Quality Engineer

Quality Engineer, this pivotal role is a strategic succession appointment designed to develop the future leader of our Quality function.

Focus: Supplier, Customer &
Technical Drawing Approval
Department: Quality Assurance &
Control
Reports to: Quality Manager (Mentor) / General Manager
Succession Pathway: Structured progression toward Senior Quality Engineer and ultimately Quality Manager
Mentorship Period: 12–18 months structured transition
Location: Staffordshire with regular UK and Netherlands inter-site travel
Travel: UK travel plus annual visits to South Korea, China, India and selected worldwide customer locations

About the Business
We are the UK subsidiary of a Swedish business and ultimately part of a large Danish PLC. Focus being within the hydraulic fluid power sector. The business supplies adaptors, manifolds, hose assemblies and precision fittings to leading global OEMs in the off-road equipment market.
We operate across three principal sites (Head Office – Durham, UK Warehouse – Staffordshire, and European/ROTW Warehouse – Huizen, Netherlands) and work closely with joint venture manufacturing partners in South Korea, China and India, as well as sister hose manufacturing facilities in Poland.

Role Purpose
This position is a strategic succession-planning appointment designed to develop the next leader of our quality function.
Over an 18-month structured mentorship period, the Quality Engineer will progressively assume responsibility for:
• Supplier quality management
• Customer quality interface and complaint resolution
• Technical drawing review and production approval
• Product validation and risk mitigation

While operating within our ISO 9001 framework, this role focuses primarily on product and process quality rather than quality-system ownership.
Strong technical engagement with machined components, metallurgy, sealing technology (particularly O-ring applications), and hydraulic performance is central to success in this position. Knowledge of welding processes and their impact on material integrity is advantageous.

Core Responsibilities

1. Supplier Quality Management
You will:
• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships (UK and international)
• Support and progressively lead supplier onboarding and qualification
• Conduct and lead supplier audits and technical reviews
• Manage non-conformance investigations and corrective action processes
• Lead cross-functional teams using 8D methodology to resolve customer or internal non-conformances
• Develop the technical proficiency of QA technicians in core applications
• Monitor supplier performance metrics and risk indicators
• Support regulatory and customer compliance reporting including REACH, RoHS, Conflict Minerals, CBAM, PFAS and TSCA

2. Production Drawing &
Technical Specification Approval
You will:
• Review and progressively approve supplier production drawings
• Validate tolerances, fits, surface finishes and critical characteristics
• Assess material specifications and metallurgical certifications
• Evaluate sealing interfaces and O-ring groove design considerations
• Collaborate with suppliers to mitigate design-for-manufacture risks
• Support new part introduction and qualification processes

3. Customer Quality Interface &
Technical Support
You will:
• Liaise directly with customer quality and engineering teams
• Investigate complaints and field failures using structured problem-solving
• Lead corrective and preventive action coordination through the QA team
• Assist in the preparation and review of 8D reports and supporting technical documentation
• Support and later lead customer audits and performance reviews
• Contribute to product documentation and certification packs

Structured Development Pathway
Phase 1 – Foundation (Months 0–6): On-the-floor training, cross-departmental exposure, IFS ERP training, compliance reporting, incoming inspection, hydraulic product knowledge, supplier audits.
Phase 2 – Engagement (Months 7–12): Apply knowledge, take ownership of supplier relationships, lead corrective actions, monthly quality reporting, part qualification.
Phase 3 – Transition (Months 13–18): Lead supplier reviews, present to EMT, manage team of three quality personnel, support strategic supplier transitions, maintain ISO compliance.

Required Skills &
Experience
Essential:
• Experience in supplier quality, production engineering or drawing validation
• Strong understanding of machining processes (CNC and multi-spindle preferred)
• Ability to interpret and validate technical drawings
• Working knowledge of metallurgy and material behaviour
• Experience working within ISO 9001 environments
• Full knowledge and interpretation of PPAP 4th Edition
• Structured problem-solving capability (8D, RCA, FMEA)
• Strong communication skills with suppliers and customers

Desirable:
• Knowledge of hydraulic systems and sealing technology (O-rings)
• Knowledge of electrolytic coatings and corrosion protection
• Exposure to international supplier audits
• Understanding of welding techniques and material implications
• Familiarity with ISO 14001 / ISO 45001
• Lean or Six Sigma training
• 5S training

Personal Attributes:
• Analytical and technically rigorous
• Commercially aware and relationship-focused
• Calm, confident communicator
• Strong technical aptitude
• Self-driven with clear leadership ambition
• Willing to travel internationally

Succession Commitment: Quality Engineer → Senior Quality Engineer → Quality Manager