Quality Engineer

Role Overview

The Quality Engineer will be responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining quality systems across the organisation. The role will lead quality audits, corrective-action activities, quality performance analysis, and continuous improvement initiatives across manufacturing and supply operations.

Reporting directly to the Plant Manager, this is a key position with significant interaction across the business, including R&D, Procurement, Production, Warehouse, Sales, Customer Service, suppliers, customers, and Senior Management.

Candidate Profile

The successful candidate will ideally have a minimum of three years' hands-on experience within a low-volume, high-mix manufacturing environment, supported by strong mechanical and electrical aptitude.

Experience and knowledge in the following areas would be highly desirable:

• Sheet metal fabrication processes, including:
  • Turret Punch
  • Press Brake
  • Welding
• Ability to interpret basic electrical circuit drawings and specifications.
• Knowledge of cables, crimping, switches, and lighting components.
• Strong problem-solving and root-cause analysis skills.
• Experience working with quality systems, audits, non-conformances, and corrective actions.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively across multiple departments.

IT & Systems Skills

Advanced Excel skills are essential, including:

• Pivot Tables
• VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP and other lookup functions
• Complex formulas
• Data analysis
• Data presentation and reporting

Experience with SAP and AutoCAD Inventor would be an advantage.

Key Responsibilities Quality Engineering & Compliance

• Lead ISO certification audits and other relevant regulatory or customer audits.
• Coordinate audit preparation, evidence gathering, responses, and follow-up actions.
• Identify root causes of non-conformances and implement effective corrective actions.
• Create, manage, and close out Corrective Action Reports (CARs).
• Ensure corrective actions are completed within agreed timescales and are effective in preventing recurrence.
• Review and update quality procedures, policies, and documentation.
• Ensure quality systems remain effective, compliant, and aligned with business requirements.

Quality Data & Performance

• Collect, analyse, and report quality data and trends.
• Maintain and monitor Quality KPIs.
• Prepare regular quality reports and management information.
• Present quality performance and key trends to Senior Management.
• Identify opportunities for improvement through analysis of quality data.

Customer Quality

• Work closely with Customer Service to identify trends and recurring issues from customer calls and complaints.
• Investigate customer-related quality issues and coordinate appropriate corrective actions.
• Identify opportunities to improve product and service quality based on customer feedback.

Continuous Improvement

• Apply COPIS methodology when introducing new processes.
• Support and coordinate continuous improvement initiatives across manufacturing and supply operations.
• Work collaboratively with departments to identify process improvements, reduce quality issues, and improve overall operational performance.

Supplier Quality

• Manage supplier returns, quality issues, and associated credits.
• Liaise directly with suppliers regarding quality concerns and corrective actions.
• Monitor supplier performance and ensure quality issues are effectively resolved.

Communication & Coordination

• Host and facilitate regular Quality Meetings.
• Work closely with R&D, Procurement, Production, Warehouse, Sales, Customer Service, and Senior Management.
• Provide quality expertise and support across the organisation.
• Produce specific quality reports and analysis as required by management.

Key Competencies

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving ability.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Practical manufacturing knowledge.
• Strong understanding of quality systems and continuous improvement.
• Advanced Excel and data-analysis capability.
• Effective communication and stakeholder-management skills.
• Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively across departments.
• A proactive approach to identifying and resolving quality issues.
• Strong organisational and project-management skills.