Manager – Quality & Supplier Quality Assurance

Manager – Quality & Supplier Quality Assurance
Salary to £78500 + Benefits Package
Based North East UK
 
Quality Management | Supplier Quality | Manufacturing Excellence | Continuous Improvement |
ISO 9001 | Lean | Six Sigma | Leadership
 
We are partnering with a market-leading global manufacturing and technology organisation who seek an experienced Manager, Quality & Supplier Quality Assurance to lead site quality performance, supplier quality assurance, customer quality activities, and continuous improvement initiatives.
 
This is a career-defining opportunity for an ambitious quality professional who thrives on driving operational excellence, developing high-performing teams, improving supplier performance, reducing waste, enhancing customer satisfaction, and embedding a culture of quality throughout a complex manufacturing operation.
 
If you are passionate about Quality Management Systems, Supplier Quality Assurance, ISO compliance, Continuous Improvement, Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma methodologies, Root Cause Analysis, and building a "Right First Time" culture, this role offers the platform to influence change at both strategic and operational levels.
 
The Opportunity
Reporting directly to the Site Leadership Team, you will take ownership of the Quality Management System whilst leading all aspects of internal quality, customer quality, supplier quality, audit compliance, corrective actions, continuous improvement, and quality performance management.
You will act as the senior quality representative for the site, working closely with customers, suppliers, manufacturing teams, engineering functions, and senior stakeholders to ensure products consistently meet the highest standards of quality, compliance, and operational performance.
This is a highly visible leadership role with significant influence across the business.
Key Responsibilities

• Lead and continuously improve the site's Quality Management System (QMS).
• Drive compliance with ISO standards, customer requirements, and regulatory expectations.
• Manage internal audits, external audits, customer audits, and supplier audits.
• Lead customer quality activities, complaint investigations, and quality improvement programmes.
• Drive supplier quality performance, supplier development, and supplier corrective action programmes.
• Lead Root Cause Analysis investigations using 8D, 5 Whys, Fishbone, and structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Manage CAPA and Non-Conformance processes through to successful closure.
• Develop and implement quality metrics, KPIs, and performance improvement plans.
• Reduce Cost of Poor Quality (COPQ), scrap, waste, defects, and process variation.
• Support New Product Introduction (NPI), process validation, and customer approval activities.
• Drive Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma improvement initiatives.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing Quality Team.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and operational excellence.
• Support risk management activities through FMEA, Control Plans, and quality risk assessments.

 
What We're Looking For
We are interested in hearing from experienced quality professionals who can demonstrate success within manufacturing, engineering, technology, industrial, aerospace, defence, electronics, medical device, pharmaceutical, packaging, or other highly regulated production environments.
Essential Experience

• Quality Management leadership within a manufacturing environment.
• Supplier Quality Assurance experience.
• Customer Quality Management experience.
• Internal and external audit experience.
• Strong understanding of ISO Quality Management Systems.
• Root Cause Analysis and Corrective Action expertise.
• Experience leading quality teams and driving performance improvements.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Data-driven approach to quality improvement and problem solving.

 
Desirable Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent qualification in Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality Management, or related discipline.
• CQI or IRCA certification.
• ISO 9001 Lead Auditor qualification.
• Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt.
• Lean Manufacturing certification.
• Advanced quality tools and methodologies experience.

Why Apply?
This organisation is investing heavily in quality, operational excellence, and continuous improvement, making this an exciting time to join.
You will have the opportunity to:

• Influence quality strategy across a complex manufacturing operation.
• Lead meaningful business improvement initiatives.
• Work within a highly regulated and technically advanced environment.
• Develop and shape a high-performing quality culture.
• Partner with senior leaders, customers, and suppliers.
• Join an organisation where quality is viewed as a competitive advantage rather than a compliance function.

 
For quality professionals seeking a role where they can genuinely make a difference, drive change, and leave a lasting impact, this opportunity deserves serious consideration. Apply in confidence to discuss this opportunity further.