Quality Manager

Ultra; Maidenhead; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace and defence company is seeking an experienced Quality Manager to lead the operational performance of their Quality team. In this role, you will ensure that products and services meet the highest quality standards while overseeing audits and certifications for AS9100 and ISO9001 compliance. Candidates should have strong experience in quality management within the Aerospace/Defence sector, excellent leadership skills, and the capability to mentor a high-performing team. This position offers competitive benefits including health coverage and flexible working hours.

Benefits

Annual Bonus Scheme

Private Medical Cover

25 days’ holiday plus Bank Holidays

Pension Contribution

Flexible working hours

Security Clearance Allowance

Qualifications

• Demonstrable Quality management experience in Aerospace/Defence.
• Experience supporting compliance to AS9100 and ISO9001.
• Skilled in implementing Quality Management Systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead Quality team operational performance.
• Serve as technical lead for Quality activities.
• Develop Quality policies to enhance business performance.
• Lead audits and ensure compliance.

Skills

Quality management experience

Leadership skills

Strong communication

Data analysis

Problem-solving

Tools

ERP systems (preferably IFS)

Job description

Description

Ultra I&C's Cyber business are seeking an experienced individual to join the team as Quality Manager.

In the role, you will lead and manage the operational performance of the Quality team in Cyber; equipping and enabling the business to achieve its objectives, whilst ensuring products, services and projects consistently meet the highest standards of quality and compliance.

Candidates must be able to obtain and maintain SC security clearance.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as technical lead for Quality activities across the Cyber business.
• Develop and implement best practice Quality policies and processes that enhance business performance using recognised process performance methodologies.
• Provide expert guidance and operational support to maintain ongoing certification to AS9100 and ISO9001 standards.
• Lead audits and inspections, ensuring timely identification and closure of findings.
• Oversee the execution of corrective actions and ensure resolution of non-compliance issues within agreed timelines.
• Regularly report Quality metrics and activities to the Senior Leadership Team, delivering accurate and timely updates on key performance indicators.
• Design and promote quality training programs and awareness initiatives across the organisation.
• Manage audits and assessments of production processes, products, and suppliers to verify adherence to quality standards and specifications.
• Advise Senior Leadership on quality concerns, process improvements, and performance optimisation opportunities.
• Champion the standardisation of processes across the Cyber business while ensuring compliance with UK legal and Customer specifications and standards.
• Lead the development and management of all Quality aspects within the Cyber supply chain.
• Oversee quality management for Software, Firmware, and Hardware products.
• Collaborate effectively with key stakeholders to support delivery and ensure alignment with Quality and Cyber business strategies.
• Manage and mentor direct reports (Quality Engineers), fostering a high-performing team committed to continuous improvement.

Required Skills & Experience

Essential

• Demonstrable Quality management experience within the Aerospace / Defence industry.
• Demonstrable experience of ERP systems (preferably IFS).
• Demonstrable experience of supporting organisations to achieve compliance to the AS 9100 series of Standards and ISO9001 standards.
• Skilled in implementing and maintaining Quality Management Systems (QMS) – the BMS.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and develop a small quality team.
• Excellent communicator and collaborator, capable of influencing stakeholders and promoting quality initiatives.
• Proficient in data analysis, root cause identification, and problem-solving to resolve quality issues.
• Track record of identifying improvement opportunities and implementing changes to enhance quality, reduce costs, and improve productivity.
• Champion of continuous improvement, applying methodologies to drive operational excellence and process enhancements.

Desirable

• Experience of APQP and PPAP methodologies.
• Understanding of the engineering lifecycle to align quality practices with development stages, ensuring effective integration of quality checkpoints.
• Membership or progress towards membership of the Chartered Quality Institute (CQI).
• AS9100 Lead Auditor certification, specific to aerospace and defence quality standards.

Notice

Due to the nature of the programs we deliver for our customers, candidates may need to obtain the relevant security clearance or handle export-controlled material as defined by the role's requirements. Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain the appropriate level of security clearance for the role. Due to the nature of our work, you must be a British Citizen who has been resident in the UK for the past 5 years in order to apply for SC clearance and 10 years for DV. For more information, please visit the UKSV website.

Our Benefits

• Participation in an Annual Bonus Scheme
• Private Medical Cover
• 25 days’ holiday (plus Bank Holidays) with the option to buy an extra 5 days
• Pension Contribution
• 4 x Life Assurance Cover
• Flexible working hours with opportunity for a 1pm finish on a Friday
• Flexible benefits including cycle to work scheme, will writing and more
• Security Clearance Allowance – where relevant and subject to you holding the required security clearance
• Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Statement