Head of Quality

Security Clearance

This role is subject to successful completion of SC clearance prior to commencement. Please review our Security Clearance Guidance for Applicants before applying.

About Us

At Steatite, we design, manufacture, and supply advanced technology solutions - from industrial embedded computing and custom lithium battery packs to secure communications, antennas, and imaging systems.

Our innovations operate in some of the world's most demanding environments. From the ocean floor to the edge of space, Steatite technology ensures critical systems perform reliably, consistently, and safely - 24/7. Whether enabling scientific discovery in extreme conditions, transmitting high-bandwidth data across challenging terrain, processing vast volumes of traffic data, or supporting secure transactions on the move, our solutions are built to perform when it matters most.

From day one, you will be part of an organisation that prioritises your safety and wellbeing, values your contribution, and is committed to making your career both rewarding and impactful.

Shape the future of Quality within a specialist engineering business

Steatite Antennas is looking for an experienced Head of Quality to lead the development and transformation of Quality across our Leominster operation.

This is an opportunity to make a real impact. Operating within a low-volume, high-complexity engineering and manufacturing environment, we design and manufacture specialist antenna systems for demanding civil and defence applications, including avionics and naval platforms.

Reporting directly to the General Manager and joining the Business Unit Senior Leadership Team, you will have the opportunity to shape how Quality operates across the business, strengthening our systems, developing our people and embedding Quality as a shared responsibility from Engineering and Procurement through to Production and final customer delivery.

A key priority will be strengthening and developing our Quality Management System, bringing ISO 9001 capability in-house and leading the introduction and embedding of AS9100. We are therefore looking for someone who enjoys building, improving and influencing, rather than simply maintaining an established Quality system.

What you will be doing

As Head of Quality, you will provide both strategic and hands on Quality leadership across the business. Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading the development, implementation and continual improvement of our Quality Management System.
• Leading the transition to bring ISO 9001 capability in-house and the introduction and embedding of AS9100.
• Providing Quality leadership as a key member of the Senior Leadership Team.
• Strengthening product release, inspection and testing processes to ensure product conformity.
• Developing effective approaches to non conformance, root cause analysis and corrective action.
• Working closely with Engineering and Production to translate technical requirements into practical, repeatable processes and controls.
• Strengthening supplier Quality expectations, performance and corrective action processes.
• Establishing clear Quality ownership, governance and accountability across the business.
• Leading, supporting and developing the Quality team.
• Building Quality capability across Engineering, Production, Procurement, Projects and other functions.
• Promoting structured problem solving techniques including 8D, A3, root cause analysis, risk assessment and mistake proofing.
• Helping create a positive Quality culture focused on prevention, continuous improvement and customer outcomes.

What we are looking for

You will already be an experienced senior Quality professional who is comfortable operating at both Senior Leadership Team and shop floor level.

We are particularly interested in people who can demonstrate:

• Significant senior Quality leadership experience within engineering or technical manufacturing.
• Experience of building, transforming or significantly improving a Quality Management System.
• Strong working knowledge of ISO 9001 and/or AS9100, ideally including implementation, transition or significant system development.
• Experience within low-volume, high complexity, high reliability or similarly regulated manufacturing.
• Strong operational Quality experience covering product conformity, inspection, testing, non conformance, root cause analysis and corrective action.
• The ability to translate technical and customer requirements into effective manufacturing processes and controls.
• Experience working collaboratively across Engineering, Production, Procurement, Projects and senior leadership.
• The credibility to influence, coach and constructively challenge at all levels.
• Experience of developing teams and building wider organisational Quality capability.
• A practical, visible and hands on leadership style.

Experience within defence, aerospace, high reliability electronics, precision engineering, complex manufacturing or another regulated technical environment would be particularly relevant.

If you are an experienced Quality leader who wants the opportunity to build, influence and leave a lasting impact on a specialist engineering operation, we would like to hear from you.

Benefits For You

• EV Salary Sacrifice Scheme
• 26 Days Annual Leave Plus Bank Holidays + More For Length of Service
• Pensions Plan
• Company Sick Pay Scheme
• Life Assurance Scheme
• Profit Share Scheme
• All Employee Share Plan

We are an equal opportunity employer fostering an inclusive recruitment experience for all candidates.