Build Quality Team Leader Central Quality

Cosworth Ltd; Northampton; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - GBP 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading automotive engineering company in Northampton is seeking a Build Quality Team Leader for their hypercar engine facility. This role involves leading a team of Build Quality Engineers, developing quality processes, and overseeing non-conformance management. Candidates should have leadership experience in engineering, understanding of quality systems like AS9100, and experience with APQP. Strong influencing skills and a proactive approach are essential. This is a pivotal role in ensuring high-quality production standards and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to develop a high performing team.
• Experience in assembly environment quality process development.
• Preferred experience in the powertrain industry.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Build Quality team supporting hypercar engine production.
• Develop and maintain team's KPIs aligned with business objectives.
• Manage non-conformance processes in assembly and with customers.
• Act as escalation point for quality concerns.

Skills

Leadership experience in engineering

Experience with APQP tools

Understanding of quality systems AS9100, ISO9001

Strong influencing skills

Self-starter

Education

Lean Six Sigma Green or Black Belt

Job description

Job Description

The Build Quality Team Leader is a key new position for the hypercar engine facility at Cosworth. You will lead a team of (currently 3) Build Quality Engineers supporting the production of the likes of the Gordon Murray V12 and the Bugatti-Rimac V16.

You will lead the Build Quality team in supporting hypercar engine production and resolving quality issues arising both internally and from customers with engines in the field. The role is responsible for developing and managing robust processes for new product validation (APQP/PPAP), as well as the effective management of internal and external non-conformances.

Working closely with the Engineering Quality Manager, Supplier Quality Team Leader, and Supply Department Team Leader, you will help embed a quality-focused strategy into daily production activities across hypercar and other Cosworth programmes. This includes engaging with customers where required, ensuring quality requirements are built into programme timelines, and having the freedom and support to implement new ideas, processes, and strategies to drive continuous improvement.

The Role

• Develop and maintain the team's KPIs ensuring they align to the business objectives.
• Develop along with the Quality Manager the processes for non-conformance management within the assembly facility and at customers.
• Peer review/chair reviews of assembly non-conformances and customer complaints.
• Act as first point of escalation for any quality concerns within the assembly facility or at customers.
• Manage the completion of the PPAP submissions in line with customer requirements.
• Manage team resourcing, work allocation, priorities and absences to ensure effective support to the business at all times.
• Consider the health and safety, environmental and energy impact of all activities.
• Support the Company’s compliance with the Data Protection Act 2018, following policy and best practice.

Candidate Profile

• Leadership experience in an engineering environment with a proven ability to develop a high performing team.
• Experience in the implementation of APQP tools within an assembly environment.
• Understanding of recognised quality systems AS9100, ISO9001.
• Experience in the development of quality processes.
• Strong influencing skills both with internal and external stakeholders.
• Self-starter who is proactive and self-motivated.
• Experience in the powertrain industry is preferred.
• Certified lean six sigma green or black belt is desirable.