Quality Assurance Coach

About Barhale

Who are Barhale?

Barhale is a business founded on family values, having been established by our Chairman, Dennis Curran, in 1980. We are one of the largest privately owned civil engineering and infrastructure specialists in the UK, with over 40 years of experience in providing design, civil engineering and maintenance services working across multiple sectors, including:

• Water
• Transport
• Built environment
• Energy

We operate as a tier one partner for blue chip, regulated and private clients, working as part of large frameworks, joint ventures and alliances, as well as on individual standalone projects, developing long-term relationships based on delivering to the Barhale values which have been integral to our business since their inception in 1985.

Our direct delivery model is at the core of everything we do, as we believe that people are our greatest asset. Therefore, we robustly source, train and retain all our own frontline delivery teams as well as management and support services. We employ over 1,200 employees nationwide.

We possess a range of specialist skills to support our civil engineering and infrastructure activities, including:

• Tunnelling
• MEICA
• Temporary and permanent design
• Steel-fabrication
• Signs (design and fabrication)
• Health & safety equipment and products, including PPE

Why join Barhale?

• As Gold Investors in People, we are committed to a high standard of people practices, creating an inclusive environment and ensuring cultural alignment to business strategy, ethos and philosophies.
• Job security, long-term secured work through various frameworks and large infrastructure schemes
• A broad range of civil engineering, mechanical and electrical schemes across some of the UK’s largest infrastructure projects and clients
• Strong career progression as demonstrated by our track record in promoting from within, as we believe this is a key driver of our success

Quality Assurance Coach

The Role

The role of a Quality Assurance Coach is to support and champion our operational Project Teams and Black Hat Supervisors in delivering projects to the highest quality standards.

Reporting across the region, you will provide coaching, mentoring, and practical guidance to ensure quality requirements are understood and effectively implemented throughout the project lifecycle, particularly during delivery and close-out phases. Through regular inspections, site visits, and one-to-one engagement, you will help teams to deliver right-first-time outcomes, reduce defects, rework and identify and address quality risks while promoting a culture of continuous improvement.

Working closely with the Central Quality Function, you will support quality investigations, drive corrective actions, ensure compliance with ISO 9001 and client requirements, and lead initiatives that improve project quality performance and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

Quality coaching and leadership

• Coach and support Project Managers, Site Managers, Engineers, Supervisors, and operatives in the application of quality management processes

• Promote a culture of "Build it Right First Time" across all stages of project delivery
• Deliver quality briefings, workshops, toolbox talks, and lessons learned sessions
• Develop quality awareness and competence throughout project delivery teams
• Act as a trusted advisor on quality requirements, standards, and expectations

Assurance and compliance

• Undertake planned quality assurance reviews, inspections, and surveillance activities across projects and frameworks
• Verify compliance with project specifications, contract requirements, Inspection & Test Plans (ITPs), Works Information, and relevant industry standards
• Monitor adherence to company Integrated Management Systems and ISO 9001 requirements and client specifications and standards
• Support project teams in developing and implementing Inspection and Test Plans (ITPs), Quality Plans, Roles and Responsibilities, and associated documentation
• Review quality records and documentation to ensure completeness, accuracy, and traceability

• Assess the effectiveness of project quality controls and identify opportunities for improvement

Non-conforming product management

• Support the investigation of quality issues, defects, complaints, and non-conforming products (NCP)
• Guide project teams to identify corrective and preventative actions, or Non-Conforming Products
• Monitor action completion and verify effectiveness of improvements implemented
• Identify recurring trends and support organisational learning initiatives

Continuous improvement

• Analyse quality performance data and audit and inspection findings to identify improvement opportunities
• Share lessons learned and best practices across business units and project teams
• Support development and implementation of quality improvement plans
• Contribute to the review and enhancement of quality procedures, standards, and assurance processes
• Support the production of Quality Alerts following quality-related incidents and poor-quality standards identified on-site
• Support the production of Quality Best Practice Bulletins and communicate to the Region on a quarterly frequency

Stakeholder engagement

• Build strong working relationships with clients, project teams, designers, subcontractors, suppliers, and delivery partners
• Support project teams during client, Quality Assurance Reviews and Audits
• Act as an ambassador for quality excellence throughout the organisation
• Collaborate with Health, Safety, Environment, and Operational teams to ensure integrated compliance and performance, and achievement of quality objectives
• Promote a positive quality culture throughout the business

Governance and reporting

• Produce clear inspection, and assurance reports with practical recommendations
• Monitor project quality performance against key metrics and objectives
• Provide regular feedback to Central Quality function, and operational leadership teams
• Support management reviews and reporting requirements

About you

Essential

• Proven experience within civil engineering, infrastructure, utilities, highways, rail, water, energy, or major projects
• Strong understanding of construction quality assurance and quality control processes
• Knowledge of ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems
• Experience undertaking audits, inspections, and assurance activities
• Understanding of Inspection & Test Plans (ITPs), quality documentation, and project records
• Excellent coaching, facilitation, and influencing skills, including Ability to challenge constructively and drive positive behavioural change
• Ability to work independently across multiple projects and locations
• Ability to analyse trends and identify improvement opportunities
• Strong report writing and communication skills
• Full UK driving licence

Desirable

• Lead Auditor or Internal Auditor qualification
• Membership of CQI, ICE, CIHT, or similar professional body
• HNC/HND or Degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or related discipline
• Experience working on National Highways, water, rail, utilities, or major infrastructure frameworks
• Root Cause Analysis and Continuous Improvement training
• Knowledge of ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 management systems

Caring and investing in you

Our values have been embedded at Barhale for over 40 years, and they are our guiding principles regarding how we care and invest in people.  Our values are our commitment to being a people-centric company.

As a Gold Investors in People company and a Sunday Times 100 Best Company to Work For, we are committed to investing in people. We are passionate about creating a working environment where people are supported throughout their careers, where people can enjoy security and be part of a company that cares about them.

From the moment you join us, your well-being and career aspirations will be supported by.

• Competitive salary
• Company Pension
• Life Assurance
• Private Medical
• 25 days of annual leave in addition to 8 public bank holidays and loyalty days
• 8 hours volunteering
• Employee Assistance Programme to support your mental, physiological and financial wellbeing
• Flexible benefits via salary sacrifice
• Company car/green car scheme/car allowance/Van (dependent on position)
• Leadership & management training and coaching
• Regular line management engagement and appraisal to support your career progression
• Development supported by internal and externally delivered training
• Continuous service awards