Quality Manager

Jackson Hogg have partnered with an industry leading manufacturing business in the Newcastle area, on a Quality Manager position, reporting directly to the Quality Director. This is a hands–on leadership role requiring a strong technical quality background, exceptional auditing capability, and the ability to influence quality standards across the entire operation. Quality Manager Responsibilities Lead and manage the site Quality Management System (QMS) and ensure compliance with IATF 16949 requirements. Manage and coordinate all external certification audits, customer audits and supplier audits. Act as the primary quality representative during customer visits and quality–related meetings. Maintain quality policies, procedures, standards and documentation across the business. Drive standardisation and continuous improvement initiatives in line with organisational quality objectives. Oversee product approval documentation, control plans, PFMEA activities, PPAP submissions and validation processes. Manage approved supplier performance, supplier development activities and supplier re–approval programmes. Lead root cause investigations using structured problem–solving methodologies including 8D. Generate and present monthly quality reports, capability studies and strategic quality performance reviews. Analyse manufacturing and trial data to support business decisions and process improvements. Manage Statistical Process Control (SPC), Process Capability (CPK/PPK), Measurement Systems Analysis (MSA) and Gauge R&R activities. Ensure laboratory testing systems, calibration programmes and quality control activities remain fully compliant and effective. Lead quality improvement projects using Lean Six Sigma methodologies. Manage departmental 5S standards and support wider operational excellence initiatives. Provide guidance and support to process owners across the manufacturing operation. Lead and develop the quality team through coaching, training and performance management. Conduct performance reviews and development planning for direct reports. Support strategic business reviews and present quality performance information to senior leadership. Quality Manager Requirements IATF 16949 Lead Auditor qualification.(Desirable) Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification. (Desirable) Experience within an automotive manufacturing or similarly demanding production environment. Proven experience in a Quality Manager or senior quality leadership role. Strong knowledge of Quality Assurance and Quality Control principles. Experience managing and maintaining IATF–compliant quality systems. Demonstrable success leading customer, supplier and third–party audits. Excellent communication skills with the ability to present complex technical information to both operational and senior leadership teams. Strong analytical, organisational and problem–solving abilities. Desirable VDA 6.3 Lead Auditor qualification. Chartered Quality Institute (CQI) membership.