Quality Control & Operational Improvement Manager

Chase Taylor Recruitment Ltd; Cambridgeshire and Peterborough; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A manufacturing recruitment firm is seeking an experienced Quality Control & Operational Improvement Manager to enhance product quality and operational efficiency. This role entails developing quality systems, leading improvement initiatives, and collaborating with teams to ensure high-quality outputs. Ideal candidates will have a proven track record in manufacturing environments, knowledge of lean principles, and the capability to promote a culture of continuous improvement. A competitive salary and a supportive leadership team are offered.

Benefits

Opportunity to impact growth

Supportive leadership team

Competitive salary

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a quality, operations, or continuous improvement role within manufacturing.
• Strong understanding of quality systems, process improvement, and operational efficiency.
• Experience in lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain quality control systems across production.
• Review manufacturing processes to identify inefficiencies and lead improvements.
• Ensure quality improvements translate into better customer outcomes.

Skills

Quality control systems

Process improvement

Lean manufacturing

Six Sigma

Job description

Experience within the Window and Door industry is essential.

Quality Control & Operational Improvement Manager

Location: [Site-based / Hybrid - to be confirmed]

Overview

An established manufacturing business within the window and glazing sector is seeking an experienced Quality Control & Operational Improvement Manager to support the next phase of growth. The business designs and manufactures high-quality window solutions for residential and commercial customers and has built a strong reputation for reliability, service, and craftsmanship. With increasing demand, the focus is now on improving efficiency, reducing cost, and consistently delivering right-first-time quality at scale. This role will play a key part in helping the business produce more product, more efficiently, without compromising on quality or customer experience.

Key Responsibilities

Quality Control

• Develop, implement, and maintain quality control systems across production and installation processes
• Monitor product quality, identify recurring defects, and drive root cause analysis
• Introduce clear quality standards, inspection processes, and documentation
• Work closely with production teams to embed a “right first time” culture
• Reduce rework, waste, and customer complaints

Operational Improvement

• Review end-to-end manufacturing and operational processes to identify inefficiencies
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on productivity, cost reduction, and throughput
• Introduce lean manufacturing principles and best practices where appropriate
• Improve workflow, layout, and material handling to support increased output
• Support data‑led decision making through KPIs, reporting, and performance tracking

Customer Experience & Service

• Ensure quality improvements translate into better customer outcomes
• Work collaboratively with customer service and installation teams to resolve issues quickly
• Help the business deliver a consistent, high-quality product that meets customer expectations

Collaboration & Leadership

• Act as a trusted partner to senior leadership, production, and operational teams
• Coach and support teams to adopt new processes and standards
• Promote accountability, ownership, and continuous improvement across the business

About You

• Proven experience in a quality, operations, or continuous improvement role within manufacturing
• Strong understanding of quality systems, process improvement, and operational efficiency
• Experience in lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies (formal qualification desirable but not essential)
• Hands‑on, practical mindset — comfortable working on the shop floor as well as at a strategic level
• Confident communicator who can influence, challenge, and engage teams at all levels
• Commercially aware, with a clear focus on cost, efficiency, and customer satisfaction

What's on Offer

• Opportunity to make a visible, lasting impact in a growing manufacturing business
• Key role in shaping how the business scales efficiently and sustainably
• Competitive salary, dependent on experience
• Supportive leadership team and a culture open to improvement and change