Principal Quality Engineer - Supply Chain Lead Auditor

ASSYSTEM; Bridgwater; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in the UK is looking for a Principal Quality Engineer - Supply Chain Lead Auditor. This is a pivotal role that involves planning and executing audits to ensure quality and compliance. The ideal candidate will have IRCA Lead Auditor qualifications, strong communication skills, and experience in a regulated environment. This position offers flexible working and competitive benefits, making it a unique opportunity to contribute to landmark projects in the nuclear sector.

Benefits

25 Days Annual Leave + Bank Holidays

8% Company Pension Contributions

Healthcare Cash Plan

Cycle to Work Scheme

Free Digital Gym Access

Qualifications

• Strong experience in planning and executing audit programmes.
• Proven experience applying ISO standards within a project environment.
• Understanding of special processes including Non‑Destructive Testing (NDT).

Responsibilities

• Plan, execute, and report on Supply Chain audits across the UK.
• Track, manage, and follow up on audit findings.
• Support strategic decision making through quality assurance.

Skills

Planning and executing audit programmes

Excellent written and verbal communication

Experience in a highly regulated environment

Knowledge of ISO standards

Full UK driving license

Education

IRCA Lead Auditor qualification

Membership of Chartered Quality Institute (CQI) or IRCA

Job description

Principal Quality Engineer - Supply Chain Lead Auditor

• Full-time
• Type of contract ASSYSTEM: Permanent
• ASSYSTEM Sector: Nuclear

At Assystem, our mission is to accelerate the energy transition worldwide. With over 55 years of expertise in highly regulated sectors, our 7,500 Switchers globally deliver cutting-edge engineering and project management solutions. Join us and be part of one of the top three nuclear engineering companies in the world!

🤝 Why Join the Community of Switchers?

As a member of Assystem, you'll be part of a team driving the low‑carbon energy future. We’re ranked second globally in nuclear engineering, offering you the chance to work on world‑class projects like Hinkley Point C. Together, we’ll innovate and shape tomorrow’s energy solutions.

Join the largest‑scale project currently being developed in Europe! We’re looking for an experienced Lead Auditor to play a key role in ensuring the quality and integrity of our Project Supply Chain.

As an embedded member of the Quality function, you will:

• Plan, execute, and report on Supply Chain audits across the UK and internationally
• Track, manage, and follow up on audit findings and non‑conformances
• Analyse audit outcomes to deliver clear, actionable insights for senior management
• Support strategic decision‑making through data‑driven quality assurance

📍Location: Flexible anywhere in the UK – travel across the UK and internationally is required.

This is a unique opportunity to make a real impact on a landmark project while applying your auditing expertise in a fast‑paced, global environment.

About the Department:

The Quality department is responsible for developing and maintaining policies, strategies, standards, and procedures, ensuring the implementation of best practices in quality management and oversees the effectiveness of the project’s activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain a risk‑based Supply Chain Audit Programme aligned with ISO 9001 and project requirements
• Collaborate with Supply Chain Assurance, Inspection, Environmental, and Health & Safety teams for audit planning and outcomes.
• Define audit scope, criteria, and objectives with Quality Management Leads.
• Conduct unplanned audits as needed, based on risk reviews.
• Engage stakeholders and auditees effectively in audit planning.
• Monitor Non‑Conformances to ensure timely closure and effective corrective actions.
• Contribute to monthly dashboard reports on the Supply Chain Audit Program.
• Analyse audit results to identify improvement opportunities.

Mandatory

• Strong experience in planning and executing audit programmes
• IRCA Lead Auditor qualification in most if not all of the below:
  • ISO 9001:2015
  • ISO 45001:2018
  • ISO 14001:2015
• Proven experience applying ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001 within a multi-disciplinary project environment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Full UK driving license
• Experience working in a highly regulated environment
• Experience within a manufacturing environment
• Membership of the Chartered Quality Institute (CQI) or IRCA
• Knowledge of ISO 19443:2018
• Knowledge of CFSI
• Understanding of special processes, including:
  • Non‑Destructive Testing (NDT)
  • Welding
• Coating and surface treatment

Why Join Us?

• 🌍 Work on a landmark European project
• ✈️ International exposure and collaboration
• 📈 Influence quality strategy at scale
• 💼 High‑impact role within a global supply chain
• 🚀 Opportunity to leave a lasting legacy

🤝Flexible working available to suit individual needs
🏖️ 25 Days Annual Leave + Bank Holidays
🔄 Buy & Sell Holiday – Make your time off work for you
💰 8% Company Pension Contributions
🛡️ Income Protection & 3x Salary Death‑in‑Service Cover
🤒 Competitive Sick Pay – Support when you need it
🏥 Healthcare Cash Plan – Claim back on dental, optical & more
💪 Free Digital Gym Access – Expert‑led fitness classes
🎁 Exclusive Discounts – Restaurants, days out & top brands
📞 24/7 Employee Support Line – Mental health, financial & legal help
🚴 Cycle to Work Scheme – Save money & go green
💉 Free Flu Jabs & Eye Test Vouchers
🧾 Paid Professional Membership Fees
❤️ Volunteer Days – Make a difference on company time

We are committed to equal treatment of candidates and promote, as well as foster all forms of diversity within our company. We believe that bringing together people with different backgrounds and perspectives is essential for creating innovative and impactful solutions. Skills, talent, and our people’s ability to dare are the only things that matter !. Bring your unique contributions and help us shape the future.