Quality Manager

Quality Manager - Aerospace

Salary: Up to £65,000 DOE
Location: Essex
Hours: Monday to Thursday, 06:45 - 16:30 (37-hour week)

Our client, a well-established aerospace manufacturing business, is seeking an experienced Quality Manager to join their team. Reporting directly to the General Manager, this is an excellent opportunity for a quality professional with a strong aerospace background to take ownership of the Quality Management System and lead the inspection function within a highly regulated environment.

The successful candidate will be responsible for the management, maintenance, and continuous improvement of the Quality Management System, ensuring compliance with customer, regulatory, and industry requirements. You will lead the Inspection Team, act as the company's representative for all quality matters, and play a key role in driving quality excellence across the business.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage, maintain, and continuously improve the Quality Management System.
• Lead and develop the Inspection Team, ensuring high performance and continuous improvement.
• Act as the company's management representative for all quality-related matters.
• Oversee the Inspection and Test Departments.
• Ensure quality control throughout the manufacturing process in line with customer and business requirements.
• Manage calibration, testing, qualification, and associated approvals.
• Inspect and verify components and products throughout all stages of production.
• Ensure calibrated equipment is maintained and available for manufacturing activities.
• Create and approve FAIRs and LAIRs in line with customer and regulatory specifications.
• Provide training and support for VisualFAIR software where required.
• Identify resource, investment, and approval requirements to support quality objectives.
• Act as an approved signatory for release and other inspection-related quality processes.
• Plan and conduct internal and external audits against ISO 9100 and AS9100 standards.
• Participate in management review meetings and support wider business objectives.
• Manage team workloads, training requirements, communication, and performance development.

Skills & Experience Required

• Proven experience working within the aerospace sector.
• Previous experience in a Quality Manager position within manufacturing.
• Strong knowledge of ISO 9100, AS9100, and EASA requirements.
• Experience creating and approving First Article Inspection Reports (FAIRs/LAIRs).
• Qualified and experienced in conducting internal and external audits.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documentation.
• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Excellent organisational and time management abilities.
• High attention to detail and strong analytical skills.
• Ability to drive continuous improvement initiatives and support team development.
• Confident communicator with the ability to work effectively across all levels of the business.

If you have a strong aerospace quality background, experience managing AS9100-compliant systems, and are looking for an opportunity to make a significant impact within a growing manufacturer, we would love to hear from you.