Director of Quality

An established manufacturing organisation within the automotive supply chain is seeking an experienced Director of Quality to lead quality strategy, strengthen operational performance and drive continuous improvement across its manufacturing operations.

This is a senior leadership opportunity for a quality professional who combines strategic vision with a practical, hands-on approach. The successful candidate will work closely with manufacturing leadership, site quality teams and customers to enhance quality systems, support new product introductions and ensure consistently high standards across the business.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development, implementation and continuous improvement of quality management systems across multiple manufacturing operations.
• Define and deliver a quality strategy aligned with business objectives, operational performance and customer expectations.
• Provide leadership, guidance and support to site-based quality teams, promoting consistency, accountability and best practice.
• Oversee quality planning activities associated with new product launches, ensuring robust processes are established from initial feasibility through to production.
• Act as a senior point of contact for customer quality matters, coordinating investigations, corrective actions and long-term solutions.
• Drive the effective resolution of internal and external quality issues using structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Monitor key quality performance indicators, identify improvement opportunities and deliver measurable year-on-year progress.
• Support cross-functional teams through product and process reviews, launch milestones and production readiness assessments.
• Ensure compliance with relevant quality standards and customer-specific requirements, supporting internal, external and customer audits.
• Assess departmental capabilities and develop training and improvement initiatives to strengthen technical expertise and problem-solving effectiveness.
• Review existing processes, identify inefficiencies and implement improvements that enhance the effectiveness of quality operations.
• Foster a proactive quality culture through visible leadership, shop-floor engagement and collaboration with manufacturing teams.

About You

You will be an accomplished quality leader with substantial experience in manufacturing, ideally within the automotive sector. You will be comfortable operating at both strategic and operational levels, influencing senior stakeholders while remaining closely connected to manufacturing activities.

You will bring:

• Significant experience in manufacturing, including leadership or management responsibility.
• A strong track record in quality management and continuous improvement within an automotive or similarly demanding manufacturing environment.
• In-depth knowledge of core quality tools, including APQP, PPAP, FMEA, Control Plans, Measurement Systems Analysis (MSA) and Statistical Process Control (SPC).
• Strong technical understanding of GD&T, gauge measurement techniques, Gauge R&R and in-process inspection.
• Proven experience in structured problem-solving, root cause analysis and corrective and preventive action.
• Experience supporting product launches, production readiness, process validation and customer quality requirements.
• The ability to develop teams, influence stakeholders and drive performance improvements across manufacturing operations.
• Excellent communication, organisational and interpersonal skills.
• A detail-focused, analytical and pragmatic approach, with the ability to work independently and manage competing priorities.

Qualifications

A degree in engineering or a related technical discipline is desirable, although equivalent practical experience will also be considered.

A Six Sigma Black Belt qualification would be advantageous.

The Ideal Candidate

The successful individual will be a confident and credible leader who can translate quality strategy into practical results. They will combine strong technical expertise with a collaborative leadership style, taking ownership of challenges and building a culture of continuous improvement throughout the organisation.

Interested?

If you are an experienced manufacturing quality professional looking for a senior leadership opportunity where you can influence quality performance and drive meaningful operational improvements, we would welcome a confidential conversation.

Please get in touch to discuss the opportunity in more detail.