Lead Quality Inspector

Workforce Recruitment and Training; Droitwich Spa; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Workforce Recruitment and Training is seeking a Lead Quality Inspector for our client, a global engineering and manufacturing organisation in Droitwich Spa. You will lead the inspection team while remaining hands-on in inspection activities, ensuring products meet engineering specs and supporting continuous improvement.

You will coordinate workloads, guide Inspectors, and drive root-cause analysis and CAPA initiatives to maintain high-quality standards across the manufacturing process.

Qualifications

• Level 3 qualification in Engineering, Manufacturing, Mechanical or Electrical disciplines.
• Substantial experience in a Quality Inspection or Quality Assurance role in engineering/manufacturing.
• Experience as Senior/Lead Inspector or similar, with workload coordination.
• Qualified ISO 9001 Internal Auditor and strong ISO 9001 understanding.
• Knowledge of ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 advantageous; HVAC/control systems beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Carry out detailed inspections of incoming materials, components, WIP and finished products.
• Read and interpret complex engineering drawings including GD&T.
• Use precision measuring equipment (calipers, micrometres, gauges, CMM, FARO).
• Provide technical guidance to Inspectors on methods and measurements.
• Identify, document and report non-conformances and drive corrective actions.
• Lead and coordinate day-to-day activities of the Quality Inspection team; allocate workloads.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem-solving

Attention to detail

Education

Level 3 Eng/Mech

Tools

CMM

FARO

Vernier calipers

Micrometres

Job description

Are you an experienced Quality Inspector looking to take the next step in your career? We are recruiting a Lead Quality Inspector to join a well-established, global engineering and manufacturing business based in Droitwich Spa.

This is an excellent opportunity for a technically strong Quality Inspector with leadership experience to take responsibility for coordinating the day-to-day activities of an inspection team, while remaining actively involved in hands-on inspection work.

You will play a key role in maintaining high-quality standards across the manufacturing process, ensuring products meet engineering specifications, identifying quality issues and supporting continuous improvement.

Working closely with Production, Engineering and Quality teams, you will provide technical guidance, coordinate workloads and help develop the capabilities of the wider inspection team.

Key Responsibilities

Inspection & Quality Control

Carry out detailed inspections of incoming materials, components, work-in-progress and finished products.

Read and interpret complex engineering drawings, including GD&T, ensuring components meet required specifications.

Use a range of precision measuring equipment, including Vernier callipers, micrometres, gauges, CMM and FARO equipment.

Provide technical support and guidance to Quality Inspectors on inspection methods, drawings and measurement techniques.

Identify, document and report non-conformances, ensuring appropriate corrective actions are implemented.

Investigate recurring quality issues and support root cause analysis and preventative actions.

Lead and coordinate the day-to-day activities of the Quality Inspection team.

Allocate inspection workloads and prioritise activities in line with production requirements and business needs.

Monitor team performance and ensure adequate inspection coverage across all manufacturing stages.

Coach, mentor and develop Quality Inspectors, improving technical knowledge and consistency.

Support the training and onboarding of new team members.

Ensure inspection procedures and quality standards are consistently followed.

Identify training requirements and communicate resource needs to senior management.

Quality Systems & Documentation

Maintain accurate inspection records, non-conformance reports and quality documentation.

Support the development and improvement of inspection plans, procedures and work instructions.

Ensure inspection equipment is maintained, calibrated and used correctly.

Support internal and external quality audits.

Assist in maintaining compliance with ISO 9001 and other relevant quality standards.

Continuous Improvement & Problem Solving

Work closely with Production and Engineering teams to resolve quality issues.

Support root cause analysis and corrective and preventative action (CAPA) activities.

Identify opportunities to reduce defects, improve inspection processes and increase efficiency.

Promote a proactive quality culture, encouraging issues to be identified and resolved at source.

Monitor inspection findings and quality trends to identify areas for improvement.

Health & Safety

Ensure safe working practices are followed throughout the inspection area.

Promote a positive health and safety culture within the team.

Report any potential hazards or safety concerns through the appropriate channels.

What We're Looking For

Qualifications & Experience

Level 3 qualification (BTEC, NVQ or A Levels) in Engineering, Manufacturing, Mechanical or Electrical disciplines.

Substantial experience in a Quality Inspection or Quality Assurance role within an engineering or manufacturing environment.

Previous experience in a Senior Quality Inspector, Lead Inspector or similar position.

Demonstrable experience providing technical guidance and supporting other team members.

Experience coordinating workloads and prioritising inspection activities.

Qualified ISO 9001 Internal Auditor.

Strong understanding of ISO 9001 quality management systems.

Knowledge of ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 would be advantageous.

Experience within HVAC or control systems would be beneficial.

Technical Skills

Excellent ability to interpret engineering drawings, including GD&T.

Confident using precision measuring equipment, including callipers, micrometres and gauges.

Experience with CMM and FARO measurement equipment would be advantageous.

Good understanding of quality control processes, non-conformance management and root cause analysis.

Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Office, data analysis and quality reporting.

Personal Attributes

Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate, support and develop a team.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Highly organised with strong attention to detail.

Able to manage competing priorities in a busy manufacturing environment.

A proactive approach to problem-solving and continuous improvement.

Confident working with colleagues across Production, Engineering and Quality departments.

The Opportunity

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a global engineering and manufacturing organisation where quality plays a central role in the success of the business.

You will have the opportunity to take ownership of the inspection function, develop a team of Quality Inspectors and make a genuine contribution to product quality and manufacturing performance.