Quality Assurance Lead

Quality Assurance Lead– Precision Manufacturing Sector

Based in Hertfordshire

Salary: £50,000 + excellent employee benefits

A fantastic permanent opportunity has arisen with a global engineering organisation recognised for producing high‑accuracy, precision‑manufactured components. The business is seeking a hands‑on Quality Specialist who can take ownership of the site’s Quality Management System and promote a culture where robust processes, reliable data, and right‑first‑time output are the norm.

This position is ideal for an experienced quality professional who enjoys being present on the shop floor, thrives on solving complex machining challenges, and can confidently represent the company during customer interactions and external audits.

Key Responsibilities

Customer & Product Quality

Serve as the primary contact for all customer quality concerns, from initial containment through to validated corrective actions.
Lead structured problem‑solving activities using 8D, A3, 5‑Why and other analytical tools to prevent recurrence.
Manage all customer and internal quality submissions, including full PPAP documentation (PSW, PFMEA, Control Plans, MSA, capability studies, etc.).
Inspection & Process Control

Oversee in‑process and final inspection for CNC‑machined components, ensuring compliance with GD&T, special characteristics, and functional requirements.
Implement and maintain layered audits, patrol checks, and escalation processes such as stop‑build/stop‑ship.
Drive effective use of SPC across machining operations, monitoring Cp/Cpk and responding quickly to out‑of‑control conditions.
Quality Systems & Compliance

Own and maintain the site’s QMS, ensuring full readiness for ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 audits.
Lead internal audit programmes, corrective actions, and controlled documentation updates.
Manage MRB activities including nonconformance review, dispositions, concessions, and deviations.
Continuous Improvement

Lead CI initiatives aimed at reducing scrap, improving first‑pass yield, and strengthening process capability.
Work closely with Manufacturing Engineering to introduce error‑proofing, robust process controls, and standardised work.
Facilitate cross‑functional workshops focused on flow, stability, and quality performance.
Supplier Development

Conduct supplier audits and manage supplier PPAPs.
Drive supplier improvement through scorecards, corrective actions, and ongoing performance reviews.
Leadership & Reporting

Support and mentor the quality team in metrology, GD&T, problem‑solving, and customer communication.
Report weekly and monthly KPIs including PPM, scrap, rework, FPY, capability, and cost of poor quality.
Key Skills & Requirements

Degree in Engineering or equivalent technical background.
Minimum 7 years’ experience in quality roles within CNC machining, precision engineering, or high‑mix manufacturing.
Strong working knowledge of APQP/PPAP, PFMEA, MSA, and capability analysis.
Advanced understanding of GD&T and metrology tools (CMM, height gauges, surface measurement equipment).
Proven problem‑solving capability (8D, Ishikawa, DOE, etc.).
Experience with ISO 9001 auditing; Lead Auditor certification advantageous.
Confident communicator with experience managing customer escalations.
Lean/CI training (Green Belt, Black Belt, or equivalent) preferred.
Hours & Benefits

Permanent day shift
Enhanced holiday and pension package
Additional employee benefits offered by a global, well‑established organisation
NB: This role requires regular presence on the shop floor and flexibility to support audits, customer visits, and urgent investigations.

Work Location: In person
Only candidates based in UK and eligible to work in UK are allowed