> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/644508-quality-engineer-quality-lead](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/644508-quality-engineer-quality-lead). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md).

---

# Quality Engineer / Quality Lead

- **Company:** Essential Recruitment And Professional
- **Location:** Retford, UK
- **Experience:** Expert
- **Salary:** £50,000.0
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Data Analysis, Statistical Process Control (SPC), Yield Optimization, Performance Monitor, ISO-14001
- **Published:** June 25, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.essentialrecruitment.co.uk/vacancies/senior-quality-engineer-quality-lead-retford/

## About the Role

* 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

## Description

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


## Related Videos

- [What Developers Get Wrong About Application Quality](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/233-what-developers-get-wrong-about-application-quality)
- [Data Science in Retail](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/586-data-science-in-retail)
- [Quantum Tech: Preparing for the Next Leap](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1693-quantum-tech-preparing-for-the-next-leap)
- [Beyond the Numbers: Engineering Recruiting Excellence Through Quality, Data, and Team Empowerment](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1491-beyond-the-numbers-engineering-recruiting-excellence-through-quality-data-and-team-empowerment)
- [Data Science on Software Data](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/162-data-science-on-software-data)
- [Introducing the W3C Web Sustainability Guidelines](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/991-introducing-the-w3c-web-sustainability-guidelines)

## Related Articles

- [Data Engineer Salary UK](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/253-data-engineer-salary-uk)
- [Software Engineer Salary London](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/252-software-engineer-salary-london)
- [Data Analyst Salary in the UK](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/278-data-analyst-salary-in-the-uk)
- [What is Software Engineering?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/289-what-is-software-engineering)
- [Fully Remote Software Engineer Jobs](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/447-fully-remote-software-engineer-jobs)
- [Software Engineer Salary in The UK](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/231-software-engineer-salary-in-the-uk)