Quality Lead, Hertford

Quality Lead - Precision Manufacturing Sector

Based in Hertfordshire

Salary: £50,000 plus a range of highly attractive employee benefits

A new permanent career opportunity has arisen working for a global engineering leader who excels in the production of high‑accuracy, precision manufactured parts and products. This job role seeks a hands‑on Quality Leader who can take full ownership of the Quality Management System and champion a culture where robust processes, reliable data, and right‑first‑time output are considered standard practice.

Ideally suited to a professional Quality Manager who thrives on the shop floor, enjoys solving complex machining challenges, and can confidently represent the business to customers and auditors.

Key responsibilities Customer & Product Quality

• Act as the main point of contact for all customer quality matters, from initial containment through to verified corrective actions.
• Lead structured investigations using 8D, A3, 5‑Why and other analytical tools to eliminate repeat issues.
• Manage all quality submissions including PPAP packages (PSW, PFMEA, Control Plans, MSA, capability studies, etc.).

Inspection & Process Control

• Oversee in‑process and final inspection activities for CNC‑machined components, ensuring compliance with GD&T, special characteristics and functional requirements.
• Introduce and maintain layered audits, patrol checks and escalation processes such as stop‑build/stop‑ship.
• Drive SPC utilisation across machining operations, monitoring Cp/Cpk and reacting quickly to out‑of‑control signals.

Quality Systems & Compliance

• Own the site’s QMS and maintain readiness for ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 audits.
• Lead internal audit programmes, corrective actions and documentation updates.
• Manage MRB processes including nonconformance review, dispositions, concessions and deviations.

Continuous Improvement

• Lead CI initiatives focused on scrap reduction, first‑pass yield and process capability.
• Partner with Manufacturing Engineering to implement error‑proofing, robust process controls and standardised work.
• Facilitate cross‑functional improvement workshops targeting flow, stability and quality performance.

Supplier Development

• Conduct supplier audits, manage supplier PPAPs and drive improvement through scorecards and corrective actions.

Leadership & Reporting

• Develop and mentor the quality team in metrology, GD&T, problem‑solving and customer communication.
• Report weekly and monthly performance metrics including PPM, scrap, rework, FPY, capability and cost of poor quality.

Key skills and Requirements

• Degree in Engineering or equivalent technical experience.
• 7+ years in quality roles within CNC machining, precision engineering or similar 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).
• Demonstrated problem‑solving expertise (8D, Ishikawa, DOE, etc.).
• Experience with ISO 9001 auditing; Lead Auditor certification is a plus.
• Confident communicator with experience managing customer escalations.
• Lean/CI training (Green Belt, Black Belt or equivalent) preferred.

Hours of work and benefits

• Monday to Friday – permanent day shift.
• Excellent employee benefits package to include enhanced holiday and pension entitlements.
• Regular presence on the shop floor required with flexibility to support audits, customer visits and urgent investigations.

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