Lead Quality Control Inspector

JFD Global; Westhill; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private Medical Insurance

Life Assurance

Cycle to work scheme

Company Pension

Job summary

James Fisher Defence (JFD) in Westhill, Aberdeenshire, is seeking a Lead Quality Control Inspector to coordinate QC activities across manufacturing and supplier quality processes. You will mentor a team of Inspectors, ensure compliance with inspection standards, and support continuous improvement while reporting to the Quality Manager.

The role requires experience in quality control, dimensional and mechanical/electrical inspections, and familiarity with ISO 9001 and ISO 10204, with exposure to

Qualifications

• Experience in Quality Control, Manufacturing Inspection, or a related technical discipline.
• Proven experience conducting dimensional, mechanical, and/or electrical inspections.
• Previous experience in a Lead or Senior Inspector role is desirable.
• Strong understanding of inspection and measurement equipment, including verniers, micrometers, gauges, and precision measuring tools (CMM/LMX experience desirable).
• Ability to interpret mechanical and/or electrical drawings.
• Good knowledge of quality standards, inspection practices, and ISO 9001 requirements.
• Experience using ERP/MRP systems, preferably Glovia.
• Knowledge of regulated manufacturing environments such as defence, marine, or life‑saving equipment.
• Familiarity with certification and documentation requirements, including ISO 10204.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Able to work independently, manage priorities, and meet deadlines.
• High attention to detail with a proactive approach to quality and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate daily QC inspection activities to support production and delivery targets.
• Provide technical guidance and mentoring to QC Inspectors and production teams.
• Ensure compliance with inspection standards and act as the focal point for quality issues and escalations.
• Conduct incoming, in-process, and final inspections, witness testing, and perform workstation audits.
• Support supplier quality activities, non-conformance investigations, audits, and documentation reviews, including ISO 10204 certification.
• Collaborate across departments to resolve quality issues, customer complaints, and implement corrective actions.
• Lead or support investigations, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement initiatives to reduce recurring quality concerns.
• Promote a proactive safety culture, including exercising stop-work authority where required to protect health and safety.

Skills

Quality control

Dimensional inspection

Mechanical inspection

Electrical inspection

Drawings interpretation

ISO 9001

ERP/MRP Glovia

Defence/marine knowledge

Documentation

MS Office

Tools

Verniers

Micrometers

Gauges

CMM/LMX

Job description

Lead Quality Control Inspector

Westhill, Aberdeenshire

Full-time, Permanent

Please note that this role requires security checks.

The Role

We are seeking an experienced and proactive Lead Quality Control Inspector to join our Westhill HSSEQ Team. This is a key role responsible for leading and coordinating quality control inspection activities across manufacturing, assembly, testing, and supplier quality processes, ensuring the highest standards of product conformity and compliance are consistently achieved.

Working closely with production, engineering, procurement, and project teams, you will provide technical expertise, guidance, and day-to-day leadership to a team of QC Inspectors while driving a culture of quality throughout the organisation. Reporting directly to the Quality Manager, you will play a pivotal role in supporting business objectives, customer satisfaction, and regulatory compliance, acting as the primary Quality Control representative in the Quality Manager's absence.

What you'll be doing:

• Coordinate daily QC inspection activities to support production and delivery targets.
• Provide technical guidance and mentoring to QC Inspectors and production teams.
• Ensure compliance with inspection standards and act as the focal point for quality issues and escalations.
• Conduct incoming, in-process, and final inspections, witness testing, and perform workstation audits.
• Support supplier quality activities, non-conformance investigations, audits, and documentation reviews, including ISO 10204 certification.
• Collaborate across departments to resolve quality issues, customer complaints, and implement corrective actions.
• Lead or support investigations, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement initiatives to reduce recurring quality concerns.
• Promote a proactive safety culture, including exercising stop-work authority where required to protect health and safety.

What we're looking for:

• Experience in Quality Control, Manufacturing Inspection, or a related technical discipline.
• Proven experience conducting dimensional, mechanical, and/or electrical inspections.
• Previous experience in a Lead or Senior Inspector role is desirable.
• Strong understanding of inspection and measurement equipment, including verniers, micrometers, gauges, and precision measuring tools (CMM/LMX experience desirable).
• Ability to interpret mechanical and/or electrical drawings.
• Good knowledge of quality standards, inspection practices, and ISO 9001 requirements.
• Experience using ERP/MRP systems, preferably Glovia.
• Knowledge of regulated manufacturing environments such as defence, marine, or life‑saving equipment.
• Familiarity with certification and documentation requirements, including ISO 10204.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Able to work independently, manage priorities, and meet deadlines.
• High attention to detail with a proactive approach to quality and continuous improvement.

Why join us?

• Competitive salary and benefits package aligned with experience (Private Medical Insurance, Life Assurance, Cycle to work scheme, Company Pension, etc.)
• Clear pathways for career development and organisational visibility
• Inclusive and supportive culture that values individual contributions
• Meaningful work with impact across safety, innovation, and global operations

About Us:

James Fisher is a global engineering services company operating across Energy, Defence, and Maritime Transport. With a strong heritage in maritime operations, we now deliver innovative solutions in challenging environments. Our One James Fisher strategy is focused on building a unified, sustainable business within the Blue Economy, driving progress through technology, expertise, and collaboration.

Visit our website at: Home | James Fisher and Sons plc

For more information about our values and behaviours, follow the link: About us | James Fisher and Sons plc

James Fisher Defence (JFD), part of the James Fisher Group, is a global leader in underwater capability, delivering cutting‑edge diving, submarine rescue, and hyperbaric solutions to both commercial and defence markets. Operating worldwide, JFD is the foremost provider of submarine rescue services and a trusted name in submarine escape training. We’re also at the forefront of hyperbaric rescue innovation and a leading supplier of advanced diving equipment and saturation systems across the industry. Explore more about JFD

At James Fisher and Sons, we are committed to taking positive action on diversity and strongly encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and recognise that our success is driven by the talent and diversity of our workforce.

To support an accessible and inclusive recruitment experience in the UK, we partner with Vercida. You can learn more about our approach by visiting our company page: James Fisher and Sons diversity, inclusion, culture - VERCIDA