Quality Manager - Pipe Work

Red Chilli Recruitment; England; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A mechanical engineering firm in Southampton is seeking a Quality Manager to oversee quality assurance for pipework and pressure vessels. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience with ASME B31.3 and related compliance standards. Responsibilities include leading audits, maintaining technical documentation, and ensuring projects meet quality standards. The role offers a competitive salary of £50k-£65k, 25 days holiday, and opportunities for career progression in a growing organization.

Benefits

25 days holiday + bank holidays

Company pension & sick scheme

Phone provided

Career progression opportunities

Qualifications

• Strong background in pipework fabrication and pressure vessel manufacturing.
• Hands-on experience with ASME B31.3.
• Solid understanding of PED, CE/UKCA, CPR and related compliance requirements.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the single point of contact for all QA across the business.
• Ensure compliance with pipework and pressure vessel codes.
• Lead internal and supplier audits to ISO 9001 / ISO 45001.

Skills

Pipework fabrication expertise

Understanding of ASME B31.3

Knowledge of PED and CE/UKCA compliance

Experience with welding standards

Documentation and drawing review skills

Job description

Quality Manager - Pipework & Pressure Vessels (ASME B31.3 / PED / CPR)

Southampton | £50,000-£65,000 + benefits

Are you the go‑to person for pipework and pressure vessel compliance? Do you live and breathe ASME B31.3, ASME VIII, PED, CE/UKCA, and CPR… and actually enjoy being out on the workshop floor making sure standards are nailed every single time?

If you're nodding already — you're our person.

We're representing an established, hands‑on SME mechanical engineering firm working across large oil & gas, petrochemical, utilities etc. They deliver high‑integrity fabrication projects to seriously tight deadlines, and their reputation is built on quality, compliance, and doing things properly.

We're looking for a Quality Assurance Manager who genuinely understands what “good” looks like in a pipework and pressure vessel fabrication environment, and who isn't afraid to take ownership of the quality function end‑to‑end.

What You'll do

• Acting as the single point of contact for all QA across the business.
• Ensuring strict compliance to pipework and pressure vessel codes including ASME B31.3, ASME VIII, PD5500.
• Maintaining and developing technical files, ITPs, CE/UKCA/PED compliance and CPR documentation.
• Leading internal and supplier audits to ISO 9001 / ISO 45001.
• Providing technical input on welding standards (ASME IX / BS 15614), materials, design and fabrication.
• Supporting the workshop teams to ensure projects are delivered right‑first‑time.
• Investigating quality issues and driving root‑cause corrective actions.

What You MUST Bring

• Strong background in pipework fabrication and pressure vessel manufacturing
• Hands‑on experience with ASME B31.3
• Solid understanding of PED, CE/UKCA, CPR and related compliance requirements
• Experience from a workshop / fabrication SME is ideal
• Working knowledge of ASME VIII, PD5500, welding standards, ITPs and QA systems
• Confident producing documentation, reviewing drawings, and ensuring code compliance on the shop floor

What's In It For You?

• Salary £50k-£65k DOE
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays
• Company pension & sick scheme
• Phone provided
• Real career progression in a growing business
• A respected seat at the table — this role is critical to their operation
• A genuinely varied workload across multiple industries

Apply now and become a central part of a business that values engineering excellence, accountability, and people who get things done.