Lead Quality Inspector

About the role

We are looking for an experienced Lead Quality Inspector to join our precision engineering and manufacturing team in Maidstone. The role involves overseeing daily inspection activities, ensuring product quality, and driving continuous improvement across the shop floor.

Key responsibilities

• Lead daily inspection activities including first‑off, in‑process, and final inspections.
• Carry out fine limit sheet metal inspection using a range of measuring equipment.
• Interpret engineering drawings, tolerances and GD&T.
• Maintain inspection records, non‑conformance reports and inspection plans.
• Mentor junior inspectors and support resource planning on the shop floor.
• Work within ISO 9001 standards and assist with audits.
• Support root cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Ensure measuring equipment calibration and maintenance.
• Provide clear quality reports to production and management teams.

Required profile

• 5+ years of experience in an ISO 9001 manufacturing or precision engineering environment.
• Proven background in senior or lead inspection roles.
• Experience coaching or guiding small teams.
• Formal quality/inspection qualifications such as NVQ or City & Guilds (desirable).
• Knowledge of SPC or quality software systems (desirable).

Required skills

• Fine limit sheet metal inspection
• Operation of a range of measuring equipment
• Interpretation of engineering drawings and GD&T
• Manual inspection tools
• Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) operation (beneficial)
• SPC (Statistical Process Control) or quality software systems
• ISO 9001 standards knowledge
• Calibration and maintenance of measuring equipment

What we offer

• A varied role within a precision engineering/manufacturing setting.
• Opportunity to lead quality improvements.
• Competitive salary, pension and training/development opportunities.