Quality Manager (comprising Chief Inspector)

Forward Assist Recruitment; Nelson; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Ownership of quality processes

Hands-on role

Impact on quality

Career growth

Job summary

Forward Assist Recruitment Ltd is assisting an established precision engineering business in Nelson, Lancashire, to recruit an experienced Quality Manager / Chief Inspector. The role combines hands-on quality oversight with day-to-day manufacturing support, ensuring components meet customer specifications and industry standards including AS9100.

You will oversee inspection across the operation, manage QA documentation, calibration, audits, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Five years' experience in engineering/precision manufacturing.
• Strong knowledge of engineering drawings and tolerances.
• Hands-on approach to quality management and problem-solving.
• Experience with AS9100/ISO 9001 is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Take responsibility for quality assurance and inspection activities across the manufacturing operation.
• Oversee first-off, in-process and final inspection of precision‑engineered components.
• Programme and operate Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMMs) to ensure components meet technical specifications.
• Maintain and develop quality management systems in line with AS9100 and ISO 9001 requirements.
• Prepare and manage First Article Inspection Reports (FAIRs), PPAP documentation and non-conformance reports.
• Coordinate internal, external and customer audits, ensuring compliance with relevant standards.
• Manage calibration systems, material traceability and quality documentation.
• Work closely with production teams to investigate quality issues, identify root causes and implement corrective actions.
• Support the development and implementation of continuous improvement initiatives.
• Liaise with customers and suppliers regarding quality requirements, technical queries and non-conformances.
• Ensure inspection schedules align with production demands and customer delivery expectations.

Skills

Quality management

Inspection

CMM

AS9100

ISO 9001

Documentation

Root cause analysis

Continuous improvement

Communication

Excel

Tools

CMM programming

Job description

Quality Manager / Chief Inspector

Location: Nelson, Lancashire

Salary: £45,000–£65,000 per annum, dependent on experience

Job Type: Permanent, Full-Time

The Opportunity

We are recruiting for an experienced Quality Manager / Chief Inspector to join an established precision engineering business based in Nelson, Lancashire.

This is an excellent opportunity for a hands‑on Quality professional who enjoys being involved in day‑to‑day manufacturing operations whilst taking ownership of quality standards, processes and continuous improvement.

Working within a precision engineering environment, you will play a key role in ensuring manufactured components meet demanding customer specifications and industry standards, including AS9100.

We are particularly interested in candidates with experience in aerospace, defence or high‑precision manufacturing, although applicants from other relevant engineering backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Key Responsibilities

• Take responsibility for quality assurance and inspection activities across the manufacturing operation.
• Oversee first-off, in-process and final inspection of precision‑engineered components.
• Programme and operate Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMMs) to ensure components meet technical specifications.
• Maintain and develop quality management systems in line with AS9100 and ISO 9001 requirements.
• Prepare and manage First Article Inspection Reports (FAIRs), PPAP documentation and non-conformance reports.
• Coordinate internal, external and customer audits, ensuring compliance with relevant standards.
• Manage calibration systems, material traceability and quality documentation.
• Work closely with production teams to investigate quality issues, identify root causes and implement corrective actions.
• Support the development and implementation of continuous improvement initiatives.
• Liaise with customers and suppliers regarding quality requirements, technical queries and non-conformances.
• Ensure inspection schedules align with production demands and customer delivery expectations.

What We're Looking For

Essential:

• Minimum five years' experience within an engineering or precision manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of engineering drawings, tolerances and technical specifications.
• Experience of manual inspection techniques and precision measuring equipment.
• A practical, hands‑on approach to quality management and problem‑solving.
• Strong organisational skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Confidence communicating with production teams, management, customers and suppliers.
• Good IT skills, particularly Microsoft Excel.

Highly Desirable:

• Previous experience within aerospace, defence or a precision component manufacturing environment.
• Working knowledge of AS9100 and ISO 9001 quality management systems.
• Experience programming and operating CMM equipment.
• Experience preparing FAIRs and PPAP documentation.
• Knowledge of internal and external auditing procedures.
• Previous supervisory, team leadership or quality management experience.

What's on Offer?

• Competitive salary of £45,000–£65,000, dependent on experience and technical expertise.
• An opportunity to take ownership of quality processes within an established precision engineering environment.
• A varied, hands‑on position combining technical inspection, quality systems and continuous improvement.
• The opportunity to influence quality standards and contribute to ongoing business improvements.
• Long‑term career opportunity within a specialist engineering business.

Interested?

If you're an experienced Quality Manager, Chief Inspector or Senior Quality Engineer looking for an opportunity to make a genuine impact, we'd love to hear from you.