Head of Quality

MERITUS are recruiting for a Head of Quality to join a well-established precision engineering business supporting complex manufacturing programmes across the aerospace, defence, nuclear and advanced engineering sectors.

This is a permanent opportunity for an experienced quality leader to shape and develop the Quality function, driving continuous improvement across a specialist manufacturing environment while working closely with engineering, operations, suppliers and customers.

HEAD OF QUALITY - £55,000 - £65,000 - PERMANENT - STOCKPORT - PRECISION ENGINEERING - AEROSPACE / DEFENCE / NUCLEAR / MRO

Reporting to the Managing Director, you'll lead the Quality function, taking ownership of the Quality Management System while ensuring products and processes consistently meet customer, regulatory and industry standards.

You'll work across the full product lifecycle, from new product introduction through to production, supplier quality, customer engagement and continuous improvement, while leading and developing the Quality team.

• Lead and continuously improve the Quality Management System (QMS).
• Manage internal, customer and certification audits.
• Support New Product Introduction, process capability and first article inspections.
• Drive supplier quality, performance improvement and corrective actions.
• Lead root cause analysis and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ensure robust inspection, calibration and product traceability processes.
• Act as the primary quality contact for customers and key stakeholders.
• Mentor and develop the Quality team while promoting a culture of quality across the business.

We're looking for an experienced Quality Manager, Head of Quality, Quality Lead, Quality Assurance Manager or Senior Quality Engineer with experience in a regulated manufacturing environment.

You'll ideally have experience within aerospace, defence, nuclear, automotive, precision engineering or advanced manufacturing and be confident leading quality strategy while remaining hands-on when required.

You'll bring:

• Experience managing Quality Management Systems and quality governance.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing quality, inspection and process control.
• Experience leading internal and external audits.
• Supplier quality and customer-facing experience.
• A track record of driving continuous improvement and structured problem solving.
• Degree (or equivalent experience) in Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality or a related discipline.
• Auditor qualification or formal quality training would be advantageous.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a respected engineering business where you'll have genuine influence over quality strategy, operational improvement and long-term business performance.