Quality Assurance Facilitator

Gates Corporation; Dumfries; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Gates Corporation seeks a Quality Assurance Facilitator to provide QA support across shift operations. You will act as the primary QA representative during non-office hours, conducting audits, supporting product and process compliance, and driving corrective actions to improve defect reduction and customer satisfaction.

You will lead problem-solving activities, monitor quality performance, and support continuous improvement initiatives with operators and production personnel while ensuring

Qualifications

• Qualified QA professional with a strong understanding of manufacturing processes.
• Experience in problem-solving methodologies and corrective action processes.
• Auditing experience and knowledge of quality systems (SPC, MSA) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Act as primary QA representative during non-office hours for customer and supplier issues.
• Conduct scheduled process and product audits under direction of QA Manager.
• Lead containment actions for non-conformances and track corrective actions.
• Investigate quality concerns and support root cause analysis and action implementation.
• Carry out testing and inspection on in-process products and materials.
• Monitor quality trends and report out-of-spec results.
• Support customer complaints investigations and supplier quality issues.
• Provide training and coaching on quality to operators and production teams.

Skills

Quality auditing

Root cause analysis

Data analysis

Communication

Documentation

Education

IQA / internal auditor qualification

HNC / HND or equivalent quality qualification

Tools

MS Office

Quality information systems

Job description

Are you inspired by challenging the status quo? Do you thrive in collaborative environments that drive results? If so, Gates could be for you.

Gates is a leading manufacturer of application-specific fluid power and power transmission solutions. We push the boundaries of material science to engineer solutions that continually exceed customer expectations.

Let's simplify it, think belts and hoses. Found in motorcycles, conveyor belts, cars, tractors, blenders, vacuum cleaners, bicycles, & 3D printers just to name a few. Because why not do it all?

Position Summary

The Quality Assurance Facilitator provides Quality Assurance support across shift operations in support of the Quality Assurance Business Plan, Quality Excellence Process (QEP), and overall business objectives. The role serves as the primary quality representative during non-office hours, ensuring customer and supplier quality concerns are effectively managed. The position is responsible for conducting audits, supporting product and process compliance, leading problem-solving activities, implementing corrective actions, monitoring quality performance, and driving continuous improvement initiatives to support defect reduction and customer satisfaction.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Act as the primary Quality Assurance representative during non-office hours for customer and supplier-related quality issues.
• Conduct scheduled process and product as directed by the Quality Manager
• Initiate and manage containment actions for product and process non-conformances.
• Investigate quality concerns and support root cause analysis and corrective action implementation.
• Carry out testing and inspection activities on in-process products and materials.
• Monitor quality trends, analyse data, and report out-of-specification results.
• Perform process capability studies, Measurement System Analysis (MSA), and other process monitoring activities.
• Report, investigate, and follow up on internal non-conformances, ensuring effective corrective actions are implemented and verified.
• Support customer complaint investigations and supplier quality issue resolution.
• Provide quality-related training and coaching to operators and production personnel as required.
• Support D>1 and Zero PPM initiatives through defect prevention and scrap reduction activities.
• Lead and participate in Quality Improvement Process (QIP) activities.
• Act as a Subject Matter Expert within the Gates Production System for process problem-solving activities.
• Monitor, record, and report Level 1 problem-solving activities and communicate progress to relevant stakeholders.
• Promote continuous improvement and support teams in identifying opportunities to improve product quality and process performance.
• Ensure compliance with applicable quality management systems, customer requirements, and company policies.

Job Profile

Reporting to the Quality Manager, the Quality Assurance Facilitator provides quality leadership and technical support to shift teams within a manufacturing environment. The role works closely with Shift Coordinators, Team Leaders, Operators, and support functions to ensure product quality, process compliance, and customer satisfaction are maintained. The position requires sound judgement, attention to detail, and the ability to manage quality issues independently during non-office hours.

Keys to Success

• Strong understanding of quality assurance principles and manufacturing processes.
• Effective problem-solving and root cause analysis skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organisational and time management abilities.
• Ability to work independently and make informed decisions.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret quality data and trends.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and customer satisfaction.
• Ability to influence and engage employees at all levels of the organisation.
• High attention to detail and focus on compliance and standards.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• No direct supervisory responsibility.
• Provides guidance, coaching, and quality support to Operators, Team Leaders, and Shift Coordinators.
• May lead quality improvement teams and facilitate problem-solving activities as required.

Preferred Qualifications & Experience

• Relevant Quality qualification (e.g., IQA, HNC, HND, or equivalent).
• Experience within a Quality Assurance and/or manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of quality management systems and auditing processes.
• Experience in problem-solving methodologies and corrective action processes.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and quality information systems.
• Internal Auditor qualification.
• Experience within a high-volume manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of Statistical Process Control (SPC), Process Capability Studies, and Measurement System Analysis (MSA).
• Understanding of Continuous Improvement, Lean Manufacturing, and Six Sigma methodologies.

Skills

• Quality auditing and inspection techniques.
• Root cause analysis and corrective action management.
• Data analysis and reporting.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Planning, prioritisation, and organisational skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.

Travel

Limited travel may be required for customer visits, supplier visits, audits, training, and other quality-related business activities. The role operates on a four-shift rotation pattern within a manufacturing environment.

Why Gates?

Founded in 1911 in Denver, Colorado, Gates is publicly traded on the NYSE. While we might operate in a vast amount of time zones we operate as 'One Gates' and have a common goal of pushing the boundaries of materials science. We invest in our people, bringing real-world experience that enables us to solve our customers' diverse challenges of today and anticipate those of tomorrow.

Work Environment

Gates is an Equal Opportunity and is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job-related reasons regardless of race, sex, color, religion, age, disability, pregnancy, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, genetic information, marital status, or any other consideration defined by law.

GDPR: Gates are committed to protecting your private data. Please see below the link to our Job Applicants Privacy Statement which we would ask you to read in full. By applying for this position, you confirm that you have read, understood and accepted this policy.

Gates Job Applicants Privacy Statement