Your new company

Hays are working with an established Manufacturing business who are looking for someone as a Lead Quality Engineer to oversee product compliance across a diverse range of industries. This role involves working closely with manufacturing customers and supply chain partners to guide products from concept through to production. You will ensure quality standards are met using engineering drawings, customer specifications, and international standards, while driving continuous improvement.

Your new role

Your responsibilities involve:

• Lead quality engineering initiatives, delivering project success and continuous improvement through hands-on involvement and team leadership.
• Review and validate sales enquiries to determine optimal supply routes and identify potential design or process issues.
• Respond to technical queries from suppliers and customers by interpreting drawings and specifications.
• Manage manufacturing projects, including tooling, sample provision, and transitioning projects into production.
• Coordinate project handovers to Operations and Finance, ensuring smooth transitions and ongoing issue resolution.
• Oversee sample submissions, including inspection reports, documentation, and physical evaluations.
• Communicate findings and coordinate corrective actions.
• Provide technical, quality, and commercial support to internal and external stakeholders.
• Lead incoming goods inspection and manage non-conformance issues in collaboration with Sales and Operations.
• Act as the primary contact for customer complaints, ensuring efficient and cost-effective resolutions.
• Support supplier evaluation and quality development in both the UK and China.
• Manage rework processes and ensure repairs meet customer expectations and quality standard.
• Provide engineering support to customers, internal teams, and supply partners as needed.

What you'll need to succeed

• Strong knowledge of metal cutting, forming, casting, and moulding processes.
• Proficient in quality management systems and tools: 8D, 5 Whys, FMEA, SPC, PPAP, gauge R&R.
• Expert in interpreting engineering drawings, including GD&T, and producing ISIRs.
• Excellent communication skills, capable of conveying technical information to diverse audiences.
• Experience representing the business in customer and supplier meetings.
• Proven ability to resolve and close out quality issues effectively.
• Willingness to travel internationally and work across cultures.
• Strong leadership and collaboration skills within multi-disciplinary teams.
• Ability to manage and prioritize a demanding workload.
• Commitment to personal and professional growth.

What you need to do now

If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.

If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.