Quality Manager

Wates; Hindley; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Wates Construction is seeking a Quality Manager/Quality Lead to embed a Right First Time culture across site activities on a custodial environment project. You will lead audits, develop Project Quality Plans and coordinate with the supply chain to ensure compliance with project specifications and regulatory requirements.

The role requires MOJ/HMP security clearance, robust knowledge of quality management systems, and experience in complex regulated environments.

Qualifications

• Experience leading quality initiatives on construction projects.
• Ability to embed Right First Time culture across site activities.
• Knowledge of regulatory and quality standards applicable to custodial environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead and embed a Right First Time culture across all site activities, ensuring delivery meets quality standards.
• Develop, implement and maintain Project Quality Plans and Dalux Project Standard.
• Facilitate Advanced Trade Quality Planning between project team and supply chain with regular updates.
• Carry out audits and assurance activities to ensure compliance with project specs, regulatory requirements and company processes.
• Support handover processes, ensuring quality standards are evidenced.

Skills

Quality management

Audits

Risk management

Stakeholder collaboration

Compliance

Education

Construction-related degree

Quality management / ISO standards

Tools

Dalux Project Standard

Quality management systems

Job description

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and embed a Right First Time culture across all site activities, ensuring delivery meets required quality standards
• Develop, implement and maintain Project Quality Plans and Dalux Project Standard
• Facilitate Advanced Trade Quality Planning process between project team members and supply chain ensuring regular management updates are created and communicated
• Carry out audits, inspections and assurance activities to ensure compliance with:
• Project specifications
• Regulatory and statutory requirements
• Company quality processes

Work closely with site teams and supply chain partners to identify risks and prevent defects early in the build process Review and manage non-conformances, implementing corrective actions and driving continuous improvement Promote best practice and lessons learned across the project and wider business Support handover processes, ensuring quality standards are achieved and evidenced

Security & Compliance Requirements

Due to the nature of working within a live custodial environment, the successful candidate will:

• Be required to obtain and maintain MOJ / HMP security clearance prior to starting on site
• Be comfortable working in a highly controlled, secure environment
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of compliance, governance and audit standards Proven experience as a Quality Manager / Quality Lead within construction projects
• Strong knowledge of quality management systems, inspections, and assurance processes
• Experience working on complex, secure or highly regulated environments (e.g. healthcare, defence, custodial) is highly desirable
• Ability to influence and build relationships across site teams and supply chain
• A proactive approach to identifying risks and driving continuous improvement
• Relevant qualifications (e.g. construction-related degree, quality management, ISO standards)

Why join Wates?

Wates Construction is a leading UK contractor with a strong track record of delivering complex public sector projects. We are committed to:

• Delivering quality, safe and sustainable projects
• Creating environments that support rehabilitation and community impact
• Building long-term partnerships with clients such as the Ministry of Justice

You’ll be joining a collaborative, forward-thinking team where your expertise will make a real difference on a nationally significant programme