Quality Assurance Manager

Nicholas Associates; Borehamwood; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Nicholas Associates is recruiting a Quality Assurance & Skills Manager for a newly created role based in Hertfordshire. You will own the Integrated Quality Management System (IQMS) and lead quality assurance across the business while shaping skills, training and competency management.

Reporting to the Group HSEQ Director, you’ll work with engineering, construction, design, operations, HR and Learning & Development to drive continual improvement, audits, risk‑based assurance and digitalisation of

Qualifications

• Experience leading QA/management systems in construction or engineering.
• Auditing, ISO9001/ISO14001/ISO45001 familiarity.
• Ability to map processes and drive digital improvements.
• Stakeholder collaboration across multiple functions.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Integrated Quality Management System (IQMS) and quality processes.
• Coordinate internal/external audits and testing regimes.
• Drive continuous improvement and digitalisation of systems.
• Develop skills, training and competency management.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Operations and HR to meet quality goals.

Skills

Quality Assurance

Management Systems

Process Improvement

Auditing

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field

Job description

We are working with a well‑established and growing construction and engineering group to recruit a Quality Assurance & Skills Manager for a newly created position, based in Hertfordshire.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Quality, Assurance, HSEQ or Management Systems professional to take ownership of quality assurance across the business while also playing a key role in skills, training and competency management.

Reporting directly to the Group HSEQ Director, you will lead the management and continual improvement of the company's Integrated Quality Management System (IQMS), working closely with senior management, engineering, construction, design, operations, pre‑construction, HR and Learning & Development teams.

This is a hands‑on and influential role for someone who enjoys improving processes, solving problems and making a tangible difference to business performance.

Key Responsibilities

Quality Assurance & Management Systems

• Take the lead on the company's Quality Assurance function and Integrated Quality Management System.
• Manage and continually improve quality processes and procedures in line with business objectives.
• Support the maintenance of ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 certification.
• Manage internal audits, external audits, inspections and testing regimes.

Support the business with external accreditations and assurance requirements, including:

• Achilles BuildingConfidence
• RISQS
• SSIP
• PQQ submissions
• Digital assurance platforms
• Coordinate management reviews and promote effective, risk‑based approaches to assurance.
• Work with departmental leads to ensure quality and compliance requirements are embedded effectively across the business.

Process Improvement & Digitalisation

• Identify opportunities to improve and streamline business processes.
• Lead process mapping and process automation initiatives.
• Support the continued development of digital systems and assurance processes.
• Facilitate business risk workshops and help develop practical solutions.
• Work closely with design and construction teams to improve operational processes and performance.
• Promote a culture of continual improvement and innovation.

Engineering & Operational Assurance

• Work closely with the Engineering Lead and site engineering teams to support operational delivery and compliance.
• Manage and investigate non-conformances and support effective root cause analysis.
• Undertake trend analysis and develop improvement strategies.
• Provide practical quality support to operational teams.
• Help ensure quality assurance processes add value to projects and support successful delivery.

Skills, Training & Competency

The role also has responsibility for supporting the company's approach to skills, training and competency management.

Working closely with Labour/Resource Management, HR and Learning & Development, you will:

• Manage the company's approach to skills and qualifications through its training standards.
• Monitor and report on skills, qualifications, training attainment and competency gaps.
• Work closely with Pre-construction and Operations teams to identify and address skills requirements.
• Engage with clients and stakeholders to ensure industry and project‑specific requirements are met.
• Support projects with S106 and community objectives, including skills and training commitments.
• Help develop a strong culture of competence, learning and professional development.

About You

We are looking for someone who combines strong technical knowledge with a practical, commercial and collaborative approach.

You will ideally have experience in a Quality Assurance, HSEQ, Management Systems or similar role within the construction, engineering, infrastructure or related sectors.

You will be:

• Highly organised and meticulous, with excellent attention to detail.
• Comfortable working autonomously and managing your own priorities.
• Digitally confident, with an interest in technology and process improvement.
• Passionate about continual improvement and finding better ways of working.
• A strong communicator and relationship builder.
• A confident problem solver with a practical approach.
• Comfortable working with senior stakeholders as well as operational and site‑based teams.
• Experienced in auditing, compliance and management systems.
• Able to analyse data, identify trends and turn findings into meaningful actions.
• Commercially aware, with a genuine desire to support operational delivery.

What's on Offer?

This is a newly created role where you will have the opportunity to shape the Quality Assurance and Skills function and make a real impact across a growing organisation.

The successful candidate will receive:

• Competitive salary.
• Excellent employee benefits.
• Expenses covered in line with company policy.
• Strong opportunities for career progression.
• Professional development and training opportunities.
• A supportive and collaborative working environment.
• A varied role with exposure across multiple business functions and projects.
• The opportunity to work closely with senior leadership and influence business strategy.

About Us

We are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive community. In line with our Diversity and Inclusion policy, we welcome applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability. As a Disability Confident Employer, and part of the Nicholas Associates Group, we are committed to supporting candidates with disabilities, and we're happy to discuss flexible working options.