Head of Quality
Location: Leominster, Herefordshire
Salary: £70,000–£85,000 per annum, depending on experience
Job Type: Permanent, interim and interim-to-permanent options also considered
Relocation: Support of up to £8,000, subject to approval
The Opportunity
5S Recruitment Limited is recruiting a Head of Quality for a specialist engineering and manufacturing business in Leominster, Herefordshire.
Supplying complex, high-value products and integrated systems into defence, aerospace, communications and other technically demanding markets, the business is experiencing growing international demand and increasing product complexity.
This senior leadership appointment offers the opportunity to shape the quality function, establish a clear quality strategy and drive improvements across engineering, manufacturing and wider business operations.
The role will suit an experienced quality leader who combines technical expertise with commercial awareness and the ability to bring people with them through change.
The Role
As Head of Quality, you will join the business unit’s senior leadership team and take ownership of quality strategy, standards, processes and performance.
Key priorities include strengthening ISO 9001 arrangements, supporting the subsequent introduction of AS9100 and embedding a consistent, preventative approach to quality throughout the organisation.
Your responsibilities will include:
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Developing and implementing a quality strategy that supports business growth and increasingly complex customer requirements.
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Leading the development and transformation of the quality function.
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Taking ownership of quality management systems, standards and performance across the business unit.
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Establishing and strengthening ISO 9001 arrangements.
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Supporting the subsequent introduction of AS9100 aerospace quality standards.
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Embedding quality throughout engineering, manufacturing and wider business processes.
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Developing a preventative approach that identifies and addresses quality risks earlier.
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Working collaboratively with engineering and operational leaders to deliver sustainable improvements.
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Influencing senior stakeholders and building shared accountability for quality.
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Leading cultural change through clear communication, technical credibility and practical support.
About You
You will have substantial quality leadership experience within a technically demanding engineering or manufacturing environment, with evidence of improving systems, influencing stakeholders and delivering organisational change.
You may currently be a Head of Quality, Quality Director, Group Quality Manager or Senior Quality Manager. Experienced Quality Managers with business-wide responsibility and the capability to operate at senior leadership level are also encouraged to apply.
You should demonstrate:
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A track record of leading a quality function within complex manufacturing.
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Senior responsibility for quality systems, strategy and performance.
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Strong knowledge of ISO 9001, supported by practical implementation or improvement experience.
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Experience embedding quality across engineering and manufacturing activities.
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The ability to influence senior management and work effectively across operational functions.
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Examples of quality transformation, systems development or significant business improvement.
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Commercial awareness, sound judgement and a practical approach to solving problems.
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Strong communication skills and a collaborative leadership style.
Relevant backgrounds include aerospace, aviation, defence, automotive, precision engineering, electronics manufacturing and other technically demanding manufacturing sectors.
AS9100 experience would be particularly valuable. Candidates with strong ISO 9001 leadership experience and credible transferable expertise will also be considered.
Leadership and Culture
The business has an experienced, technically knowledgeable workforce. Success will depend on understanding that expertise, building trust and gaining support for new approaches.
You will need to challenge constructively, explain the purpose behind change and work with colleagues to make improvements sustainable.
This opportunity will appeal to someone who enjoys setting direction while remaining closely involved in delivery, with the confidence to influence at senior level and the judgement to adapt their approach to the people and priorities around them.
Salary and Working Arrangements
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£70,000–£85,000 per annum, depending on experience.
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Relocation support of up to £8,000, subject to individual circumstances and approval.
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Based in Leominster, Herefordshire.
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Approximately four days per week on-site during the first six months.
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Potential to reduce to a minimum of three days per week on-site thereafter.
A significant on-site presence is important, particularly during the initial period. Candidates should be comfortable commuting, staying locally during the week or relocating.
Interim and Interim-to-Permanent Options
Applications are also welcomed from experienced interim quality leaders.
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Initial six-month contract.
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Inside IR35.
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Rates considered according to experience, suitability and ability to deliver.
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The same leadership responsibilities and on-site expectations apply.
Interim candidates should confirm their availability, rate expectations and whether travel and accommodation costs are included or would be additional.
How to Apply
To apply for this Head of Quality opportunity, please submit your current CV, highlighting relevant quality leadership, systems implementation and transformation experience.
During the initial discussion, we will explore:
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The scale and complexity of your previous responsibilities.
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Examples of quality improvements and the results achieved.
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Your approach to stakeholder influence and organisational change.
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Salary or day-rate expectations.
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Notice period or availability.
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Your ability to meet the on-site requirements in Leominster.
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Any relocation, travel or accommodation requirements.
About 5S Recruitment Limited
5S Recruitment Limited specialises in engineering, manufacturing and plastics recruitment. With 17 years of specialist recruitment experience, we take a consultative approach to understanding each vacancy and the experience, motivations and priorities of the candidates we represent.