Quality managers opportunity with this established aerospace precision engineering company.
* A hands-on Quality Manager position with real shopfloor visibility and influence
* Ownership of an AS9100-aligned Quality Management System, with autonomy to improve it
* Technical challenge across high-precision CNC machining, metal assemblies and test operations
* Strong focus on metrology, FAIR/FAI and "right-first-time" delivery
* A small, established Quality team to lead: Quality Engineer, Goods In/Out Inspector, First-Off Inspector
* Early finish every Friday (12:45) with set day shifts
The company is a specialist manufacturer providing complete manufacturing solutions to the Aerospace and Defence industries, specialising in metal structures and supporting major aerospace programmes with CNC-machined components and associated processes. Based in Watford, Hertfordshire, they reverse engineer and manufacture bespoke metal enclosures, chassis, cold plates and other liquid-cooled and sealed structures-taking products from initial design through to manufacture, processing and testing.
The role
We're looking for an experienced, hands-on Quality Manager with a strong precision engineering background to lead the Quality Management System and embed a "right-first-time" culture across CNC machining, metal assemblies and test operations. This role suits someone who enjoys being close to the process, confidently managing audits and customer requirements, and driving continuous improvement using data and technology.
Key responsibilities
* Own, maintain and continuously improve the QMS aligned to aerospace expectations (AS9100-aligned processes, traceability and controlled documentation)
* Lead internal and external audits (customers, suppliers and third-party), ensuring actions are closed effectively and on time
* Act as escalation point for quality issues: non-conformances, concessions/permits, containment, root cause (8D, 5-Why, Fishbone) and verification of effectiveness
* Oversee inspection planning and product verification, including FAIR/FAI packs and production inspection reporting
* Govern metrology capability and best practice, including effective use of CMM and inspection equipment
* Implement and monitor quality KPIs (scrap, rework, returns/escapes, OTIF impact) and drive continuous improvement with Engineering and Operations
* Manage document control and quality record retention in line with customer and regulatory expectations
* Lead supplier quality management and requirements flow-down (certification, counterfeit avoidance, sub-tier control and change management)
* Lead and develop the Quality team (Quality Engineer, Goods In/Out Inspector, First-Off Inspector), ensuring consistent standards and strong shopfloor engagement
* Drive innovation within quality through digital tools, improved traceability and data-led reporting
Required experience & skills
* Significant Quality Management experience in precision engineering or machining (ideally aerospace/defence)
* Strong working knowledge of FAIR/FAI requirements and inspection reporting
* Strong understanding of traceability and batch/lot control
* Proven non-conformance control and corrective action leadership
* Solid understanding of metrology and dimensional inspection principles
* Confident interpreting engineering drawings, GD&T and customer specifications
* Experience working to aerospace quality requirements (e.g., AS9100-aligned systems)
* Strong computer literacy and confidence using/developing quality systems and data-driven reporting
* Confident communicator with customers, auditors, suppliers and shopfloor teams
Desirable
* Lead Auditor or Internal Auditor qualification (ISO 9001/AS9100)
* Experience with complex metal assemblies, pressure/leak integrity, coatings/finishing, or test environments
* Lean/Six Sigma tools and/or formal engineering qualification (HNC/HND/Degree) or equivalent experience
Personal attributes
* Detail-focused, pragmatic and production-aware
* Structured and methodical problem-solver who drives actions through to effective closure
* High integrity and discretion with confidential aerospace data
* Visible leader on the shopfloor, coaching and setting standards
This is a permanent job with a starting salary dependant on experience. You must have current UK right to work to be considered. HRGO are a recruitment agency supporting UK manufacturing. We aim to respond to all applications.
