Quality Engineering Lead

This is a key leadership role responsible for the functional management and development of the Quality Engineering team, while driving improvements to quality processes across the business. The successful candidate will own the Quality Engineering function's New Product Introduction (NPI) process, lead continuous improvement initiatives, and ensure quality systems and command media remain robust, effective and aligned with business needs.

This position is ideal for someone who has progressed from a hands-on Quality Engineering background into technical leadership and enjoys developing people while improving business processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Own and continuously improve the Quality Engineering New Product Introduction (NPI) process.
• Functionally manage a team of approximately 10-15 Quality Engineers across multiple business areas.
• Conduct regular one-to-one meetings, coaching, performance reviews and development planning for the Quality Engineering team.
• Identify training needs and upskill the team to meet current and future programme requirements.
• Own and maintain Quality Engineering command media, including:
  • Non-Conformance processes
  • Control Plans
  • Quarantine processes
  • Quality procedures and documentation
• Ensure quality processes are regularly reviewed, updated and consistently applied across the business.
• Act as the focal point for Quality Engineering metrics, ensuring corrective actions are implemented following reviews.
• Lead quality investigations, Root Cause Analysis and Corrective Action activities.
• Drive Lean and Continuous Improvement initiatives to streamline processes and improve operational performance.
• Work closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Programme Management and Supply Chain to ensure quality objectives are achieved throughout the product lifecycle.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Significant experience within a Quality Engineering role in Defence, Aerospace, Manufacturing or another highly regulated industry.
• Previous experience leading or functionally managing Quality Engineers.
• Strong understanding of Quality Management Systems and Quality Assurance methodologies.
• Experience supporting New Product Introduction (NPI) and product lifecycle quality activities.
• Proven experience leading Root Cause Analysis and Corrective Action investigations.
• Strong process improvement and continuous improvement experience.
• Experience developing, maintaining and improving quality procedures and documentation.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong analytical, decision-making and problem-solving abilities.

Desirable Skills

• Defence or Aerospace manufacturing experience.
• Knowledge of SAP or equivalent ERP systems.
• Lean Practitioner, Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
• Lead Auditor or Internal Auditor qualification.
• Degree (or equivalent) in Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality or a related discipline.

Working Pattern

• Based at the Ampthill site.
• 4-day working week (Monday-Thursday).
• Primarily site-based, with some flexibility depending on business requirements.