Quality Lead

Jonathan Lee Recruitment; Preston; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading European specialist in assembly and manufacturing is seeking a proactive Quality Lead in Preston. This high-impact role involves driving performance, championing customer satisfaction, and leading a dedicated team to ensure excellence across operations. Ideal candidates will have significant experience in quality management within regulated environments and a strong capability in problem-solving techniques. Competitive benefits include a generous holiday allowance and a contributory pension scheme.

Benefits

Competitive salary

25 days' holiday (plus UK bank holidays)

Contributory pension scheme

Company sick pay

Staff discounts

Qualifications

• Experience in a quality leadership role in regulated manufacturing.
• Strong background in structured problem-solving and audits.
• Confident communicator able to influence at all levels.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor the Quality Team to create a culture of performance.
• Drive implementation of corrective actions to resolve quality issues.
• Monitor key quality metrics and influence decisions based on data.

Skills

Leadership

Problem Solving

Quality Management

Communication

Education

Degree in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing or technical discipline

ISO 9001 Lead Auditor certification

Tools

ISO 9001

8D

5 Whys

FMEA

Ishikawa

Job description

Quality Lead

European Specialist Assembly & Manufacturing Business

Location: Preston (On-site)

Step into a high-impact leadership role at the heart of a fast-moving, technically advanced manufacturing environment. We're looking for a proactive, people-focused Quality Lead to drive performance, champion customer satisfaction, and lead a dedicated quality team within our Assemblies and Components value stream.

This is more than a quality role - it's a chance to shape how excellence is delivered across a thriving business.

What You'll Be Doing:

• Lead, mentor and energise the Quality Team, creating a culture of ownership, performance and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate across departments to embed quality into everything we do - from engineering and operations to customer service.
• Plan resources and drive individual and team development to build deep technical know-how and future leadership capability.
• Champion the Voice of the Customer, integrating real feedback and warranty data into product and process improvements.
• Lead structured problem-solving activities (8D, 5 Whys, FMEA, Ishikawa) to resolve quality issues at root cause.
• Drive the implementation of robust corrective and preventive actions to eliminate repeat issues.
• Manage supplier quality and ensure that incoming parts and components meet exacting standards.
• Own and evolve the shop floor Quality Systems in line with ISO 9001 and relevant industry standards.
• Play a key role in New Product Development and Engineering Change activities.
• Ensure full compliance to process control plans and quality documentation.
• Monitor key quality metrics (Yield, Scrap, Rework, Cost of Poor Quality) and use data to influence smart decisions.
• Step in for the UK Head of Quality when required - this role comes with visibility and autonomy.

What We're Looking For:

Essential:

• Solid experience in a quality leadership or supervisory role in a regulated manufacturing environment, perhaps automotive tier 1 or similar fast paced manufacturing environment.
• Strong background in structured problem-solving and implementing effective corrective actions
• Excellent understanding of quality core tools and techniques
• Proven success managing audits, quality incidents, and driving closure of non-conformances
• Confident communicator with the credibility to influence at all levels

Desirable:

• Degree in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing or a technical discipline
• ISO 9001 Lead Auditor certification
• Experience in lean manufacturing or operational roles (e.g., automotive, aerospace, etc.)
• Involvement in business transformation or product launch projects

What You'll Get:

• Competitive salary
• 25 days' holiday (plus UK bank holidays)
• Contributory pension scheme
• Company sick pay
• Staff discounts
• And more...

If you're excited by leading change, solving real problems, and building a high-performance culture - we want to hear from you.

Your CV will be forwarded to Jonathan Lee Recruitment, a leading engineering and manufacturing recruitment consultancy established in 1978. The services advertised by Jonathan Lee Recruitment are those of an Employment Agency.
In order for your CV to be processed effectively, please ensure your name, email address, phone number and location (post code OR town OR county, as a minimum) are included.