Matchtech are working with a key client to support the recruitment of a Head of Quality - OCS to work on key rail projects. This role is a permanent position working on a hybrid basis in London 2-3 days per week.
Head of Quality OCS
Key Responsibilities
Quality Management System (QMS)
*Ensure the Contractor’s QMS is certified to ISO 9001 and compliant with ISO/TS 22163 (IRIS), valid for the OCS scope and accepted by the Project Manager prior to commencement of works.
*Maintain QMS compliance throughout the project lifecycle, including certificate renewals, surveillance audits, and scope extensions where required.
*Ensure the scope of certification fully covers all OCS activities and locations.
*Make QMS documentation, registers, certification records, and assurance evidence available to the client upon request.
*Ensure laboratory testing and calibration activities are undertaken by appropriately accredited bodies (e.g., ISO/IEC 17025) where required.
Quality Objectives & Risk-Based Governance
*Establish and monitor risk-based quality objectives aligned to contract requirements, programme KPIs, and client performance targets.
*Embed "right first time" principles and continual improvement across all OCS activities.
*Apply measurement system analysis (MSA) techniques to improve reliability of inspection and testing data.
*Identify systemic quality risks and escalate appropriately to senior management.
Quality Planning
*Develop, implement, and maintain the OCS Quality Plan in accordance with: *ISO 10005
*WI 600

*Ensure the Quality Plan covers design, installation, inspection, testing, commissioning, and handover.
*Submit the Quality Plan and revisions for client acceptance within contractual timescales.
Independent Quality Leadership
*Act independently from delivery functions with authority to challenge activities and halt works where quality or compliance is compromised.
*Provide professional and technical challenge to design, construction, and testing teams to prevent defects and nonconformities.
Design Quality Assurance (OCS)
*Define, implement, and evidence robust design assurance processes for OCS works.
*Oversee self-certification, design verification, technical assurance, and system certification records.
*Ensure compliance with client standards, interoperability requirements, railway norms, and contractual obligations.
Inspection, Testing & Commissioning
*Ensure Inspection and Test Plans (ITPs), surveillance plans, forms, and templates are developed and accepted prior to works commencing.
*Verify witness and hold points are included within the Accepted Programme.
*Ensure compliance with WI 0700 and applicable OCS testing standards.
Information & Document Management
*Ensure all quality-related deliverables are incorporated within Information Delivery Plans (IDPs).
*Maintain accurate records of accepted, approved, and informational submissions.
Plant, Materials & Traceability
*Develop and maintain the Material Certification and Traceability Plan in accordance with EN 10204.
*Ensure OCS materials (e.g., conductors, cantilevers, insulators, fixings) are fully traceable throughout the lifecycle.
Special Processes
*Identify OCS-related special processes (e.g., welding, crimping, NDT).
*Ensure special processes are managed in accordance with ISO/TS 22163 and relevant industry standards.
*Verify personnel and processes are appropriately certified (e.g., ISO 3834, ISO 9712).
Competence & Experience (Essential)
*Demonstrable experience leading quality management within rail systems, preferably Overhead Catenary Systems (OCS) or electrification programmes.
*Proven experience operating as an independent quality authority on major infrastructure or high-speed rail projects.
*Strong working knowledge and practical implementation experience of:
*ISO 9001
*ISO/TS 22163 (IRIS)
*ISO 10005 (Quality Plans)
*ISO 10006 (Quality in Projects)
*ISO 9004 (Organisational Maturity)
*ISO 19011 (Auditing Management Systems)
*Experience establishing and maintaining certified QMS arrangements on complex, multi-disciplinary projects.
*Experience managing quality across the full lifecycle: design, procurement, installation, testing, commissioning and handover.
*Competent quality auditor (IRCA or equivalent), with experience leading internal and external audits.
*Demonstrable experience managing nonconformity processes, root cause analysis, corrective actions and systemic improvement programmes.
*Experience overseeing material certification, traceability (EN 10204), and special process control (e.g. ISO 3834, ISO 9712).
*Experience working within regulated railway environments and engaging with assurance bodies and regulators.
Qualifications & Professional Membership
*Degree (or equivalent) in Engineering, Quality Management, or a related technical discipline.
*Member of the Chartered Quality Institute (CQI) or equivalent recognised professional body (e.g., Chartered Engineer status desirable).
*Certified Lead Auditor (IRCA or equivalent recognised body).
*Formal training in root cause analysis and continuous improvement methodologies (e.g., Six Sigma, Lean) desirable.
*Rail, electrification, or electrical systems qualifications desirable.