Full job descriptionOur client is looking for an experienced and strategic Head of Quality to lead the quality function across a complex manufacturing operation. This is a key leadership position responsible for developing and executing the company’s quality strategy, ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements, and driving a culture of continuous improvement throughout the organisation.
The successful candidate will provide leadership across all aspects of quality management, including quality systems, compliance, auditing, customer complaints, corrective actions, supplier quality, and operational excellence. Working closely with senior leadership, engineering, production, supply chain, and customer-facing teams, the Head of Quality will play a pivotal role in improving product quality, reducing operational risk, enhancing customer satisfaction, and supporting business growth.
Key Responsibilities
*Develop and implement the organisation’s quality strategy in line with business objectives.
*Lead, mentor, and develop the quality team, creating a high-performance culture focused on accountability and continuous improvement.
*Own and continuously improve the Quality Management System (QMS), ensuring compliance with ISO 9001 and other relevant industry standards.
*Develop, implement, and maintain quality procedures, policies, and documentation.
*Lead all internal and external audits, including customer, supplier, regulatory, and certification audits.
*Ensure compliance with all applicable industry regulations, standards, and customer requirements.
*Manage audit findings and ensure corrective actions are implemented effectively and within agreed timescales.
*Oversee the management of customer complaints, quality concerns, warranty claims, and non-conformance investigations.
*Ensure robust root cause analysis is conducted and corrective actions are implemented to prevent recurrence.
*Lead initiatives to reduce defects, waste, rework, returns, and the overall cost of poor quality.
*Develop supplier quality strategies and performance monitoring frameworks.
*Support supplier audits, assessments, and development activities.
*Work collaboratively with suppliers to resolve quality concerns and drive continuous improvement.
*Monitor supplier performance metrics and implement corrective actions where required.
*Champion continuous improvement methodologies across the organisation.
*Lead improvement projects focused on quality, efficiency, customer satisfaction, and operational performance.
The Ideal Candidate
*Proven experience in a senior Quality Management or Head of Quality position within a manufacturing environment.
*Demonstrable experience leading and developing quality teams.
*Extensive knowledge of Quality Management Systems and ISO 9001.
*Strong experience managing audits, compliance, corrective actions, and continuous improvement programmes.
*Experience handling customer complaints, non-conformance investigations, and root cause analysis.