Quality Assurance Manager - 1624

Thorlabs; Ely; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading optical technologies company in Ely is seeking a Quality Assurance Manager to lead the Quality Assurance function. In this hybrid role, you will drive continuous improvement and ensure compliance with ISO standards. The ideal candidate has a degree in Quality, Engineering, or related discipline, along with significant experience in quality management. Competitive salary and excellent benefits included.

Benefits

Free onsite parking

Private healthcare

25 days holiday plus public holidays

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years in quality management or compliance leadership roles.
• Proven track record in managing audits and maintaining accreditations.
• Deep understanding of ISO standards and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and improvement of quality systems and processes.
• Manage and develop the QA team.
• Ensure compliance with ISO standards and maintain external accreditations.

Skills

Leadership

Data analysis

Communication

Education

Degree in Quality, Engineering, or related discipline

Professional certifications (e.g., IRCA Auditor, Lean Six Sigma)

Tools

Power BI

ERP systems (specifically D365)

Job description

What is the job?

We’re looking for a Quality Assurance Manager to lead the Quality Assurance function by enabling systems and processes that consistently create value for customers through safe, reliable, and high‑quality outcomes. This role champions a culture where every individual is respected and empowered to improve, fosters humility in leadership, and ensures that quality principles are embedded in daily work. It drives continuous improvement, facilitates learning through audits and accreditations, and strengthens the organisation’s capability to deliver excellence.

Working Hours

Monday to Friday 8.00 am – 4.30 pm (Hybrid working available)

Department

Quality

Interview process

2 stage process following shortlisting – First stage: 1 hour Teams interview. Second stage: Onsite 2 hour interview.

Who we are?

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

Where you will be working?

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

What is essential to us…

• Degree in Quality, Engineering, or related discipline.
• Professional certifications (e.g., IRCA Auditor, Lean Six Sigma) preferred.
• Minimum 5 years in quality management or compliance leadership roles.
• Proven track record in managing audits and maintaining accreditations.
• Deep understanding of ISO standards and regulatory compliance.
• Proficiency in data analysis and reporting tools (Power BI, SharePoint).
• Familiarity with ERP systems, specifically D365.
• Strong leadership and team development skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

What we would like you to do/ to see…

Leadership & Strategy

• Lead development, implementation, maintenance, and improvement of quality systems and processes using PDCA cycles to foster learning and continuous improvement.
• Manage and develop the QA team, ensuring workload balance, cross‑training, and capability building.
• Identify knowledge gaps within QA and compliance processes and support targeted development.
• Set objectives aligned with business and global quality strategies.
• Lead Management Review Meetings and communicate quality performance to senior leadership.
• Champion lean and continuous improvement initiatives across office functions.
• Drive local sustainability and environmental initiatives in line with local and global strategy.
• Responsible for the Health & Safety of your work area and your team members. Including the review and upkeep of all risk assessments, identifying H&S training requirements, providing inductions to new team members. Dealing with PPE issues and H&S breaches, undertaking regular H&S inspections and accident reporting – this would include supporting and/or leading accident investigations.
• Undertake the role of Fire Marshal for your work area and team members. Including regular checks for hazards and issues, completion of fire risk assessment actions, ensuring all people in your area are aware of evacuation procedures and drawing their attention to hazardous practices.

Compliance & Accreditation

• Ensure all business processes meet international and national compliance standards.
• Keep up to date with legislation changes, and regularly communicate with peers in other Thorlabs Entities.
• Ensure compliance with ISO standards and maintain external accreditations (ISO9001, ISO14001, AEO).
• Oversee regulatory reporting (SECR, ESOS, WEEE, Packaging, Plastic Packaging Tax).
• Liaise with global compliance teams to align processes and share best practices.
• Partner with product compliance and design teams to ensure regulatory requirements are met and integrated into design and development processes.

Audits & Risk Management

• Lead internal audit programme, ensuring timely completion and closure of non‑conformances.
• Conduct risk assessments in key compliance areas and implement corrective actions.
• Prepare for and manage external audits.

Documentation & Process Control

• Ensure controlled documentation processes are robust and compliant.
• Oversee SOP development and updates across QA functions.
• Maintain document libraries and ensure timely review of controlled documents.

Data & Reporting

• Drive implementation of KPI suite and visual management systems.
• Oversee Power BI reporting for non‑conformances, compliance metrics, and cost of quality.
• Monitor calibration and compliance data accuracy across systems (GAGEpack).

Collaboration & Communication

• Act as primary liaison for global quality and compliance meetings.
• Communicate quality objectives and compliance requirements across departments.
• Promote a culture where every individual is empowered to improve processes and contribute to quality excellence.

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 onsite parking, free refreshments, as well as an entertainment area in our large canteen for your enjoyment.

And the benefits are?

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

Job Reference:

THOR-VC-1624

This is a rolling campaign, so we will actively interview applicants. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

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)

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.

-Contributed Pension Scheme -Group Life Cover -Private Health Care -Group Income Protection & more.

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 are Disability Confident Committed

In line with the requirements of the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006, all applicants must have a 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.