Role Overview
The Quality Engineer will be responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining quality systems across the organisation. The role will lead quality audits, corrective-action activities, quality performance analysis, and continuous improvement initiatives across manufacturing and supply operations.
Reporting directly to the Plant Manager, this is a key position with significant interaction across the business, including R&D, Procurement, Production, Warehouse, Sales, Customer Service, suppliers, customers, and Senior Management.
Candidate Profile
The successful candidate will ideally have a minimum of three years’ hands-on experience within a low-volume, high-mix manufacturing environment, supported by strong mechanical and electrical aptitude.
Experience and knowledge in the following areas would be highly desirable:
- Sheet metal fabrication processes, including:
- Turret Punch
- Press Brake
- Welding
- Ability to interpret basic electrical circuit drawings and specifications.
- Knowledge of cables, crimping, switches, and lighting components.
- Strong problem-solving and root-cause analysis skills.
- Experience working with quality systems, audits, non-conformances, and corrective actions.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively across multiple departments.
IT & Systems Skills
Advanced Excel skills are essential, including:
- Pivot Tables
- VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP and other lookup functions
- Complex formulas
- Data analysis
- Data presentation and reporting
Experience with SAP and AutoCAD Inventor would be an advantage.
Key Responsibilities
Quality Engineering & Compliance
- Lead ISO certification audits and other relevant regulatory or customer audits.
- Coordinate audit preparation, evidence gathering, responses, and follow-up actions.
- Identify root causes of non-conformances and implement effective corrective actions.
- Create, manage, and close out Corrective Action Reports (CARs).
- Ensure corrective actions are completed within agreed timescales and are effective in preventing recurrence.
- Review and update quality procedures, policies, and documentation.
- Ensure quality systems remain effective, compliant, and aligned with business requirements.
Quality Data & Performance
- Collect, analyse, and report quality data and trends.
- Maintain and monitor Quality KPIs.
- Prepare regular quality reports and management information.
- Present quality performance and key trends to Senior Management.
- Identify opportunities for improvement through analysis of quality data.
Customer Quality
- Work closely with Customer Service to identify trends and recurring issues from customer calls and complaints.
- Investigate customer-related quality issues and coordinate appropriate corrective actions.
- Identify opportunities to improve product and service quality based on customer feedback.
Continuous Improvement
- Apply COPIS methodology when introducing new processes.
- Support and coordinate continuous improvement initiatives across manufacturing and supply operations.
- Work collaboratively with departments to identify process improvements, reduce quality issues, and improve overall operational performance.
Supplier Quality
- Manage supplier returns, quality issues, and associated credits.
- Liaise directly with suppliers regarding quality concerns and corrective actions.
- Monitor supplier performance and ensure quality issues are effectively resolved.
Communication & Coordination
- Host and facilitate regular Quality Meetings.
- Work closely with R&D, Procurement, Production, Warehouse, Sales, Customer Service, and Senior Management.
- Provide quality expertise and support across the organisation.
- Produce specific quality reports and analysis as required by management.
Key Competencies
The successful candidate will demonstrate:
- Strong analytical and problem-solving ability.
- Excellent attention to detail.
- Practical manufacturing knowledge.
- Strong understanding of quality systems and continuous improvement.
- Advanced Excel and data-analysis capability.
- Effective communication and stakeholder-management skills.
- Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively across departments.
- A proactive approach to identifying and resolving quality issues.
- Strong organisational and project-management skills.