Plant Quality Lead

Location: Birmingham

Salary: £60,000 – £65,000 + £380/month Car Allowance + Bonus + Benefits

Hours: Monday – Friday | 08:30 – 16:30 (Work-Life Balance Focused)

The Opportunity

Are you a seasoned Quality professional ready to steer the QA strategy for a high-precision manufacturing plant? We are looking for a Plant Quality Lead to join our Senior Management Team in Birmingham.

Reporting directly to the UK Head of Quality, you will hold line management responsibility for a dedicated team of six Quality Engineers. This is a pivotal role where you will bridge the gap between technical excellence and strategic leadership, ensuring our "Zero Defects" culture isn't just a slogan, but a daily reality.

Key Responsibilities

As the site’s Quality authority, your mission involves:

• Strategic Leadership: Integral member of the Plant Management Team, aligning quality systems with customer needs and corporate targets.

• Team Development: Managing, mentoring, and succession planning for 6 direct reports (BU Quality Leads and Shift Quality Engineers).

• Quality Excellence: Leading the introduction of robust APQP and PPAP processes, and driving initiatives like QRQC, No Fault Forward, and Stop-Call-Wait.

• Compliance & Auditing: Managing the internal audit program (AS9100, LPA, Control Plan) and leading customer-facing audits.

• Problem Solving: Reviewing and verifying 8D reports, leading "4 blocker" completions for escapes, and conducting GEMBA Quality Walks.

• Continuous Improvement: Supporting digitalisation projects and upskilling the business in core APQP tools and Innovator PFMEAs.

What You’ll Bring

Knowledge & Education:

• A BSc (Hons) or equivalent in a scientific or technical subject is preferred.

• AS9100 Lead Auditor trained (we can provide this training if required).

• Strong IT literacy; experience with PowerBi is a distinct advantage.

Experience & Competencies:

• Proven Track Record: Demonstrated experience in technical or QA roles within a manufacturing environment.

• Leadership: Direct experience managing teams and developing management styles to suit diverse peer and subordinate groups.

• Integrity: Unwavering personal integrity with the ability to make tough decisions regarding product integrity under pressure.

• Communication: A professional approach to customer interaction and the ability to build strong internal relationships.

Why Join Us?

This role offers the perfect blend of operational "hands-on" quality management and high-level strategic influence. Beyond the competitive salary and car allowance, you will have the opportunity to deputise for the Head of Quality and lead high-profile corporate initiatives.

Ready to lead the standard for excellence?

Apply Now: If you have the precision, leadership, and drive to excel in this role, we want to hear from you.