Quality Manager

Job Title: Quality Manager

Reports to: Head of Manufacturing

Department: Manufacturing (Caledonian Optical – Kirkhill)

Main Purpose of Role

The Quality Manager ensures that products, processes, and services meet the highest standards of quality and compliance. This role involves developing and maintaining quality management systems (QMS), establishing quality control protocols, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. The Quality Manager plays a key role in achieving customer satisfaction and ensuring regulatory compliance.

Core Responsibilities

Quality Management Systems (QMS):

• Develop, implement, and maintain the organization’s QMS in compliance with ISO standards or other relevant frameworks.
• Oversee internal and external audits and ensure corrective actions are implemented effectively.
• Maintain documentation and records to ensure regulatory and operational compliance.

Quality Assurance and Control:

• Design, monitor, and improve quality control procedures across production, operations, and service delivery.
• Establish and enforce standards for raw materials, in-process production, and finished products.
• Conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective/preventive actions for defects or non-conformances.

Continuous Improvement:

• Identify opportunities for process optimization to improve product/service quality and operational efficiency.
• Lead or support Lean, Six Sigma, or other improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive innovation and quality enhancements.

Customer Satisfaction:

• Address and resolve customer complaints or quality issues promptly and effectively.
• Conduct regular customer feedback surveys and implement improvement plans based on findings.
• Ensure that customer specifications and requirements are consistently met.

Training and Leadership:

• Train and mentor staff on quality assurance protocols and best practices.
• Promote a quality-focused culture across all levels of the organization.
• Lead the Quality Department team, ensuring clear goals and professional development.

Regulatory Compliance:

• Stay updated on relevant regulatory, industry, and safety standards.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Liaise with external regulatory bodies and certification agencies.

Reporting and Analysis:

• Prepare regular reports on quality metrics, trends, and areas for improvement.
• Use data to drive decision-making and assess the effectiveness of quality initiatives.

Working Hours

Working hours are 40 hours per week.

Qualifications and Experience

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Quality Management, Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related field.
• Certifications in Quality Management Systems (e.g., ISO 9001), Lean Six Sigma, or equivalent are a plus

Experience:

• Proven experience in quality management or a similar role, preferably in [industry].
• Strong knowledge of quality assurance methodologies, tools, and standards (e.g., ISO, GMP, TQM).

Skills:

• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal abilities.
• Proficiency in quality management software, statistical tools, and MS Office.
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements specific to the industry (e.g., MHRA, OSHA).

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

• Reduction in defect rates or non-conformance incidents.
• Improvement in customer satisfaction ratings.
• Timeliness and effectiveness of corrective/preventive actions.
• Compliance with audit and regulatory standards.

Work Environment:

• Office-based with occasional travel to production or client sites.
• Will involve working in manufacturing or laboratory settings.

Other

• Maintain good working relationships with all other staff, both within the department and in the wider organisation.
• Maintain and develop good working relationships with external customers, acting as an ambassador for the Company at all times.
• Any other duties as required to assist in the smooth running of the manufacturing division.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: From £40,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Cycle to work scheme
• Employee discount
• Health & wellbeing programme
• Referral programme
• Sick pay

Work authorisation:

• United Kingdom (required)

Work Location: In person