Lead QA Engineer

slihrms; Saudi Arabia; On-site; SAR 260,000 - 520,000; Full time

Job summary

The Lead QA Engineer at slihrms will oversee quality assurance activities across construction and site supervision for major developments. You will establish project-wide quality management systems and drive continuous improvement with stakeholders.

Responsibilities include leading audits, reviewing contractor QA plans, managing inspection and testing, and ensuring compliance with codes and contractual requirements. Minimum 15 years in QA on large projects with GCC experience preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil/Construction Engineering.
• 15+ years QA/quality management in large construction projects.
• 8+ years site supervision consultancy experience.
• ISO 9001 Lead Auditor certification desirable.

Responsibilities

• Develop and enforce project quality objectives and QA strategies.
• Lead internal/external audits and manage non-conformance actions.
• Oversee inspection, testing, hold points, and QA documentation.
• Coordinate with Client, engineers, and contractors on quality issues.

Skills

Quality Leadership

Audits

Construction QA

Stakeholder Coordination

Documentation & Reporting

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering

Master's Degree in Engineering or Quality Management

Tools

Quality Management Systems

Job description

Job Description

Overview

The Lead QA Engineer will oversee and manage all quality assurance activities associated with the construction and site supervision phases of major building developments. The role is responsible for establishing and maintaining project-wide quality management systems, ensuring compliance with contractual and technical requirements, leading quality audits and inspections, and driving continuous quality improvement across all project stakeholders.

Your role

Quality Management Leadership

• Develop, implement, and monitor project quality objectives, procedures, and quality assurance strategies.
• Review and approve contractor quality plans, inspection and test plans, method statements, and quality procedures.
• Ensure effective implementation of quality management processes throughout all construction activities.
• Establish quality performance metrics and monitor compliance against defined project targets.
• Promote a culture of quality excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement among project teams.

Quality Audits and Compliance

• Lead internal and external quality audits to verify compliance with project requirements and quality standards.
• Monitor contractor compliance with quality management systems, contractual obligations, and regulatory requirements.
• Ensure construction works are executed in accordance with approved specifications, codes, and industry best practices.
• Identify quality deficiencies and recommend corrective measures to ensure project compliance.
• Oversee closure of audit findings and ensure timely implementation of corrective and preventive actions.

Inspection and Testing Oversight

• Oversee inspection and testing activities for all construction disciplines to ensure compliance with approved procedures.
• Review material approvals, testing reports, inspection records, and commissioning documentation.
• Ensure proper implementation of hold points, witness points, and quality control checkpoints.
• Verify that testing laboratories, inspection agencies, and contractor quality teams meet project quality requirements.
• Monitor quality trends and recommend actions to improve construction quality and reduce defects.

Non-Conformance and Corrective Action Management

• Lead the review and disposition of non-conformance reports, quality observations, and defect reports.
• Ensure root cause analyses are conducted and appropriate corrective actions are implemented.
• Monitor recurring quality issues and drive effective preventive measures across project activities.
• Verify closure of quality-related issues and assess effectiveness of implemented solutions.
• Maintain oversight of punch lists, snagging activities, and final quality closeout processes.

Stakeholder Coordination

• Coordinate with Client representatives, Resident Engineer, discipline engineers, contractors, and consultants on quality matters.
• Participate in management meetings and provide strategic advice regarding project quality performance.
• Support regulatory inspections, third-party audits, and Client quality reviews.
• Facilitate quality awareness programs and technical workshops for project teams.
• Establish effective communication channels to ensure timely resolution of quality concerns.

Reporting and Documentation

• Prepare comprehensive weekly, monthly, and executive quality reports for project management and Client review.
• Monitor and report quality key performance indicators, audit findings, and compliance trends.
• Maintain control of quality records, audit reports, approvals, inspection documentation, and testing data.
• Ensure quality databases and document management systems are accurate and up to date.
• Provide management with recommendations for quality improvements and risk mitigation measures.

About you

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Engineering, Architectural Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Master's Degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or Quality Management is preferred.
• Lead Auditor certification in ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems is highly desirable.
• Professional certification from recognized quality or engineering organizations is preferred.
• Membership in a recognized engineering institution or professional body is advantageous.

Experience Requirements

• Minimum 15 years of professional experience in quality assurance and quality management within large construction projects.
• Minimum 8 years of experience in site supervision consultancy or engineering consultancy environments.
• Proven experience managing quality programs for large-scale building developments, convention centers, hotels, resorts, and mixed-use projects.
• Demonstrated experience leading multidisciplinary quality teams and overseeing complex construction activities.
• Previous experience in GCC countries, with Saudi Arabian project experience being highly preferred.

Technical Competencies

Extensive knowledge of ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems and construction quality assurance practice