Quality Assurance Lead

Quality Assurance Lead – Precision Manufacturing Sector. Based in Hertfordshire.

Salary: £50,000 + excellent employee benefits. Permanent, full‑time, in‑person day shift.

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.

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