Quality Engineer / Quality Lead

This role is ideal for a Senior Quality Engineer or Quality Supervisor looking to take the next step into a hands-on management position within a growing manufacturing business.

We're looking for someone who enjoys being close to the shop floor, solving real problems, and driving improvements - not sitting in a purely strategic or corporate role.

You'll take ownership of quality performance on site, while leading a small team and making a visible impact on scrap reduction, process improvement, and customer satisfaction.

What You'll Be Doing

Quality Improvement & Problem Solving (Main Focus)

• Lead root cause analysis and problem-solving activities (8D, RCA, etc.)
• Drive scrap reduction, yield improvement, and defect prevention
• Reduce NCRs and recurring quality issues
• Work closely with production teams to solve shop floor challenges
• Identify and implement practical process improvements

Quality Systems & Standards

• Support and improve the ISO 9001 Quality Management System
• Ensure customer and internal quality standards are consistently met
• Assist with audits, compliance, and quality documentation
• Monitor performance using KPIs and data analysis tools (SPC)

Leadership (Step-Up Opportunity)

• Oversee a team of approximately 10 staff (inspectors/technicians)
• Provide day-to-day support, guidance, and development
• Act as the bridge between quality and production teams

HSE (Supporting Element)

• Support safe working practices and compliance
• Assist with risk assessments and incident reviews where required

• Experience in a Quality Engineer / Senior Quality Engineer in manufacturing
• Experience working in a hands-on, shop floor environment
• Strong knowledge of problem-solving methodologies (8D, RCA, etc.)
• Experience reducing scrap, defects, or NCRs
• Understanding of ISO 9001 / QMS systems
• Keen to step into a leadership / management role

Desirable:

• Experience supervising or mentoring others
• Knowledge of SPC, Lean, or Six Sigma tools
• Exposure to ISO 14001 / ISO 45001

This role is being advertised by Essential Recruitment and Professional, a recruitment agency.