Quality Manager
Kent
£55,000 – £70,000 (DOE)
Permanent | Full-Time
Are you a quality-driven leader with a passion for precision and operational excellence?
A well-established and highly respected aerospace manufacturer is looking for a Quality Manager to lead their Quality Assurance function. This is a key role in a critical part of the aerospace supply chain, perfect for someone who thrives in a technically challenging environment where quality is paramount.
What You’ll Do
- Take ownership of the Quality Management System (QMS) and ensure compliance with AS9100, ISO 9001, and customer-specific requirements.
- Oversee quality control across the sand-casting process—from moulding and core making to melting, pouring, finishing, subcontract operations, and final inspection.
- Lead internal audits and coordinate external audits from customers, regulatory bodies, and certification authorities.
- Drive effective non-conformance management, root cause analysis (8D), and corrective/preventive actions (CAPA).
- Maintain and improve NADCAP accreditations and support special process requalifications (e.g., heat treatment, welding, NDT).
- Develop and report on key quality metrics including scrap, rework, customer complaints, and first-pass yield.
- Manage incoming, in-process, and final inspections and ensure calibration of all testing and measurement equipment.
- Collaborate with engineering, production, and supply chain to identify quality risks and opportunities for improvement.
- Act as the primary contact for customer quality matters, audits, and issue resolution.
- Lead, mentor, and develop the quality team, fostering a strong culture of quality throughout the organisation.
Who We’re Looking For
Experience & Qualifications:
- Engineering degree
- 5–7 years’ quality management experience ideally in aerospace manufacturing.
- Strong knowledge of AS9100, NADCAP, ISO 9001, and aerospace customer requirements.
- Experience with PPAP, FMEA, SPC, MSA, and other core quality tools.
- Familiarity with metallurgy, particularly aluminium and non-ferrous aerospace alloys.
Skills & Competencies:
- Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Proficient in reading and interpreting engineering drawings, GD&T, and specifications.
- Hands-on experience with NDT, CMM, digital scanning, and other inspection technologies.
- IT literate, including EQMS, ERP systems, and Microsoft Office Suite.
- Data-driven, analytical, and solution-oriented.
- Lean or Six Sigma certification is highly desirable.
Why This Role is Exciting
- Join a respected aerospace manufacturer with a long-standing reputation for excellence.
- Work in a collaborative, close-knit environment where quality truly matters.
- Lead and shape quality strategy in a high-growth, technically challenging setting.
- Benefit from the backing and resources of a successful global aerospace operation.
- Enjoy real opportunities for career progression, professional development, and long-term growth.
If you’re an experienced quality leader ready to make a real impact, please apply for immediate consideration.
This role is being handled by Pearson Whiffin Recruitment, specialists in Manufacturing, Engineering & Technical roles.
Still exploring opportunities?
Our team can support career moves at all levels, from entry to senior leadership. Find us on Facebook @PearsonWhiffinRecruitment and Instagram @PearsonWhiffinRecruitment.