Head of Quality

About the role

We are supporting a long‑standing client in North East England to appoint a Head of Quality. This senior leadership position is responsible for the overall Quality Management System and ensures that products consistently meet customer and regulatory standards.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and implement quality objectives and improvement strategies aligned with AS9100 certification and company goals.
• Chair Management Reviews to evaluate the effectiveness of the Quality Management System and identify improvement opportunities.
• Lead, mentor and motivate the Quality team, fostering a high‑performing environment.
• Manage regulatory compliance including RoHS, REACH, CMRT and EMRT, and communicate changes internally and externally.
• Monitor Cost of Poor Quality (COPQ), customer complaints and other quality indicators, driving projects to eliminate recurring issues.
• Implement process and product control methods such as PFMEA, control plans, Measurement Systems Analysis, Statistical Process Control, PPAP, layered process audits and finished‑goods audits.
• Develop ISO procedures to improve flexibility, standardisation and overall effectiveness.
• Conduct internal ISO and supplier quality audits and support customer audits to maintain AS9100 compliance.
• Lead corrective and preventive action initiatives using 8D and mistake‑proofing techniques.

Required profile

• Extensive experience in a senior quality role within a high‑mix, low‑to‑medium volume manufacturing environment.
• Proven track record of delivering continuous‑improvement results.
• Several years of technical experience in electronics manufacturing serving aerospace, defence or automotive customers.
• Strong knowledge of AS9100 and related quality standards.

Required skills

• AS9100 certification requirements
• RoHS, REACH, CMRT, EMRT compliance
• PFMEA (Process Failure Mode Effects Analysis)
• Control plans and Measurement Systems Analysis
• Statistical Process Control (SPC)
• Production Part Approval Process (PPAP)
• Layered Process Audits and Finished Goods audits
• ISO audit procedures
• 8D problem‑solving methodology
• Mistake‑proofing techniques

What we offer

• Competitive salary
• Excellent benefits package