Quality Process Manager

DK Recruitment Ltd; Plymouth; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking a Quality Manager in Plymouth responsible for overseeing quality systems, managing supplier quality, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in quality management or engineering, with extensive experience in the field and relevant certifications. This position offers the chance to impact product quality and regulatory compliance in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in quality management or related field.
• Strong knowledge of quality management systems (e.g., AS9100, ISO9001).
• Experience leading quality improvement initiatives in manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Oversee in-house quality assurance processes for aerospace standards.
• Lead supplier quality improvement initiatives with suppliers.
• Foster a culture of quality within the organization.
• Identify opportunities for process optimization and continuous improvement.

Skills

Quality control techniques

Analytical thinking

Problem-solving skills

Experience in manufacturing

Expertise in non-conformance management

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in quality management or engineering

Master’s degree

Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification

Lead Auditor certification for ISO 9001 or AS9100

Tools

Statistical Process Control (SPC)

Minitab

SAP

Job description

In this key role, you will be responsible for overseeing and improving our in-house quality systems, fostering a strong culture of quality across the organisation, and driving supplier quality improvement initiatives.

All potential applicants are encouraged to scroll through and read the complete job description before applying.

You will work closely with cross‑functional teams to ensure compliance with aerospace standards, identify areas for operational enhancement, and lead efforts to resolve complex quality issues. Your expertise will be crucial in implementing best practices that elevate product quality, ensure regulatory compliance, and drive continuous improvement across both internal and external processes.

Key Responsibilities

In‑House Quality Oversight

• Lead and manage the in‑house quality assurance processes to ensure compliance with aerospace industry standards (e.g., AS9100, ISO 9001).
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective / preventive actions (CAPA) efforts to address recurring quality issues.
• Develop and maintain quality control plans, procedures, and policies to ensure consistent product quality.
• Conduct regular audits of manufacturing processes, products, and equipment to identify areas of improvement.
• Oversee the management of non‑conformance reports (NCRs) and corrective actions.
• Help to embed quality culture as the guiding ethos across the whole organisation.

Supplier Quality Management

• Lead supplier quality improvement initiatives, collaborating with suppliers to ensure that parts and materials meet quality and regulatory standards.
• Conduct supplier audits and assessments to ensure they comply with contractual quality requirements.
• Work closely with the procurement and engineering teams to resolve supplier quality issues and improve supplier performance.
• Develop and implement supplier performance metrics and monitor ongoing performance.

Quality Culture Development

• Foster a culture of quality within the organization by promoting best practices and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Mentor and train team members on quality principles, tools, and techniques (e.g., FMEA, 8D, root cause analysis, SPC).
• Promote awareness of quality standards and regulations to all departments and stakeholders.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities for process optimisation, cost reduction and waste elimination while maintaining product quality standards.
• Lead and participate in continuous improvement projects such as Six Sigma, Lean, and Kaizen initiatives.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams (Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain) to implement process improvements.

Risk Management

• Assess and manage risks related to product quality, supplier performance and compliance with regulations.
• Proactively identify potential quality risks and implement mitigation strategies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in quality management or engineering (Aerospace, Mechanical, Industrial, or related field); Master’s preferred.
• Extensive experience in quality management or a related field.
• Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification is preferred.
• Lead Auditor certification for ISO 9001 or AS9100 is a plus.
• Strong knowledge of quality management systems (e.g., AS9100, ISO9001) and other Aerospace standards.
• Experience leading quality improvement initiatives and process optimisation in a manufacturing or production environment.

Skills

• In‑depth knowledge of quality control techniques, such as Statistical Process Control (SPC), FMEA, Root Cause Analysis (RCA), Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA).
• Strong analytical thinking and problem‑solving skills, particularly in identifying quality issues, conducting investigations, and implementing corrective actions.
• Experience working in a manufacturing environment desirable.
• Experience working in cleanroom environments desirable.
• Expertise in non‑conformance management and audit processes.
• Proficient with quality management software and tools (e.g., Minitab, SAP, or equivalent).
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for working with cross‑functional teams, suppliers, and senior management.