Interim QC Lead

Gofractional; Tees Valley; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Gofractional is seeking an Interim Quality Lead to provide leadership over fabrication and welding quality during a critical business period. The role focuses on ensuring compliance with ISO 9001, DNV, EN standards and client requirements, plus driving continuous improvement across operations.

You will lead quality audits, mentor inspectors, and collaborate with engineering, project teams, and suppliers to enhance quality performance and processes.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in fabrication, welding, and manufacturing environments.
• Proven experience leading quality assurance activities within complex fabrication projects.
• Strong knowledge of welding processes, including SMAW, GMAW, GTAW, FCAW.
• Experience with quality management systems and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Knowledge of non-destructive testing (NDT) methods including radiographic, ultrasonic, and dye penetrant testing.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain quality assurance processes across fabrication and welding operations.
• Lead quality audits, inspections, and assessments to identify risks and opportunities for improvement.
• Provide leadership and guidance to quality inspectors, technicians, and operational teams.
• Drive a culture of quality, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Analyse quality trends and customer feedback to implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Support risk assessments, investigations, and corrective actions where required.

Skills

Leadership

Quality assurance

Audits

Stakeholder management

Continuous improvement

Welding processes

NDT

ISO 9001

CWI

Lead Auditor

Education

Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)

CSWIP

Lead Auditor qualification

Job description

Job Description

We are seeking an experienced Interim Quality Lead to join our team and provide leadership during a critical period of business activity and project delivery. Reporting to senior management, you will be responsible for ensuring the highest standards of quality, compliance, and continuous improvement across our fabrication and welding operations.

This is a hands‑on leadership role requiring a strong technical background in fabrication, welding, and quality management. You will work closely with operational teams, engineering, project managers, clients, and suppliers to ensure that quality standards are maintained and continuously enhanced while supporting business objectives.

Quality Assurance & Compliance

• Develop, implement, and maintain quality assurance processes across fabrication and welding operations.
• Ensure compliance with relevant industry standards, codes, and regulations, including ISO 9001, DNV, EN standards, and client‑specific requirements.
• Lead quality audits, inspections, and assessments to identify risks and opportunities for improvement.
• Maintain accurate quality documentation, certifications, procedures, and records.
• Ensure all products and services meet internal quality expectations and customer requirements.

Leadership & Quality Oversight

• Provide leadership and guidance to quality inspectors, technicians, and operational teams.
• Act as the key point of contact for all quality‑related matters across fabrication and welding activities.
• Support the development of quality capability throughout the business through coaching and mentoring.
• Drive a culture of quality, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve fabrication and welding processes, quality performance, and operational efficiency.
• Analyse quality trends, non‑conformances, and customer feedback to implement corrective and preventative actions.
• Work collaboratively with engineering, production, and project teams to implement best practices.
• Lead quality improvement initiatives and support business‑wide operational excellence programmes.

Training & Competency

• Support the ongoing development and competency of welding and fabrication personnel.
• Ensure welding qualifications and certifications remain compliant with applicable standards.
• Provide technical guidance on welding procedures, materials, fabrication techniques, and defect resolution.
• Promote awareness of quality standards and best practice throughout the organisation.

Health, Safety & Environmental Compliance

• Ensure all quality‑related activities are conducted in accordance with Health, Safety, and Environmental requirements.
• Support risk assessments, investigations, and corrective actions where required.
• Promote safe working practices within fabrication and welding operations.

Stakeholder Management & Reporting

• Build effective relationships with clients, suppliers, certification bodies, and internal stakeholders.
• Support customer audits and quality‑related reviews.
• Prepare and present quality reports, KPIs, and improvement plans to senior leadership.
• Ensure customer expectations are met through robust quality management and compliance processes.

About You

• Significant experience within fabrication, welding, and manufacturing environments.
• Proven experience leading quality assurance activities within complex fabrication projects.
• Strong knowledge of welding processes, including SMAW, GMAW, GTAW, FCAW, and associated fabrication techniques.
• Experience with quality management systems and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Knowledge of non‑destructive testing (NDT) methods, including radiographic, ultrasonic, and dye penetrant testing.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and decision‑making skills.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Experience leading audits, investigations, and corrective action programmes.
• Certified Welding Inspector (CWI), CSWIP, or equivalent qualification.
• Lead Auditor qualification.
• Experience working to ISO 9001, DNV, EN, and other relevant industry standards.

What You'll Bring

You will be a confident and credible quality professional with the technical expertise and leadership skills to make an immediate impact. You will be comfortable operating in a fast‑paced environment, driving quality improvements, managing stakeholder expectations, and ensuring compliance across all fabrication and welding activities.

Most importantly, you will be passionate about delivering quality excellence, supporting operational performance, and ensuring customer requirements are consistently achieved.

Job reference: 000267Salary: Competitive + benefitsDepartment: QualityLocation: MiddlesbroughHours Per Week: 39Closing date: 26/09/2026