Lead QMS Engineer

Manpower UK; Gaydon; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Manpower UK is recruiting on behalf of a prestigious luxury automotive manufacturer for a Lead QMS Engineer based in Gaydon. You will own the Quality Management System, drive audits, and ensure ongoing compliance across a complex manufacturing environment.

Reporting to the QMS Manager, you will develop documentation, coordinate internal and external audits, and maintain accreditation while leading continuous improvement across multiple sites and functions.

Qualifications

• Significant manufacturing experience with QMS and auditing.
• Lead Auditor qualification and experience managing audit programmes.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with stakeholder communication.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and management of the Quality Management System.
• Coordinate and support internal and external audits.
• Maintain accreditation against recognised quality standards.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives with stakeholders.
• Monitor quality metrics and support risk management.

Skills

Quality Management Systems

Auditing

Problem solving

Stakeholder communication

Education

Engineering Degree

Tools

PFMEA

Control Plans

Root Cause Analysis

Job description

Lead QMS Engineer

Gaydon | Quality Engineering & Assurance | Permanent | Competitive Salary & Benefits

Manpower is recruiting on behalf of a prestigious luxury automotive manufacturer for a Lead QMS Engineer based in Gaydon. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Quality Management Systems professional to take ownership of QMS compliance, certification, auditing, and continuous improvement activities across a complex manufacturing environment.

As Lead QMS Engineer, you will be responsible for the administration, development, deployment, and ongoing enhancement of the Quality Management System (QMS), ensuring compliance with industry standards, regulatory requirements, and business expectations. Working closely with operational teams, engineering, manufacturing, quality, research and development, and senior leadership, you will drive quality excellence across multiple sites while supporting successful internal and external audits.

This role is ideal for a proven Quality Engineer, QMS Engineer, Quality Systems Engineer, Lead Auditor, or Compliance Engineer looking to progress their career within a highly regulated manufacturing environment.

The Role

Reporting to the QMS Manager, you will lead the ongoing development and management of the Quality Management System, ensuring all documentation, processes, and procedures remain current, compliant, and effectively communicated across the organisation. You will coordinate and support internal and external audits, maintain accreditation against recognised quality standards, investigate and resolve QMS-related issues, and work closely with stakeholders to drive continuous improvement initiatives.

You will monitor quality performance metrics, support risk management activities, identify opportunities for process improvement, and provide expert guidance on quality compliance across manufacturing and operational functions. The position requires regular engagement with senior managers, directors, external auditors, and cross-functional teams to ensure quality standards are consistently achieved.

Candidate Requirements

To be successful in this position, you will have significant experience working within a manufacturing environment and a strong background in Quality Management Systems, quality assurance, compliance, and auditing. You will hold a recognised Lead Auditor qualification and have experience managing both internal and external audit programmes.

You should possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills, excellent organisational abilities, and the confidence to communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels. Experience interpreting quality standards, managing corrective actions, and driving continuous improvement initiatives is essential.

Candidates with experience in the automotive, aerospace, engineering, advanced manufacturing, or highly regulated industrial sectors are encouraged to apply.

Desirable Skills and Experience

Experience within the automotive industry would be advantageous, along with knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles, quality tools such as PFMEA, Control Plans, Root Cause Analysis, and Continuous Improvement methodologies. An Engineering Degree, HNC, HND, or equivalent professional experience would also be beneficial.

What's on Offer?

This opportunity offers the chance to join a world-class manufacturing organisation renowned for engineering excellence, innovation, quality, and craftsmanship. You will play a key role in maintaining industry-leading quality standards while influencing business-wide quality strategy and supporting the delivery of premium products.