Quality Manager - Manufacturing

Job Title: Manufacturing Manager - Quality
Location: Fareham (Hybrid: Minimum 3 days in office, 2 days WFH)
Salary: £50,000 - £58,000
Reports To: Head of Manufacturing

About the Role

We are seeking a proactive Manufacturing Manager - Quality to lead all aspects of quality and compliance across our manufacturing operations. You will be responsible for ensuring adherence to aerospace and defence standards, regulatory requirements, and internal customer expectations while driving a culture of continuous improvement.

This is a hands on role with the opportunity to shape and grow the Quality function within our Manufacturing Team, starting as a team of one and expanding as the business grows.

Key Responsibilities Quality & Compliance Management

• Lead and continually improve the company's Quality Management System (QMS), transitioning towards ISO 9001 compliance.
• Ensure compliance with UK MOD, DEF STAN, and export control regulations (ITAR/EAR) during pre contract, supplier selection, and onboarding.
• Act as the primary point of contact for quality matters with customers, suppliers, auditors, and regulatory authorities.
• Plan and manage internal and external audits, ensuring timely closure of findings and preventive actions.
• Oversee product and process compliance, including First Article Inspections (FAI) and supplier quality management.
• Manage non conformance, corrective actions, and continuous improvement processes across all product areas.
• Maintain effective configuration control, document control, and traceability throughout the product lifecycle.
• Support Health, Safety, and Environmental compliance where integrated within the quality system.

Leadership & Continuous Improvement

• Mentor and develop quality capabilities within the Manufacturing Team.
• Promote a strong quality culture across the organisation.
• Identify and implement process improvements using Lean, Six Sigma, and root cause analysis.
• Monitor and report KPIs related to quality performance, audits, and compliance risk.
• Drive supplier development and quality improvement across the supply chain.
• Champion company values: Pioneers, Agile, Respect, Together, Safely.

Customer & Stakeholder Engagement

• Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, flight operations, and supply chain teams to ensure design and production meet quality and regulatory requirements.
• Manage customer quality relationships, including audits, inspections, and contract reviews.
• Provide senior management with regular reports on compliance, audit performance, and risk mitigation.

Qualifications & Experience

• Degree or equivalent in Engineering, Quality Management, or a related technical discipline.
• Minimum 3 years' experience in quality and compliance management within aerospace, defence, or advanced manufacturing.
• Proven experience managing ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems.
• Strong knowledge of UK MOD regulations and export control requirements (ITAR/EAR).
• Experienced in leading internal, supplier, certification, or customer audits.
• Professional certifications (e.g., IRCA, ASQ, Lean Six Sigma, ISO18404) are desirable.

Skills & Competencies

• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong analytical, problem solving, and decision making abilities.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications, and contractual requirements.
• Proficiency in QMS software and MS Office tools.
• Right to work in the UK; BPSS vetting and SC clearance may be required.