MBDA
Quality Improvement & Capability Manager
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Head of Product Excellence (Quality) – Bolton, UK
Salary: Circa £60,000 (dependent on experience) Location: Hybrid (3 days on-site)
We are seeking a strategic architect for Product Excellence reporting to our UK Head of Excellence, focused on ensuring mission-critical technology is "designed for excellence" from design to production. This is an exciting opportunity for a mentor, coach, and facilitator who can bridge design intent and world-class manufacturing.
Security Requirements
- Required: British Citizen or Dual UK national with British citizenship.
- Screening: All candidates must undergo HMG Basic Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) checks post-offer.
About the Role
Operating within our Quality Excellence function, you will:
- Lead a shift toward a "right-first-time" culture across the organisation.
- Utilise FMEA (Failure Mode and Effects Analysis) and DMAIC (Define-Measure-Analyse-Improve-Control) methodologies to empower teams.
- Own the Product Risk Mitigation strategy, ensuring zero-defect product launches.
- Champion lean manufacturing principles to improve cross-functional collaboration.
Key Responsibilities
Risk Mitigation & Design Integration
- Support APQP (Advanced Product Quality Planning) workshops to embed DFMEA (Design FMEA) and PFMEA (Process FMEA) best practices early in the lifecycle.
- Bridge the gap between "Special Characteristics" and Control Plans, ensuring sealed processes from design to shop floor.
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Product Transfer & Operational Excellence
- Guide high-visibility projects through risk assessment and control plan development.
- Partner with engineering/manufacturing teams to transfer Severity ratings and prioritised risk mitigation.
Continuous Improvement & Coaching
- Mentor teams on DMAIC cycles and data-driven decision-making to stabilise production and improve yields.
- Streamline Root Cause Analysis (RCA) processes using 8D/5-Why to embedded prevention.
- Ensure that FMEAs and Control Plans remain "living documents" updated with lessons learned.
Standards Compliance & Audit Leadership
- Act as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) for risk-related audits, meeting EN9100 / ISO 9001 standards.
- Facilitate APT (Action Priority Technique) to prioritise high-risk engineering changes and validations.
Qualifications & Experience
- 5+ years in a critical, regulated environment (Aerospace, Defence, or Automotive).
- Engineering background (HNC/HND above) with expertise in mechatronics/electronics manufacturing.
- Standards Knowledge: EN9100 / ISO 9001; preference for AIAG/VDA FMEA Handbook or SAE J1739.
- DFMEA / DFx Protocols: Experience designing out failure through ECR (Engineering Change Request) and operationalisation.
- Problem-Solving & Tools:
- RCA (Root Cause Analytics) via (8D, 5-Why).
- FMEA software (e.g., APIS IQ-FMEA, Relyence).
- Lean & Six Sigma: Certified Black Belt preferred with proven DMAIC experience.
- Influencing & Facilitation: Ability to foster "Quality First" thinking by coaching teams across functions.
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What We Offer
- Company Bonus: Up to 21% of base salary.
- Pension – Up to 14% total contribution.
- Flexible Working: Support for hybrid/remote arrangements.
- Enhanced Parental Leave – 26 weeks maternity/adoption + enhancements for shared parental, paternity, neonatal, and fertility support.
- On-site Facilities: Subsidised meals, free car parking.
- Health & Wellbeing:
- Healthcare Cash Plan (covers optical, dental, and wellness).
- Private Medical Insurance included for all eligible staff.
Our Company (MBDA)
"Peace is not a given. Freedom is not a given. Sovereignty is not a given. At MBDA, we accommodate the freedoms and sovereignty of our nations' armed forces through innovation."
We’re a defence leader working with governments to uphold security, freedom, and sovereignty—supporting our Armed Forces and the whole of the UK. A culture built around inclusion: employee-led networks including:
- Gender Equality
- Pride & Menopause Matters
- Parental & Carers Support
- Neurodiversity, Disability & Ethnic Diversity. We encourage you to speak to us if you need adjustments or support.
Join us. Follow us on LinkedIn, X (Twitter), or visit Careers@MBDA for more opportunities.
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