Lead Quality Inspector

Title:                       Lead Quality Inspector

Reports to:           Quality Manager  

Imagine working at the forefront of innovation in fluid-flow technology, with over 1400 colleagues across the globe, and contributing to a legacy of excellence that spans eight manufacturing facilities on four continents. Armstrong Fluid Technology is more than just a leader in our industry; we are a community of the brightest and most creative minds, driven by a shared mission to engineer the future and safeguard our planet.

As a member of our team, you'll dive into an environment that encourages learning and boundary-pushing every day. You'll be part of an agile and dynamic workplace where today's solutions are built for tomorrow's challenges.

In this role, the Lead Quality Inspector will combine hands-on inspection activities with responsibility for leading and coordinating the day-to-day activities of the Quality Inspector team. The role will ensure inspection priorities are effectively managed, standards are applied consistently and quality issues are identified, escalated and resolved effectively.

Key Accountabilities

Product Inspection and Testing

• Strong ability to read, understand, and interpret dimensional engineering drawings, including GD&T, ensuring components meet exact specifications.
• Proven capability in using precision inspection and measurement equipment (e.g., Vernier callipers, micrometres, gauges, CMMs, FARO), with the ability to interpret and act upon measurement results accurately.
• Provide technical guidance and support to Quality Inspectors on complex drawings, inspection requirements, measurement techniques and interpretation of results.
• Foundational knowledge of quality technician practices, including root cause analysis, corrective and preventive action (CAPA), calibration processes, and support of continuous improvement initiatives.
• Conduct thorough inspections of incoming raw materials, in-process items, and finished products, ensuring compliance to Engineering print & Engineering Standards.
• Document inspection results, highlighting any deviations from specifications and communicating findings to relevant teams for corrective action.
• Review and support the resolution of complex or recurring inspection issues, escalating significant quality concerns to the Quality Engineering Lead where required.

Team Leadership & Coordination

• Accurately Lead the day-to-day activities of the Quality Inspector team, providing clear direction, support and guidance.
• Allocate and prioritise inspection activities in line with production requirements, customer priorities and business needs.
• Monitor workload across the inspection team and ensure appropriate coverage of incoming, in-process and final inspection activities.
• Coach and develop Quality Inspectors to build technical capability, consistency and confidence within the team.
• Support the training and onboarding of new Quality Inspectors, ensuring they are competent in relevant inspection processes, equipment and standards.
• Promote consistent working practices and ensure inspection procedures and quality standards are understood and followed across the team.
• Provide feedback to the Quality Engineering Lead regarding team performance, capability, training requirements and resource needs.

Quality Assurance Documentation

• Accurately complete and maintain detailed records of inspection results, non-conformance reports, and other quality documentation.
• Collaborate with the quality team to revise and update inspection protocols and procedures as needed.
• Ensure Quality Inspectors maintain accurate, timely and consistent inspection records and quality documentation.
• Support the review and development of inspection plans, work instructions and standardised inspection practices.

Collaboration and Problem-Solving

• Work closely with production teams to identify and resolve quality issues in real-time, ensuring minimal disruption to workflow.
• Participate in team meetings to provide feedback and insights related to quality control processes and contribute to root cause analysis for recurring issues.
• Act as the first point of escalation for day-to-day inspection and product quality concerns, working cross-functionally with Production, Engineering and Quality colleagues to support effective resolution.
• Support root cause investigation and corrective action activities relating to product and process non-conformances.
• Promote a proactive approach to quality, encouraging issues to be identified and addressed at source rather than solely through final inspection

Compliance and Standards Adherence

• Maintain oversight of inspection activities to ensure compliance with company, industry, and international standards (e.g., ISO 9001) during all inspection processes.
• Assist in the preparation for and participation in internal and external audits.
• Ensure inspection equipment is appropriately controlled, calibrated and used correctly across the team.
• Support the Quality Engineering Lead in maintaining effective quality controls and addressing any gaps identified through audits, non-conformances or internal reviews.

Continuous Improvement

• Recommend improvements to processes and procedures to enhance overall product quality.
• Lead and support continuous improvement activity within the inspection function, identifying opportunities to improve quality, reduce defects and improve inspection efficiency.
• Use inspection findings, non-conformance trends and recurring issues to identify opportunities for preventative action.
• Encourage Quality Inspectors to actively contribute ideas and learning to improve quality performance.

Health & Safety

• Follow and enforce health and safety protocols within the inspection area to maintain a safe working environment.
• Report any potential safety hazards to the HSE Manager.
• Promote a strong health and safety culture within the inspection team and ensure safe working practices are consistently followed.

What We are Looking For

To thrive in this role, you should bring:

Education & Experience

• Level 3 qualification in either BTEC, NVQ or A levels in engineering, manufacturing and mechanical or electrical disciplines
• Substantial experience in quality assurance within a manufacturing or engineering environment
• Demonstrable experience in a senior, lead or highly experienced Quality Inspector role, with the ability to provide technical leadership and guidance to others.
• Experience coordinating workloads, setting priorities and supporting the development of team members.
• Qualified Internal Auditor certification (ISO 9001)
• Strong understanding of ISO 9001, with experience in ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 being advantageous
• Experience with HVAC systems and/or controls systems (desirable)

Technical Skills

• Ability to read, understand, and interpret dimensional engineering drawings, including GD&T, ensuring components meet exact specifications
• Experience with inspection tools (calipers, micrometers, gauges, etc)
• Strong IT skills, including producing high-standard documentation, data analysis, and report generation
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite

Soft Skills

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, ability to effectively share information with colleagues
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to coach, support and motivate others.
• Strong organisational and prioritisation skills, with the ability to manage competing inspection and production demands.

Why Armstrong Fluid Technology?

By joining us, you’ll become part of a global community dedicated to pushing the boundaries of fluid-flow technology. You’ll have endless opportunities to learn, grow, and make a significant impact on the world. Together, we'll build tomorrow’s solutions today.