Leading UK Manufacturing Business (SME)
Salary: £50,000 +Benefits | On‑site | Full‑time
An established, long‑standing UK manufacturer — part of a respected international group — is seeking a proactive, people‑focused Quality Manager to join its leadership team.
If you enjoy leading teams, driving high standards, and being a visible presence within an SME environment, this role offers a rare blend of autonomy, stability, and long‑term progression.
Why Join?
* A family‑feel, supportive culture with excellent retention.
* Lead the quality function within a well‑run SME while benefiting from the backing of a larger group.
* Real influence, decision‑making power, and visibility at leadership level.
* A diverse customer base across rail, construction, electrical, off‑highway and defence sectors.
* A business proud of its strong track record in quality and continuous improvement.
Your Role
As Quality Manager, you’ll lead an established team, including a Senior Quality Engineer and two Quality Inspectors. You will:
* Provide day‑to‑day leadership, coaching and development.
* Maintain and improve ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 systems.
* Lead internal and external audits as the site’s main quality representative.
* Drive quality KPIs, continuous improvement activity, and structured problem‑solving.
* Oversee PPAP submissions, 8D investigations, and quality engineering tools.
* Manage supplier quality and perform/lead supplier audits.
* Utilise and optimise the ERP system (training provided).
* Support sustainability initiatives linked to quality KPIs.
This role is fully on site — visibility and collaboration are essential.
What You’ll Bring
* Demonstrable leadership experience within a quality function.
* Background in manufacturing, ideally within component production.
* Strong exposure to PPAP, quality engineering tools, and problem‑solving techniques.
* Experience with audits — internal, external and supplier‑side.
* Comfortable using ERP systems (specific system training provided).
* A collaborative, confident approach and the ability to integrate into an established team.
Benefits
* Salary: £50,000
* Bupa healthcare (option to add family)
* Death in service: 4x salary
* 25 days holiday + bank holidays
* Pension (with future potential for salary sacrifice)
Hours
37.5 hours per week
Mon–Thu: 8:00–4:30
Fri: 8:00–12:00
(Some flexibility available)
Reporting To
Managing Director | Member of the Leadership Team
About 1492 Search
In a nutshell – We discover great people! Created with the belief that the process is just as necessary as the opportunity, we decided there was a better recruitment method. Working solely in the manufacturing and engineering industry, we work on retained projects to provide accountability for every hire we make with you. We connect candidates and hiring managers, provide in-depth project management plans and advise through up to date market research. No two hires are the same, and that’s why each project is adapted to your needs. We aim to take the stress out of the hiring process and focus on the job at hand!
We aim to reply to all applications, successful or not, within 10 working days of applying for the role. If you are not happy with the service, please feel free to give us a call or drop us an email.
1492 Ltd and its clients promote a policy of equal opportunities. Our policy is to treat job applicants and employees in the same way regardless of age, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, race, ethnic origin, religion, colour or disability
Salary description
£50000.00 - £50000.00 per year