Plant Quality Manager

WEETABIX LIMITED; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading automotive manufacturer in the United Kingdom is seeking a Plant Quality Manager for the MOKE factory. The role involves leading day-to-day quality performance, managing supplier quality, and ensuring compliance with internal standards. The ideal candidate has significant experience in automotive quality leadership, with expertise in quality tools and supplier management. Strong communication and problem-solving skills are essential. This position offers the opportunity to work in a dynamic manufacturing environment and contribute to continuous improvement efforts.

Qualifications

• Previous quality leadership experience in automotive or complex manufacturing.
• Strong presence on the shop floor to lead by example.
• Deep understanding of vehicle mechanical and electrical systems.
• Experience with audits and quality inspections.
• Confidence in managing supplier quality issues.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day quality performance at the MOKE factory.
• Drive root-cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Manage a robust supplier quality system.
• Implement quality standards and inspection routines.
• Analyze defect trends to lead improvement activities.

Skills

Quality leadership

Supplier quality management

Problem-solving tools

Vehicle systems knowledge

Communication skills

Job description

Plant Quality Manager – MOKE Factory

As Plant Quality Manager, you will lead the day‑to‑day quality performance of the MOKE factory, driving Right‑First‑Time, reducing rework, improving supplier quality, and embedding world‑class manufacturing behaviours into production.

You will be a visible leader on the shop floor, supporting Production, Engineering, Procurement, and Aftersales to deliver stable, repeatable, and high‑quality vehicles every day.

Manufacturing Quality Leadership

• Lead all plant quality activities including start‑of‑shift reviews, quality stand‑ups, and visual management routines
• Drive containment, root‑cause analysis, and corrective actions using practical problem‑solving tools (5 Why, Ishikawa, PDCA)
• Own EOL and final quality sign‑off – ensuring every MOKE meets internal safety, performance, and cosmetic standards
• Lead rectification control, ensuring paint and assembly rework is minimised and completed to standard
• Support operators and technicians with real‑time issue resolution and coaching

Supplier Quality

• Build and manage a robust supplier quality management system
• Conduct supplier audits, manage NCRs, and drive durable corrective actions
• Collaborate with Procurement and Engineering to prevent issues before they reach the line
• Improve incoming quality through structured supplier engagement and development

Quality Systems & WCM

• Develop and implement simple, effective quality standards, control plans, and inspection routines
• Implement goods‑in inspection processes and risk‑based verification
• Support the MOKE WCM roadmap and introduce lean quality methodologies
• Maintain accurate documentation, defect tracking, and KPI reporting

Continuous Improvement

• Analyse defect trends and lead structured improvement activities
• Feed lessons learned back into engineering design, supplier development, and production processes

Essential Qualifications

• Previous quality leadership experience in automotive, Tier 1, or complex manufacturing
• Strong, hands‑on presence on the shop floor with ability to lead by example
• Deep understanding of vehicle mechanical, electrical, and EV/HV systems
• Experienced with factory inspection routines, EOL processes, and rectification
• Strong supplier quality experience (audits, APQP, PPAP, corrective actions)
• Confident with tools, torque procedures, NCR management, and safety‑critical inspections
• Excellent understanding of practical quality tools (5 Why, 8D, control plans, SPC)
• Proven ability to work in a fast‑paced, dynamic manufacturing environment
• Strong communication, problem‑solving, and leadership skills
• Full UK driving licence

Desirable Qualifications

• Experience with low‑volume or niche vehicle manufacturing
• Understanding of ISO/IATF quality standards
• Experience with FactoryMaster or other MRP/ERP systems
• Demonstrated success in WCM, Lean, TPS, or Six Sigma environments