Quality Manager

Jackson Hogg have partnered with an industry leading manufacturing business in the Newcastle area, on a Quality Manager position, reporting directly to the Quality Director.

This is a hands-on leadership role requiring a strong technical quality background, exceptional auditing capability, and the ability to influence quality standards across the entire operation.

Quality Manager Responsibilities

* Lead and manage the site Quality Management System (QMS) and ensure compliance with IATF 16949 requirements.

* Manage and coordinate all external certification audits, customer audits and supplier audits.

* Act as the primary quality representative during customer visits and quality-related meetings.

* Maintain quality policies, procedures, standards and documentation across the business.

* Drive standardisation and continuous improvement initiatives in line with organisational quality objectives.

* Oversee product approval documentation, control plans, PFMEA activities, PPAP submissions and validation processes.

* Manage approved supplier performance, supplier development activities and supplier re-approval programmes.

* Lead root cause investigations using structured problem-solving methodologies including 8D.

* Generate and present monthly quality reports, capability studies and strategic quality performance reviews.

* Analyse manufacturing and trial data to support business decisions and process improvements.

* Manage Statistical Process Control (SPC), Process Capability (CPK/PPK), Measurement Systems Analysis (MSA) and Gauge R&R activities.

* Ensure laboratory testing systems, calibration programmes and quality control activities remain fully compliant and effective.

* Lead quality improvement projects using Lean Six Sigma methodologies.

* Manage departmental 5S standards and support wider operational excellence initiatives.

* Provide guidance and support to process owners across the manufacturing operation.

* Lead and develop the quality team through coaching, training and performance management.

* Conduct performance reviews and development planning for direct reports.

* Support strategic business reviews and present quality performance information to senior leadership.

Quality Manager Requirements

* IATF 16949 Lead Auditor qualification.(Desirable)

* Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification. (Desirable)

* Experience within an automotive manufacturing or similarly demanding production environment.

* Proven experience in a Quality Manager or senior quality leadership role.

* Strong knowledge of Quality Assurance and Quality Control principles.

* Experience managing and maintaining IATF-compliant quality systems.

* Demonstrable success leading customer, supplier and third-party audits.

* Excellent communication skills with the ability to present complex technical information to both operational and senior leadership teams.

* Strong analytical, organisational and problem-solving abilities.

Desirable

* VDA 6.3 Lead Auditor qualification.

* Chartered Quality Institute (CQI) membership