Quality Manager

Description:

Quality Manager

???? Southwark, London ???? Full-Time, Permanent

About the Opportunity

Our client is a rapidly growing precision manufacturing business operating within a highly regulated environment. They are seeking an experienced Site Quality Manager to lead quality activities at their Southwark manufacturing facility.
This is a hands-on leadership position for an individual who is equally comfortable resolving quality issues on the factory floor as they are developing systems, processes, and people to drive long-term operational excellence.
The successful candidate will play a critical role in ensuring products consistently meet customer, regulatory, contractual, and internal quality requirements while supporting efficient manufacturing operations and business growth.

The Role

As Site Quality Manager, you will be responsible for leading all site quality activities, maintaining and developing the Quality Management System (QMS), managing product quality and compliance, overseeing corrective actions, and driving continuous improvement across the manufacturing operation.
You will act as the senior quality authority on site, ensuring quality standards are upheld and that product quality decisions remain independent from production pressures.

Key Responsibilities

Quality Management Systems

Implement, maintain and continuously improve the site's Quality Management System.
Ensure compliance with quality procedures, customer requirements and industry standards.
Support internal, customer and certification audits, ensuring timely closure of actions.
Identify quality system gaps and implement effective corrective measures.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives across the quality function.

Product Quality & Compliance

Oversee receiving, in-process, final and First Article Inspection activities.
Ensure products are released only when conformity can be demonstrated through objective evidence.
Manage inspection plans, acceptance criteria and product traceability requirements.
Ensure customer-specific quality requirements are effectively implemented.
Maintain quality independence when making product acceptance decisions.

Non-Conformance & Corrective Action

Lead the management of non-conforming products and Material Review Board activities.
Conduct and facilitate root cause investigations using structured problem-solving methodologies.
Drive effective corrective and preventive actions to eliminate recurring issues.
Analyse trends and quality data to identify systemic improvement opportunities.
Coordinate customer concessions, deviations and quality-related escalations where required.

Leadership & Team Development

Lead, mentor and develop the site Quality team.
Establish clear expectations, responsibilities and development plans.
Ensure team competency through training and ongoing coaching.
Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.

Operational & Supplier Quality Support

Work closely with Production, Engineering, Planning and Supply Chain teams to resolve quality issues efficiently.
Support supplier quality improvement activities and external processing compliance.
Identify quality risks that may impact customer delivery or operational performance.
Support manufacturing readiness and process capability improvement initiatives.

What We're Looking For

Essential Experience

Degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, or a related discipline, or equivalent industry experience.
Minimum 3 years' experience in a Quality Management, Quality Engineering, or Manufacturing Quality role.
Experience within precision manufacturing or highly controlled production environments.
Strong understanding of engineering drawings, GD&T and dimensional inspection.
Experience managing non-conforming products, corrective actions and root cause investigations.
Working knowledge of AS9100 and ISO9001 quality management systems.
Experience leading or developing quality professionals.
Strong analytical, organisational and communication skills.
Ability to make objective quality decisions in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Desirable Experience

Aerospace, Defence, Medical Device, Automotive or other highly regulated manufacturing sectors.
CNC machining and build-to-print manufacturing environments.
First Article Inspection (AS9102) experience.
CMM inspection and advanced metrology systems.
Quality auditing experience.
Supplier quality management experience.
Six Sigma, ASQ or Lead Auditor qualifications.
Experience implementing or developing quality systems within a growing organisation.

Key Competencies

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

Strong quality leadership and team development skills.
Excellent technical judgement and decision-making ability.
A practical, operational mindset.
Integrity and independence when making quality decisions.
Advanced problem-solving and root-cause investigation skills.
Strong communication and stakeholder management abilities.
Adaptability within a growing and evolving manufacturing environment.
A proactive approach with a strong sense of ownership and accountability.

Why Apply?

This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing manufacturing organisation where you will have genuine influence over quality strategy, systems development and operational performance.
You'll play a key role in shaping site quality standards, developing a high-performing team, and driving continuous improvement within a business committed to manufacturing excellence.
For a confidential discussion or to apply, please get in touch