Quality Assurance Manager

Senior Bird Bellows; Congleton; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A UK manufacturing firm is seeking an experienced Quality Assurance Manager to lead the Quality Assurance team. This role involves ensuring compliance with customer, regulatory, and third-party requirements, driving product assurance, and fostering a positive quality culture. Key responsibilities include leading the team, managing quality documentation, and coordinating external audits. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in Quality Assurance within a regulated environment, alongside relevant qualifications such as Lead Auditor certification. The position offers a supportive work environment with a 4-day working week and comprehensive employee benefits.

Benefits

4-day working week

Excellent pension scheme

Life assurance

Employee Assistance Programme

Social and wellbeing events

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a Quality Assurance role within a regulated environment.
• Strong knowledge of AS9100 and ISO 9000 / 9100 systems.
• Practical experience of APQP, PPAP, and capability studies.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Quality Assurance team.
• Act as the primary interface with customers and regulators.
• Ensure compliance with quality requirements.

Skills

Engagement and influencing

Effective communication

Education

Recognised qualification in Engineering or Quality Assurance

Lead Auditor qualification (ISO 9001 / AS9100)

Tools

QMS software systems

PPAP software systems

Job description

Job Description

The Quality Assurance Manager is responsible for leading the Quality Assurance team providing operational direction to ensure compliance with customer, regulatory and third-party requirements, while driving product assurance, customer satisfaction and continuous improvement.

Role summary / Key responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Quality Assurance team, ensuring an effective Quality Management System that meets customer, regulatory and third-party requirements
• Drive a positive quality culture through clear objectives, performance reviews, communication and people development
• Act as the primary interface with customers, regulators and third parties on quality matters
• Ensure quality documentation is current, accessible and aligned with business and regulatory needs
• Deliver robust product assurance, customer satisfaction and continuous improvement
• Develop, manage and report on the internal audit programme, including NCR performance
• Analyse quality performance data to support Management Reviews and leadership decision‑making
• Develop and implement APQP / PPAP processes in line with customer and AIAG requirements
• Lead laboratory and test house activities
• Coordinate and manage external audits, including issue resolution and close‑out
• Deputise for the Head of Quality and support delivery of strategic and long‑term business goals
• Oversee First Article Inspection Reports, investigations and improvement projects
• Support HS&E systems, incident investigations and cross‑functional quality activities (e.g. FMEA, continuous improvement)
• Ensure full compliance with company policies, procedures and codes of practice

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a Quality Assurance role within a regulated environment
• Strong knowledge of AS9100 and ISO 9000 / 9100 Quality Management Systems
• Practical experience of APQP, PPAP, Gage R & R, SPC and capability studies
• Experience writing and maintaining company‑level procedures and working instructions
• Knowledge of Part 21 Subpart G
• Recognised further education in Engineering and / or Quality Assurance, or an engineering qualification / time‑served apprenticeship
• Lead Auditor qualification (ISO 9001 / AS9100)
• Experience using QMS and PPAP software systems

Key Skills & Attributes

• Ability to engage, influence and build effective relationships at all levels of the organisation
• Clear and effective written and verbal communication skills

Strong administrative and organisational capability

Proven ability to assess priorities, manage workload effectively and balance strategic objectives with day‑to‑day operational demands

Additional Information

We offer a supportive and rewarding work environment that values your wellbeing and work‑life balance. Enjoy the benefits of a 4‑day working week , giving you more time for what matters most. We also provide an excellent pension scheme , life assurance , and access to a confidential Employee Assistance Programme . Our team regularly takes part in social and wellbeing events , helping you stay connected, supported, and engaged both in and outside of work.

Contract Information : Monday - Thursday (36hrs)