Quality Manager

CDM Recruitment are working exclusively with a growing precision engineering business in County Durham to recruit a Quality Manager / Quality Lead This is a hands-on quality leadership role within a busy manufacturing environment. You will lead the day-to-day quality function, support a small quality team and work closely with production to maintain high standards, reduce scrap, resolve quality issues and improve overall quality performance. The role would suit an experienced Quality Manager, Senior Quality Engineer or a strong Quality Engineer ready to step into a more senior position. A background in precision engineering, CNC machining or a similar manufacturing environment would be highly relevant. Key Responsibilities: * Lead the day-to-day quality function across the business. * Provide guidance and support to the quality team. * Investigate internal and external non-conformances and implement corrective actions. * Carry out root cause analysis using appropriate quality tools. * Work closely with production to reduce scrap, rework and recurring quality issues. * Maintain and continually improve the Quality Management System. * Support and coordinate internal and external audits. * Assist with customer and supplier quality concerns, ensuring timely investigation and resolution. * Review engineering drawings and customer specifications to ensure quality requirements are fully understood. * Produce and maintain quality documentation including inspection reports, FAIRs and associated quality records. * Monitor quality performance indicators and identify opportunities for improvement. * Support continuous improvement activity across manufacturing processes. * Promote a strong quality culture throughout the business. * Ensure compliance with ISO 9001 and customer-specific quality requirements. * Work collaboratively with Engineering, Production and Estimating teams to support successful project delivery. The Person: * Previous experience in a quality role within precision engineering, CNC machining or manufacturing. * Good understanding of machining and precision engineering processes. * Experience investigating NCRs and implementing corrective actions. * Experience working within an ISO 9001 certified environment. * Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and technical specifications. * Experience using measuring equipment and inspection techniques. * Strong communication and organisational skills. * Proactive, hands-on approach with the ability to influence quality standards across the business. * Full UK driving licence. * HNC/HND, internal auditor qualification or relevant engineering/quality qualification would be advantageous. * Experience supporting customer audits would also be beneficial. This is an excellent opportunity for a quality professional who wants ownership, visibility and the chance to make a real impact within a growing engineering business