We have an excellent opportunity for an experienced Quality Manager to join our team, reporting directly to the General Manager. This is a key leadership role responsible for ensuring the integrity and continual improvement of the company’s Quality Management System (QMS), maintaining compliance with AS9100 Rev D, ISO 9001 and applicable EASA requirements, whilst supporting operational excellence across the business.
The successful candidate will lead the Quality and Inspection function, acting as the company’s Management Representative for all quality matters. They will oversee quality assurance throughout the manufacturing process, ensuring products consistently meet customer, regulatory and industry requirements, while fostering a culture of continuous improvement and compliance.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage, maintain and continually improve the Quality Management System (QMS) in accordance with AS9100 Rev D, ISO 9001 and applicable aerospace regulatory requirements.
- Ensure effective quality control throughout the manufacturing process, maintaining compliance with business standards, customer specifications and regulatory requirements.
- Act as the company’s Management Representative for all quality-related activities, including liaison with customers, suppliers, certification bodies and regulatory authorities.
- Lead, manage and develop the Inspection team, driving high performance, accountability and continuous improvement.
- Plan, prioritise and manage the daily workload of the Quality and Inspection team, ensuring effective communication, discipline and resource allocation.
- Identify individual and team training needs, providing coaching and development to enhance capability and succession planning.
- Oversee all inspection, testing, qualification and approval activities throughout the manufacturing process.
- Conduct inspection and verification of components and assemblies at all stages of manufacture to ensure conformity with engineering drawings, specifications and customer requirements.
- Maintain and control the company’s calibration system, ensuring all inspection, measuring and test equipment remains calibrated, compliant and available to support production.
- Create, review and approve First Article Inspection Reports (FAIRs) and Last Article Inspection Reports (LAIRs) in accordance with AS9102 and customer-specific requirements.
- Administer and provide training for VisualFAIR software, ensuring compliance with customer and Design Authority approval requirements.
- Act as an Approved Signatory for product release and other inspection-related quality processes within the Quality Management System.
- Plan, conduct and support internal, supplier and external audits against AS9100, ISO 9001 and customer requirements, ensuring timely closure of corrective actions.
- Lead root cause investigations, non-conformance management and corrective/preventive actions (CAPA) to drive continuous improvement.
- Monitor quality performance through KPIs and quality metrics, identifying trends and implementing improvement initiatives.
- Identify resource, investment, equipment and approval requirements to support business growth and operational efficiency.
- Participate in Management Review meetings, production meetings and cross-functional reviews, providing quality performance updates and strategic input.
- Support wider business objectives by promoting a proactive quality culture and collaborating effectively across all departments.
Skills & Experience
The successful candidate will demonstrate:
- Proven experience in a Quality Management role within the UK aerospace manufacturing sector.
- Comprehensive knowledge of AS9100 Rev D, ISO 9001 and relevant EASA quality requirements.
- Qualified Internal Auditor with experience conducting internal and external quality audits.
- Strong experience of AS9102 First Article Inspection (FAIR) and LAIR preparation and approval.
- Excellent understanding of aerospace manufacturing processes, inspection techniques and quality assurance principles.
- Ability to interpret complex engineering drawings, technical specifications and customer documentation.
- Experience managing calibration systems and inspection equipment.
- Knowledge and experience of VisualFAIR software or similar electronic FAIR systems.
- Strong leadership and people management skills, with experience leading and developing inspection or quality teams.
- Excellent problem-solving, root cause analysis and continuous improvement skills.
- Strong organisational and time management abilities, with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
- Excellent communication skills with the confidence to engage with customers, suppliers and colleagues at all levels.
- High levels of accuracy, attention to detail and numeracy.
- A collaborative approach, actively sharing knowledge and supporting the ongoing development of colleagues.
- Commitment to supporting company values, policies and strategic objectives.
Benefits
- 16 days annual leave plus 8 Bank Holidays
- 37-hour working week
- Monday to Thursday: 06:45 – 16:30
- 15-minute paid break and 30-minute unpaid lunch break
- Company Pension Scheme
- Health Cash Plan
- Life Assurance
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
- Employee Shopping Discounts