Quality Management Lead

NRL; Reading; Hybrid; GBP 83,000 - 96,000; Full time

Job summary

NRL is seeking a Quality Management Lead to direct a team on a major defence project based in Aldermaston, Reading. This on-site role oversees quality from design through to handover, ensuring compliance and continuous improvement in a highly regulated environment.

The ideal candidate has a decade of quality management experience in construction or engineering, with SC clearance or eligibility and ISO 9001 Lead Auditor qualifications.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years in Quality Assurance or Quality Control management.
• Strong construction background with leadership in regulated environments.
• Experience in civil nuclear or defence sectors is preferred.
• Valid SC Clearance or ability to obtain it.
• ISO 9001 Lead Auditor qualification and proven audit experience.
• Ability to drive corrective actions and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of Quality professionals across the project lifecycle.
• Develop and maintain project quality plans in line with contracts.
• Investigate non-conformities and drive CAPA actions.
• Oversee ITP creation, review, and monitoring for handover readiness.
• Compile and review lifetime quality records for handover.
• Develop and manage internal and supplier audit schedules.
• Produce dashboards and KPIs for monthly reviews.
• Foster relationships with internal teams, clients, suppliers, and regulators.

Skills

Quality management

Leadership

Audits

Regulatory compliance

Stakeholder management

Continuous improvement

Tools

ITPs

Quality Plans

Audit schedules

Job description

# Quality Management LeadLocationReading, Berkshire, South East, EnglandSalary£65 per hourContract TypeContractWork TypeFull TimePosted on7 Oct 2026Experienced and motivated Quality professionals will find this opportunity an exciting challenge, leading quality management on a key defence project based in **Aldermaston**. Working on a 12‐month contract, you’ll oversee project quality across all stages — from design and procurement through to manufacture, construction, testing, and handover. This role is ideal for someone with strong leadership experience in a regulated engineering or construction environment. **Salary** £65.00 per hour (PAYE or Umbrella option as agreed) **Location and Working Pattern** Aldermaston / Reading. On‐site role within a secure facility. **Client Overview** Our client is a respected leader in the delivery of complex engineering projects for the UK defence and nuclear sectors. Their teams work collaboratively to maintain the highest standards of safety, quality, and compliance across all operations. **Responsibilities** * Lead and manage a team of Quality professionals to deliver quality objectives across the project lifecycle.* Develop and maintain project quality plans in line with client and contractual requirements.* Manage and investigate non‐conformities and quality issues, driving corrective and preventive actions.* Oversee project quality planning including the creation, review, and monitoring of Inspection and Test Plans (ITPs).* Ensure effective compilation and review of lifetime quality records to support project handover.* Develop and manage the audit schedule, supporting client and third‐party audits.* Produce reports, dashboards, and KPIs for monthly reviews.* Drive improvements through feedback processes and continuous improvement programmes.* Build strong relationships with internal teams, clients, suppliers, and regulators.**Must‐have Requirements** * Minimum of 10 years’ experience in Quality Assurance or Quality Control management.* Strong construction background with proven leadership experience.* Experience within a highly regulated industry such as civil nuclear or defence.* Valid SC Clearance or the ability to obtain it.* ISO 9001 Lead Auditor qualification.* Demonstrated experience conducting internal, supplier, and third‐party audits.* Proven ability to develop and implement Quality Procedures, Work Instructions, ITPs, and Quality Plans.* Strong grasp of continuous improvement methodologies and tools.* Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.* Ability to prioritise effectively and make objective decisions under programme constraints.**Nice‐to‐have Skills** * Experience with Amentum’s ValueUp initiative or similar quality improvement frameworks.* Previous involvement in large‐scale defence or nuclear construction projects.