Quality Administrator (Assurance) - 1580

Thorlabs; Ely; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A global optical technologies company is seeking a Quality Administrator to ensure product safety and compliance. This hybrid role involves managing quality assurance tasks, supporting regulatory reporting, and conducting internal audits. Ideally, candidates should have at least 3 years in quality administration and be proficient in Microsoft Office. Competitive salary and excellent benefits package included.

Benefits

Free on-site parking

Free refreshments

In-house training and development

Entertainment area

Qualifications

• Experience in quality administration or compliance support; ideally 3 years within the Quality field.
• Evidence of critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Experience of conducting internal audits is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support for external accreditations (ISO 9001, 14001).
• Management of the Quality Assurance mailbox and support for Quality queries.
• Product data management in the ERP system.

Skills

Critical thinking

Problem-solving

Data handling

Document management systems

Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Education

3 years practical experience in quality administration

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

What is the job?

The Quality Administrator protects the integrity of our operations and the people who depend on them. This role is essential to ensure that every product we deliver is safe, compliant, and trustworthy, because when our customers rely on our products to perform, they trust us with their outcomes.

Working Hours & Department

Monday to Friday 8.00 am – 4.30 pm (1 hour lunch). Hybrid working available. Department: Quality.

Interview Process

Two‑stage process following shortlisting:

• First stage – 1 hour Teams interview.
• Second stage – On‑site 2‑hour interview.

Responsibilities

• Support for external accreditations (ISO 9001, 14001, and Authorised Economic Operator).
• Management of the Quality Assurance mailbox and support for Quality queries and inbox enquiries.
• Regulatory data collection & external reporting (WEEE, Packaging, EPR, SECR, ESOS, Plastic Packaging Tax).
• Vendor liaison for compliance data (REACH, RoHS, CBAM, S232).
• Product data management in the ERP system (RoHS, REACH, Comm code).
• Controlled document management (SharePoint, SOPs).
• Calibration management.
• Support for green initiatives and company sustainability goals.
• Internal auditing and non‑conformance reporting.
• Standard Operating Procedure (SOPs) maintenance.
• Support for global meetings and alignment.
• Production of reports on processes as required, and data for Quality Review Meetings.

About Thorlabs

Thorlabs is a global, industry‑leading optical technologies company. We design and manufacture a range of innovative photonics products used in manufacturing and research, from fibre optics to piezo motors. We are the gold standard in optics laboratories worldwide. There are 22 facilities across 9 countries. Here in Ely, we are responsible for the Motion Control and Optical Tables product line.

Where you will be working

This is a hybrid role, working in our new purpose‑built facility in Witchford, Ely, as well as from home. The facility is just 12 miles from Cambridge, within the beautiful medieval city of Ely. Train and bus links to Ely from Kings Cross and Liverpool Street, London, are available, and our site is within distance of Ely train station and Ely bus station.

Requirements

• Evidence of critical thinking and problem‑solving skills, ability to work independently, and to see tasks through to completion.
• Experience in quality administration or compliance support; ideally 3 years of practical experience within the Quality field.
• Experience of conducting internal audits is preferred.
• Familiarity with quality systems, regulatory compliance, and audit processes.
• Proficiency in data handling and document management systems.
• Familiarity with ERP systems.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office with excellent administrative, communication, planning and organisational skills.
• Self‑motivated to achieve.
• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to multitask, time‑manage and work independently & identify and resolve problems quickly.
• Adherence to core values and a positive attitude.

What will you get?

At Thorlabs there are lots of opportunities for in‑house customised training and development that accelerates your career progression. We have free on‑site parking, free refreshments, as well as an entertainment area in our large canteen for your enjoyment.

Benefits

Competitive salary to attract the best, plus an excellent benefits package including pension, health care, 25 days holiday plus public holidays.

• Contributed pension scheme.
• Group life cover.
• Private health care.
• Group income protection & more.

Apply Today

Please apply through the Apply for this job button or send a copy of your CV along with a covering letter and your salary expectations to: Human Resources at Thorlabs Ltd, 204 Lancaster Way Business Park, Ely, Cambs, CB6 3NX or e‑mail [e-mail].

We welcome applications from persons who are over 18 years old. *This is a legal requirement, further information is here School leaving age – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)*

This role does not currently meet the UK Visas and Immigration criteria for obtaining a Skilled Worker Visa. Therefore, we are unable to accept applications that require employer sponsorship to obtain a Skilled Worker Visa.

All offers of employment are subject to eligibility to work in the UK.

We would encourage all internal applicants to inform their line managers of their interest in this position.

We are Disability Confident and Committed.

Immigration Notice

In line with the requirements of the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006, all applicants must have valid permission to enter or remain in the UK with no condition that prevents them from working in the UK. Documented evidence of such permission will be required from candidates as part of the recruitment process.