Quality Manager

Dorchester Search & Selection; Hanley; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Dorchester Search & Selection is seeking a Quality Manager to lead the QMS implementation and continuous improvement for a high-performance manufacturing operation based in Stoke-on-Trent. You will drive audits, risk-based processes and supplier quality initiatives to ensure regulatory and customer standards are met.

The role requires a degree in a related technical field, a quality management qualification, and substantial experience with AS/EN9100 and ISO 9001 in aerospace or similarly

Qualifications

• A degree or equivalent technical qualification in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Manufacturing Engineering or a related discipline.
• A recognised qualification in quality management or Quality Management Systems.
• Qualified AS/EN 9100 and ISO 9001 internal and external auditor.
• Experience within polyimides, polymers, composites, chemicals or precision component manufacturing.
• At least five years’ quality experience within an aerospace, precision engineering or similarly regulated manufacturing environment.
• Previous experience operating at Quality Manager, Senior Quality Engineer or equivalent level.
• Strong practical knowledge of AS/EN9100 and ISO 9001.
• Experience in supplier approval, monitoring, auditing and development.
• Understanding of aerospace product safety, operational risk, configuration management and traceability requirements.
• Strong analytical, report-writing and problem-solving skills.
• High competence in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
• Able to work on site at the company’s Stoke-on-Trent facility.

Responsibilities

• Lead the implementation, maintenance and continual improvement of the company’s Quality Management System in accordance with AS/EN 9100 and ISO 9001.
• Interpret the requirements of quality standards and ensure they are effectively incorporated into company policies, procedures and operational controls.
• Develop and maintain the quality manual, procedures, work instructions, forms and supporting records.
• Develop and maintain a risk-based internal audit programme covering the Quality Management System, manufacturing processes and products.
• Conduct and document QMS, process and product audits.
• Identify gaps between current practices and quality standard requirements and lead the resulting improvement programme.
• Conduct supplier and subcontractor quality audits where required.
• Work with purchasing and suppliers to address recurring quality issues and improve performance.
• Co-ordinate preparation for AS/EN 9100 and ISO 9001 certification, surveillance and recertification audits.
• Organise and support management reviews, ensuring inputs, outputs and resulting actions meet the requirements of the standard.
• Establish quality objectives and KPIs aligned with business and customer requirements.
• Monitor QMS performance and report significant risks, trends and improvement opportunities to senior management.
• Promote awareness of customer requirements, product quality and individual accountability throughout the business.

Skills

Quality management

Auditing

Risk assessment

Analytical skills

Report writing

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

PowerPoint

Supplier management

Education

Degree in Mechanical Engineering / Materials Science / Manufacturing Engineering or related

Quality Management Systems qualification

AS/EN 9100 auditor qualification

ISO 9001 auditor qualification

Tools

Excel

Word

PowerPoint

Job description

The company Develops and manufactures high-performance materials and components for demanding engineering applications. Based in Stoke-on-Trent, we supply technically advanced material solutions to customers operating in aerospace and other highly regulated international markets.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the implementation, maintenance and continual improvement of the company’s Quality Management System in accordance with AS/EN 9100 and ISO 9001.
• Interpret the requirements of quality standards and ensure they are effectively incorporated into company policies, procedures and operational controls.
• Develop and maintain the quality manual, procedures, work instructions, forms and supporting records.
• Develop and maintain a risk-based internal audit programme covering the Quality Management System, manufacturing processes and products.
• Conduct and document QMS, process and product audits.
• Identify gaps between current practices and quality standard requirements and lead the resulting improvement programme.
• Conduct supplier and subcontractor quality audits where required.
• Work with purchasing and suppliers to address recurring quality issues and improve performance.
• Co-ordinate preparation for AS/EN 9100 and ISO 9001 certification, surveillance and recertification audits.
• Organise and support management reviews, ensuring inputs, outputs and resulting actions meet the requirements of the standard.
• Establish quality objectives and key performance indicators aligned with business and customer requirements.
• Monitor QMS performance and report significant risks, trends and improvement opportunities to senior management.
• Promote awareness of customer requirements, product quality and individual accountability throughout the business.

Qualifications and Experience

• A degree or equivalent technical qualification in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Manufacturing Engineering or a related discipline.
• A recognised qualification in quality management or Quality Management Systems.
• Qualified AS/EN 9100 and ISO 9001 internal and external auditor.
• Experience within polyimides, polymers, composites, chemicals or precision component manufacturing.
• At least five years’ quality experience within an aerospace, precision engineering or similarly regulated manufacturing environment.
• Previous experience operating at Quality Manager, Senior Quality Engineer or equivalent level.
• Strong practical knowledge of AS/EN9100 and ISO 9001.
• Experience in supplier approval, monitoring, auditing and development.
• Understanding of aerospace product safety, operational risk, configuration management and traceability requirements.
• Strong analytical, report‑writing and problem‑solving skills.
• High competence in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
• Able to work on site at the company’s Stoke-on-Trent facility.