Quality Manager

Title:                            Quality Manager  

Reports to:                Operations Manager

Location:                    Droitwich Spa - Fulltime - Onsite 

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.

This role, the Quality Manager is responsible for leading and developing the site's Quality Management System (QMS), ensuring compliance with customer, regulatory, and business requirements. The role drives a culture of quality excellence, continuous improvement, and operational effectiveness across all manufacturing and support functions. The Site Quality Manager works closely with Production, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Customer Service teams to improve product quality, reduce defects, enhance customer satisfaction, and support business growth.

Key Accountabilities

Quality Management System Leadership

• Lead and maintain the site's Quality Management System in accordance with ISO 9001 and applicable industry standards.
• Ensure compliance with customer, statutory, regulatory, and company quality requirements.
• Manage internal and external audits, including customer audits and third-party certification audits.
• Develop, monitor, and report quality objectives and key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Maintain document control, non-conformance management, and corrective action processes.

Operational Quality Management

• Lead the resolution of quality issues arising from manufacturing operations, suppliers, and customers.
• Ensure robust root cause analysis and implementation of effective corrective and preventive actions.
• Drive improvements in product quality, process capability, first-pass yield, and overall manufacturing performance.
• Support production teams in establishing and maintaining quality standards throughout the manufacturing process.
• Oversee inspection, testing, calibration, and product release activities.

Customer Quality and Compliance

• Serve as the primary point of contact for customer quality concerns and escalations.
• Lead investigations into customer complaints and warranty issues, ensuring timely resolution and effective communication.
• Monitor customer quality performance and develop improvement plans to enhance customer satisfaction.
• Support customer audits, quality reviews, and new product introductions.
• Ensure compliance with applicable industry regulations, standards, and customer-specific requirements.

Leadership and Team Development

• Lead, coach, and develop the site quality team to achieve business and departmental objectives.
• Foster a culture of accountability, quality ownership, and continuous improvement throughout the organization.
• Provide quality-related training, guidance, and support to cross-functional teams.
• Promote employee engagement and encourage proactive problem-solving and quality awareness.

Continuous Improvement

• Champion continuous improvement initiatives utilizing Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other quality methodologies.
• Facilitate quality improvement projects aimed at reducing waste, defects, rework, and customer complaints.
• Analyze quality performance data and identify opportunities for process optimization.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Supply Chain, and Operations teams to drive sustainable improvements across the business.

What We’re Looking For

To thrive in this role, you should bring:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality Management, Manufacturing, or a related discipline.
• Significant experience in a Quality Management leadership role within a manufacturing or engineered products environment.
• Strong working knowledge of Quality Management Systems, particularly ISO 9001.
• Demonstrated experience leading internal, external, and customer audits.
• Proven leadership skills with experience managing and developing quality teams.
• Strong understanding of root cause analysis methodologies and corrective action processes.
• Experience with quality tools and methodologies including 8D, FMEA, APQP, SPC, MSA, and Lean Manufacturing principles.
• Ability to analyse complex data, identify trends, and implement effective improvement actions.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong problem-solving, organizational, and project management capabilities.

Desirable

• Certified Lead Auditor qualification.
• Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
• Experience within HVAC, fluid technology, pressure equipment, or engineered products manufacturing.
• Knowledge of welding, fabrication, machining, assembly, and testing processes.
• Familiarity with Pressure Equipment Directive (PED) requirements and related quality standards.
• Experience managing customer quality requirements in an international manufacturing environment.

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.