Quality Assurance Manager

Allscreens Nationwide Ltd; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The Whittan Group is seeking an experienced Quality Assurance Manager to lead the Quality function across manufacturing and customer support, driving defect prevention and COPQ reduction.

You will establish a dedicated Quality team, implement in-process inspection plans across fabrication and assembly, and lead audits to ensure ISO 9001 compliance and customer satisfaction. This leadership role requires strong problem solving and stakeholder management across the business in Milton Keynes.

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent in Engineering, Manufacturing or Quality.
• Minimum five years' experience managing Quality in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong working knowledge of ISO 9001 and quality systems.
• Experience with RCA, 8D, CAPA and structured problem-solving.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Quality team responsible for factory quality assurance and customer support.
• Ensure independent inspection and verification of production activities throughout manufacture.
• Develop and implement in-process inspection plans across fabrication, welding, roll forming, powder coating and assembly.
• Conduct layered process audits and manufacturing quality audits.
• Lead root cause investigations and drive effective corrective actions.
• Reduce internal defects through proactive quality assurance activities.
• Own the customer complaint process.
• Lead 8D investigations and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Conduct customer site visits where required.
• Analyse warranty claims and field failures.
• Drive lessons learned back into manufacturing processes.
• Improve customer satisfaction through rapid containment and permanent corrective actions.
• Support and continually improve the ISO 9001 Quality Management System.
• Lead internal and external audits.
• Manage CAPA processes and document control systems.
• Ensure procedures, work instructions and process controls remain current and effective.
• Approve, monitor and audit suppliers.
• Reduce incoming material defects and improve supplier performance.
• Lead improvement projects using Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma principles, focusing on reducing:
• Customer complaints
• Scrap and rework
• Manufacturing waste
• Process variation
• Cost of Poor Quality (COPQ)

Skills

ISO 9001

Six Sigma Green/Black

Root Cause Analysis

8D

CAPA

ERP Systems

Stakeholder Mgmt

Data Analysis

Leadership

QMS Software

Education

Engineering/Manufacturing/Quality degree or equivalent

Tools

ERP Systems

QMS Software

Job description

Location: Milton Keynes Full Time | Permanent

The Whittan Group is the largest manufacturer of steel storage products in the United Kingdom. Operating through a number

market-leading brands, we design, manufacture and install storage solutions for commercial and industrial environments across the

UK and Europe.

As we continue to grow, we are looking for an experienced Quality Assurance Manager to lead our Quality function and drive

excellence across our manufacturing operations.

About the Role

Reporting to the Group Operations Director, you will be responsible for leading all aspects of Quality Assurance across

manufacturing and customer support activities. You will establish and develop a dedicated Quality team, ensuring products

consistently meet customer expectations, industry standards and regulatory requirements.

This is a pivotal leadership role focused on defect prevention, reducing the Cost of Poor Quality (COPQ), improving customer

satisfaction, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement throughout the business.

Key Responsibilities

Quality Assurance

• Lead and develop the Quality team responsible for factory quality assurance and customer support.
• Ensure independent inspection and verification of production activities throughout manufacture.
• Develop and implement in-process inspection plans across fabrication, welding, roll forming, powder coating and assembly.
• Conduct layered process audits and manufacturing quality audits.
• Lead root cause investigations and drive effective corrective actions.
• Reduce internal defects through proactive quality assurance activities.

Customer Quality

• Own the customer complaint process.
• Lead 8D investigations and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Conduct customer site visits where required.
• Analyse warranty claims and field failures.
• Drive lessons learned back into manufacturing processes.
• Improve customer satisfaction through rapid containment and permanent corrective actions.

Quality Management Systems

• Support and continually improve the ISO 9001 Quality Management System.
• Lead internal and external audits.
• Manage CAPA processes and document control systems.
• Ensure procedures, work instructions and process controls remain current and effective.
• Approve, monitor and audit suppliers.
• Reduce incoming material defects and improve supplier performance.

Lead improvement projects using Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma principles, focusing on reducing:

• Customer complaints
• Scrap and rework
• Manufacturing waste
• Process variation
• Cost of Poor Quality (COPQ)

About You

• Degree, HNC/HND or equivalent qualification in Engineering, Manufacturing or Quality.
• Minimum five years' experience managing Quality within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong working knowledge of ISO 9001.
• Excellent understanding of fabrication, welding and manufacturing processes.
• Experience with Root Cause Analysis, 8D, CAPA and structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
• Ability to analyse quality data and drive measurable business improvements.
• Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt.
• Experience within pallet racking, steel storage or structural steel manufacturing.
• Experience using ERP and Quality Management Systems.

What You'll Bring

You’ll be a proactive and collaborative leader who:

• Promotes a culture of quality, accountability and continuous improvement.
• Leads by example and inspires high performance.
• Builds strong relationships across all departments.
• Demonstrates integrity, professionalism and attention to detail.
• Is passionate about delivering exceptional customer outcomes.

The Whittan Group promotes equality of opportunity in that everyone who works for us and any job applicants will be treated

equally, regardless of gender or gender reassignment, age, ethnic or national origin, nationality, race, colour, marital or civil

partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, disability, sexual orientation, religion or belief.