Quality Control Specialist – Automotive Manufacturing
We are supporting an established European manufacturing business as they launch a new UK production facility in Basildon, focused on plastic injection moulding and paint shop operations for the automotive sector.
As part of the site launch, we are looking for a Quality Control Specialist to take ownership of quality processes and standards during a critical growth phase. This is a unique opportunity to join a greenfield manufacturing environment and play a key role in shaping quality systems, processes, and operational standards from the ground up.
The Role
The Quality Control Specialist will be responsible for establishing and maintaining quality standards across both manufacturing processes and site infrastructure.
Working closely with the Plant Manager and international stakeholders, you will initially operate independently as the site’s quality lead, before helping build and develop the quality function as the operation scales.
This role requires a hands‑on, shopfloor‑focused quality professional with experience in automotive manufacturing environments, ideally within plastics, injection moulding, and paint shop operations.
Key Responsibilities
Quality Systems & Process Control
- Establish and maintain quality control processes across production operations
- Support implementation and maintenance of automotive quality standards and procedures
- Monitor product quality, process stability, scrap, and defect trends
- Drive root cause analysis and corrective actions for production and quality issues
- Ensure compliance with customer and automotive industry requirements
- Work closely with production teams to improve process consistency and operational quality
- Support validation and commissioning of production equipment and processes
- Conduct inspections, audits, and quality checks across moulding and paint operations
- Ensure documentation and reporting standards are maintained accurately
Infrastructure & Operational Quality
- Support quality readiness for the new manufacturing site
- Help establish operational standards, workflows, and quality controls during site setup
- Coordinate with suppliers and external partners where required
Future Team Development
- Act as the initial quality lead for the UK site
- Support future hiring and development of quality personnel as the plant grows
Candidate Profile
- Experience within automotive manufacturing quality environments
- Strong understanding of quality control processes in production operations
- Experience within plastic injection moulding and/or paint shop environments
- Hands‑on approach with strong shopfloor presence
- Experience with:
- Root cause analysis
- Process improvement
- Quality reporting and audits
- Strong understanding of production KPIs, defects, and process controls
- Experience supporting plant start‑up, ramp‑up, or operational expansion
- Exposure to IATF / automotive quality standards
- Experience building or leading quality teams
Certifications (Preferred)
- Quality Control / Quality Management certifications
- Internal Auditor certifications
Personal Attributes
- Hands‑on and detail‑oriented
- Pragmatic problem solver
- Able to work independently and take ownership
- Strong communication and organisational skills
- Comfortable operating in a growing and evolving environment
Why Join?
- Opportunity to help launch a brand‑new UK automotive manufacturing facility
- High level of ownership and autonomy
- Long‑term progression as the site and team scale
- Work within an established international manufacturing group
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