Quality Management Lead

NRL Recruitment; Tadley; On-site; GBP 165,312,000 - 206,640,000; Full time

Job summary

NRL Recruitment is seeking an experienced Quality leader for a 12‑month contract based near Aldermaston. You will lead quality management across the full project lifecycle, from design and procurement through to manufacture, testing and handover, in a highly regulated defence environment.

The role requires strong leadership, extensive QA/QC knowledge, and the ability to obtain SC clearance. Prior experience delivering complex engineering projects is essential.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years' experience in Quality Assurance/Quality Control management.
• Strong construction background with proven leadership.
• 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.

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.

Skills

Quality leadership

Quality assurance

Audits

Regulated environment

Stakeholder management

Education

ISO 9001 Lead Auditor

Job description

Experienced 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.

We welcome applications from every walk of life and are committed to diversity within the industries we support, as a certified Inclusive Recruiter and Armed Forces friendly employer.