Mechanical Quality Inspection Manager

HR GO Driving; Leatherhead; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A respected precision engineering company in Leatherhead is seeking a proactive Chief Inspector/Quality Manager to ensure robust quality control. The successful candidate will take ownership of all inspection activities, optimize quality management systems, and manage third-party audits. A substantial background in engineering quality management is required, alongside a strong understanding of relevant standards like AS9100 and ISO 9001. The role includes competitive salary, company benefits, and opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Company pension scheme

Life assurance

Bonus scheme

5 weeks annual leave plus bank holidays

Qualifications

• Substantial experience in quality management or inspection roles.
• Strong knowledge of AS9100 and ISO 9001 quality standards.
• Proven track record in managing audits.

Responsibilities

• Manage all inspection activities and ensure robust quality control.
• Develop and optimize CMM programs.
• Conduct first-off inspections and drive corrective actions.

Skills

Quality management

Audit management

CMM programming

Process improvement

Root cause analysis

Job description

Chief Inspector/Quality manager – Opportunity for a proactive Quality Control Inspector/Manager to join a long‑established and respected precision engineering business. The company manufactures complex machined components for blue‑chip customers in the Oil & Gas, Nuclear, Automotive and Aerospace industries. This role may be a chief inspector or include quality system and management responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Take ownership of all inspection activity, ensuring robust incoming, in‑process and final inspection of components.
• Develop, load, review and optimise CMM programmes.
• Conduct first‑off inspections and prepare first article inspection (FAI) reports.
• Highlight non‑conformance’s, investigate root causes and drive corrective and continuous improvement actions.
• Collaborate closely with production and engineering teams to embed quality at every stage of manufacture.
• Administer and improve the Quality Management System (QMS) to meet AS9100, ISO 9001 and relevant aerospace standards.
• Plan and lead internal, external, customer and regulatory audits, ensuring findings are addressed swiftly and effectively.
• Act as a key point of contact for customers on quality topics and chair quality review meetings.
• Work confidently to tight tolerances across a range of materials using varied measuring equipment.
• Operate with a high level of autonomy, taking responsibility for quality outcomes.

Qualifications

• Substantial experience in a quality management/inspection role within an engineering or precision machining environment.
• Strong working knowledge of AS9100, ISO 9001 and specific customer quality requirements.
• Proven track record managing third‑party and customer audits.
• Practical experience of implementing, maintaining and improving a QMS.
• Familiarity with CMM programming (specific software training available).
• Highly organised and able to manage multiple priorities.
• Meticulous, disciplined and detail‑focused, with a positive, solutions‑driven mindset.
• Able to perform under time pressure and communicate clearly with colleagues and customers.

Benefits

• Competitive salary, commensurate with experience.
• Company pension scheme.
• Life assurance.
• Eligibility for company bonus scheme (after qualifying period).
• 5 weeks’ annual leave plus bank holidays.

This is a permanent role with a starting salary dependent on the initial scope of the role and your experience. You must have current UK right to work to be considered. We aim to respond to all applications.