Lead for their site in Blackburn.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced quality professional to take ownership of a final inspection function within a highly regulated manufacturing environment. Reporting to the Quality Manager, you will lead a team of inspectors, drive performance improvements, support quality initiatives, and ensure products meet the highest standards before reaching customers.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the final inspection team, ensuring inspection activities are completed efficiently and in line with required quality standards.
• Manage day-to-day inspector resourcing, including holiday planning, absence management, and overtime requirements.
• Develop and maintain training plans and competency matrices for inspection personnel.
• Supervise inspection activities to ensure accurate data recording and timely completion of work.
• Monitor departmental KPIs and drive improvements across efficiency, quality, and health & safety performance.
• Escalate quality concerns and non-conformities to the wider Quality and Operations teams.
• Support root cause investigations and implement corrective actions relating to inspection activities.
• Manage team performance, ensuring adherence to company procedures, quality standards, and behavioural expectations.
• Support documentation reviews and continuous improvement of inspection processes and procedures.
• Contribute to the wider quality strategy and development plans across the manufacturing facility.
• Work closely with production and quality teams to ensure customer requirements are consistently met.

Requirements

• HND or equivalent qualification in an Engineering, Manufacturing, Scientific, or related discipline.
• Previous experience within an inspection, quality assurance, or quality control environment.
• Proven experience supervising or managing teams within a manufacturing setting.
• Strong understanding of quality standards, inspection processes, and compliance requirements.
• Experience investigating non-conformities and supporting corrective action activities.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Customer-focused approach with strong attention to detail.
• Well-organised with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Comfortable working within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Flexible and adaptable approach to work.

Personal Attributes

• Natural leader with the ability to motivate and develop teams.
• Strong problem-solver with a continuous improvement mindset.
• Results-driven with a focus on quality and operational excellence.
• Able to influence stakeholders positively across multiple departments.
• Highly organised with excellent planning and decision-making skills.
• Committed to maintaining the highest standards of quality and health and safety.
• Positive and professional team player who leads by example.

What's on Offer

• Opportunity to join a successful and growing international manufacturing business.
• Leadership role with genuine influence over quality and inspection performance.
• Exposure to continuous improvement and operational excellence initiatives.
• Career development opportunities within a global organisation.
• Collaborative and supportive working environment.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.

Location: Blackburn