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Lead Plant Quality Engineer
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Lead Plant Quality Engineer
Lead Plant Quality Engineer
Company
Autoscan UK Limited
A leading provider of quality assurance and inspection services to the automotive industry. With years of experience and a commitment to excellence, Autoscan UK partners with top automotive manufacturers to ensure the highest standards of quality and safety.
Role Summary
We are seeking a truly Lead Plant Quality Engineer to head our Plant Quality Engineering team. The ideal candidate will drive a proactive quality culture across manufacturing operations through technical guidance, coaching, and performance development.
Key Responsibilities
Quality Leadership & Process Improvement
- Ensure manufacturing processes consistently deliver safety, quality, and customer requisites
- Support production teams through daily reviews
- Manage escalations and present performance updates to senior management
- Contribute to strategic planning by identifying cross-functional opportunities
- Lead New Product Introduction (NPI) activities to embed quality from initial launch
- Collaborate with Supplier Quality to resolve external bottlenecks
- Respond to customer warranty and quality concerns
Compliance & Quality Standards
- Maintain compliance with ISO 9001 while implementing automotive quality standards
- Implement continuous improvement initiatives through methodologies like 8D, A3, 5 Why, Ishikawa, and DMAIC
- Lead Full CAPA (Corrective/Preventive Action Process) from containment to validation
- Drive Layered Process Audits (LPA) and internal manufacturing reviews
- Ensure adherence to premium industry quality protocols
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Technical Execution & Documentation
- Develop and update critical quality documentation, including:
- Process Control Plans
- PFMEAs (Failure Mode & Effects Analysis)
- Inspection/PCT Standards
- Validate manufacturing processes through statistical tools: Capability Studies (Cp/Cpk), MSA (Measurement System Analysis), and PPAP compliant work
- Monitor manufacturing performance using KPIs & statistical analysis
- Identify ways to reduce defects, increase first-time-through yields, and minimise the cost of poor quality
Requirements
Essential Criteria
- Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality Engineering, or a related discipline
- Significant on-the-job experience in manufacturing quality engineering across automotive, motorcycle, aerospace, or high-value engineering industries
- Prior experience leading or mentoring quality engineering teams (e.g., head of function or transformational projects)
- Strong technical knowledge of core manufacturing processes: machining, assembly, fabrication, and paint
- Proven track record using structured problem-solving techniques:
- 8D, 5 Why, Ishikawa Diagrams, FMEA, Control plans, Statistical Process Control (SPC), MSA, and PPAP principles
- Competence conducting product and process audits (supply chain & internal)
- Analytical skills with ability to interpret manufacturing data and draw actionable insights
- Support for New Product Introduction (NPI) activities
- Exceptional communication skills with experience influencing cross-functional teams
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Desirable Qualifications
- Lead Auditor qualification (e.g., ISO 9001, Automotive or Environmental)
- Six Sigma Green/Black Belt certification
- In-depth knowledge of IATF 16949 core tools to embed customer requirements
- Experience specifically in premium automotive or motorcycle manufacturing
- Familiarity with digital quality and Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES)
Legal Considerations
- Valid right to work in the UK (no visa sponsorship available)
- Required to complete a standard DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service) check
Absolutely NOT Accepted
- Speculative CV submissions from recruitment agencies
Benefits
- Competitive pay: £38–£40 per hour (Limited Company Contract)
- State-of-the-art facility with modern precision equipment
- Family-friendly working hours, supporting work-life balance
- Free & secure on-site car parking
- Collaborative team-based culture with opportunities for professional development
Company Culture
Autoscan UK Limited consistently invests in an inclusive environment where diversity and merit align. Apply with confidence as we celebrate talent from all backgrounds.
Forces Friendly Employer We warmly welcome applicants from the Armed Forces community.
Next Steps
- Visit our careers page for detailed descriptions
- For immediate enquiries, contact: a.munro@autoscan.co.uk
Centre of excellence in quality assurance & inspection for automotive, aerospace and manufacturing excellence.
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