Senior Quality Engineer

Description:

Senior Quality Engineer

Harrow | £55,000–£62,000 | Bonus, Pension, Medical Cash Plan and Life Insurance

Take ownership of quality investigations, strengthen manufacturing systems and turn corrective actions into lasting improvements.

5S Recruitment is supporting a specialist manufacturer in the automotive chemicals sector with the appointment of a Senior Quality Engineer. The business supplies technically regulated products to UK and international customers and is investing further in its quality function.

This opportunity combines systems responsibility with practical involvement in manufacturing. You will work closely with production colleagues, customers and suppliers, with the scope to influence both day-to-day standards and wider quality performance.

The Opportunity

Working within the Technical function, you will help maintain and improve the Quality Management System and Business Operating System, supporting continued certification to ISO 9001 and IATF 16949.

You will investigate non-conformances, challenge recurring problems and ensure corrective actions are effective. Your work will bring you into regular contact with Production, Supply Chain, Procurement, Laboratory and Warehouse teams, as well as external partners.

The role carries authority to stop a process pending review where it is producing, or is likely to produce, non-conforming product. You will therefore need sound judgement, technical credibility and the confidence to communicate decisions clearly.

Key Responsibilities

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Maintain and improve the Quality Management System and Business Operating System.

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Support ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 compliance, certification and customer-specific requirements.

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Carry out internal system, process and product audits, following findings through to effective closure.

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Lead investigations into customer complaints and internal non-conformances.

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Apply structured problem-solving methods to identify root causes and implement corrective and preventive actions.

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Manage 8D reports, corrective action reports and supplier concern reports through to closure.

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Maintain Process FMEAs, manufacturing risk assessments and associated quality documentation.

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Analyse quality data, identify trends and provide clear performance reports to management.

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Work with suppliers to improve quality performance, including second-party audits where required.

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Support production inspections and the consistent application of control plans, procedures and manufacturing standards.

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Respond to customer quality enquiries, complaints and assurance requests.

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Deliver improvement projects and provide appropriate cover for the Quality Manager during periods of absence.

Your Experience

You will have established experience in manufacturing quality engineering or quality assurance, with the ability to move confidently between systems, investigations and practical production support.

We are looking for:

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Strong working knowledge of ISO 9001 and IATF 16949.

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Experience maintaining and improving certified Quality Management Systems.

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Practical involvement in internal, process, product or supplier auditing.

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Confidence managing customer complaints, supplier concerns and corrective actions.

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Working knowledge of 8D, FMEA, 5 Whys, SPC, mistake-proofing and cause-and-effect analysis.

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The ability to interpret quality data and translate findings into achievable improvements.

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Experience working directly with production teams and influencing standards on the shop floor.

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Clear written and verbal communication, supported by a structured approach and close attention to detail.

Chemical manufacturing experience would be advantageous, although it is not essential. A strong background in regulated manufacturing and the ability to understand technical products and processes are particularly relevant.

Qualifications

An Engineering, Quality or related degree—or equivalent qualification—would be advantageous. Internal Auditor or Lead Auditor training covering ISO 9001 or IATF 16949 is preferred, alongside formal training in relevant quality tools.

What You Can Influence

Your contribution will be measured through:

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Fewer internal non-conformances and customer complaints.

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Improved first-time-pass yield and manufacturing quality.

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Stronger audit results and timely, effective corrective-action closure.

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Better supplier performance and clearer accountability.

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Continued certification and increased customer confidence.

The Person

You will be curious enough to investigate beyond the obvious, confident enough to challenge an ineffective process and approachable enough to bring colleagues with you.

This position suits someone who takes ownership, listens carefully and follows problems through to a verified resolution. You should be comfortable sharing knowledge, supporting production teams and holding yourself accountable for the quality of your work.

Salary and Benefits

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£55,000–£62,000, depending on experience.

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Bonus scheme.

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Company pension.

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Medical cash plan.

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Life insurance.

Apply

To discuss this Senior Quality Engineer opportunity in confidence, apply with your latest CV or contact Jamie Hancher at 5S Recruitment.

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