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Head of Quality
Peterborough
Position Overview:
We are currently seeking an experienced and results-driven Director of Quality to lead our clients comprehensive quality assurance and control strategy across the entire value chain—from suppliers to customers. This is an exciting opportunity to join a fantastic business that has innovation at its core and commitment to sustainability, this hands-on leadership role will be deeply involved in the day-to-day operations while shaping long-term strategies for success. This role is responsible for ensuring that our clients products meet the highest standards of performance, consistency, and compliance with integrating Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) standards, Continuous Improvement (CI) initiatives, and operational excellence throughout the manufacturing process.
Key Responsibilities:
Quality Strategy & Leadership:
- Develop and implement a comprehensive quality strategy aligned with business objectives and brand standards.
- Lead, mentor, and inspire the Quality team, driving cultural change initiatives around accountability, precision, and continuous improvement.
- Drive quality-focused initiatives to enhance product reliability, customer satisfaction, and operational excellence.
- Lead quality function restructuring, manage talent development, and ensure the team’s capability is aligned with business growth.
- Report on quality performance to executive leadership on a monthly basis.
Customer Quality Assurance
- Serve as the primary interface for key customers, ensuring their quality requirements and expectations are met or exceeded.
- Oversee complaint resolution, conduct root cause analysis, and implement corrective/preventive actions (CAPA).
- Monitor customer satisfaction trends and lead proactive quality improvement initiatives.
- Supplier Quality Management
- Develop and manage the supplier quality program, including audits, incoming inspections, and performance scorecards.
- Collaborate with Procurement and R&D to qualify new suppliers and materials, ensuring full conformance to specifications and standards.
- Set and achieve improvement targets for suppliers to ensure consistency, durability, and sustainability of materials and components.
Manufacturing Excellence
- Oversee in-process control plans and final quality inspections, ensuring compliance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and quality gate adherence.
- Implement and maintain quality systems such as ISO 9001, SPC, and QMS, ensuring robust quality management system oversight and continuous improvement.
- Lead the quality improvement process, providing hands-on support with practical problem-solving techniques and 8D methodologies for resolving complex production issues.
- Ensure plant-wide adherence to product standards, traceability, testing, and documentation practices.
Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) Responsibilities:
- Integrate HSE standards into every aspect of the quality function, ensuring safe and environmentally responsible operations.
- Work closely with HSE teams to ensure compliance with all health, safety, and environmental regulations.
- Drive HSE initiatives across production lines, making sure that safety is at the forefront of all quality operations.
Continuous Improvement (CI):
- Foster a culture of continuous improvement (CI) within the organization, applying Lean principles and Six Sigma tools to reduce waste and improve efficiency.
- Develop and oversee CI initiatives across both manufacturing and quality systems to drive sustainable operational excellence.
- Work cross-functionally to implement CI practices at all levels of the operation.
Regulatory & Compliance
- Establish a compliance framework to ensure alignment with industry standards, regulations, and customer-specific requirements.
- Lead internal and external audits, certifications, and compliance reviews to ensure ongoing adherence to legal, regulatory, and customer standards.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or Quality-related field (Master’s preferred).
- 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in quality roles within a manufacturing organization, with demonstrated success in quality turnarounds and process improvements.
- Strong background in supplier development, customer quality management, and lean manufacturing with the ability to build and sustain quality systems.
- Expertise in root cause analysis tools (e.g., 8D, Fishbone, FMEA, DMAIC).
- Hands-on leadership—actively involved in the day-to-day operations and working directly with cross-functional teams.
- Exceptional communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills to influence change and drive results.
Preferred Skills
- Knowledge of sustainability practices and ethical sourcing standards.
- Certifications such as CQE, CQA, or Six Sigma Black Belt.
Why Apply?
This role offers a rare opportunity to join a forward-thinking, innovative business at the cutting edge of sustainability and product development and lead a dedicated, passionate team committed to delivering superior products and customer experiences. This exciting role plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of a world-class manufacturing operation, with opportunities for hands-on leadership and continuous personal and professional growth. If you’re eager to make a difference and leave your mark on a pioneering organization, we want to hear from you! Apply now or email lee.elwell@jonlee.co.uk
Your CV will be forwarded to Jonathan Lee Recruitment, a leading engineering and manufacturing recruitment consultancy established in 1978. The services advertised by Jonathan Lee Recruitment are those of an Employment Agency.
In order for your CV to be processed effectively, please ensure your name, email address, phone number and location (post code OR town OR county, as a minimum) are included.
6675173 – Lee Elwell