Head of Quality

About The Role

Reporting directly to the General Manager, the Head of Quality will be responsible for providing strategic leadership and direction for all Quality Assurance, Quality Control, and Compliance activities. Operating within a Tier One supply environment, the role ensures that products and services meet the exacting standards of prime defence customers, while also supporting quality excellence for industrial computing and transportation sectors.

This is a senior expert role responsible for defining, implementing, and continuously improving the quality strategy, systems, culture, and operational effectiveness.

What You Will be Doing

• Strategic Quality Leadership - Develop and execute the Quality Strategy to support business objectives across defence, industrial computing, and transportation markets. Champion a culture of quality excellence, continuous improvement, and compliance. Act as the primary authority on quality matters, standards, and customer requirements.
• Quality Management Systems (QMS) - Own and maintain the company’s QMS to ensure compliance with applicable standards (e.g., AS9100, ISO 9001, ISO 14001, NATO standards, Defence standards, and sector-specific requirements). Oversee the company’s internal and external audit programmes, ensuring audit readiness at all times. Drive the evolution of systems, documentation, and processes to meet emerging customer and regulatory expectations. Anticipate and mitigate quality-related risks, ensuring robust controls are in place.
• Operational Quality Oversight - Oversee product and process quality performance across all manufacturing and service operations. Apply robust quality improvement methodologies to reduce defects, drive consistency, and optimise yield. Monitor quality KPIs and metrics, ensuring effective reporting to executive leadership.
• Continuous Improvement & Excellence - Implement structured improvement initiatives using techniques such as Lean, Six Sigma, FMEA, PPAP, and APQP where applicable. Drive standardisation, simplification, and best practice across both sites. Drive the digitation and implementation within the quality functions of the Businesses QMS (e.g., automated inspection and KPI reporting).
• Leadership & Collaboration - Provide professional leadership to the Quality team, developing skills, capabilities, and succession strength. Collaborate closely with Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, and Programme Management to maintain high standards of quality throughout the product lifecycle. Foster an effective supplier quality environment, supporting supplier development and performance improvements.

About You

You are: Highly organised with a keen eye for detail. Credible and confident, able to engage with Defence Prime Contractors and regulatory bodies. A strategic thinker with a practical, hands-on approach. Passionate about quality excellence and continuous improvement. Ethical, resilient, and committed to the highest professional standards.

What Success Looks Like

• Products and services consistently delivered to the highest quality standards.
• Enhanced customer confidence and satisfaction.
• Robust compliance and reduced business risk.
• Continuous operational improvement and efficiency.
• A strong, engaged, and future-ready Quality organisation.

Security Clearance

Must be eligible for SC clearance.

Your Experience & Skills

• Senior quality leadership experience in Tier One defence, aerospace, or similarly regulated industries.
• Expertise in AS9100, Defence-specific standards, and customer-facing quality management.
• Proven track record in quality systems, continuous improvement, and structured problem-solving.
• Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills, including engagement with senior leadership and external customers.
• Analytical, strategic, and commercially aware, with excellent communication skills.

What We Offer in Return

• Competitive Salary
• 26 days holiday + bank holidays
• Discretionary annual bonus
• Salary Sacrifice Pension Scheme
• 4x Salary Death-in-Service
• Westfield Healthcare: corporate healthcare plan, EAP, wellbeing app, and employee discounts
• Cycle to Work Scheme & EV Salary Sacrifice Scheme
• Employee Share Scheme after 12 months

About [Employer hidden]

At [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal], we design, manufacture, and support technology that matters—from industrial embedded computing and custom lithium battery packs to secure communication systems, antennas, and imaging technology. Our products operate in extreme environments: from the crushing depths of the ocean to the edge of space, ensuring vital systems function safely, reliably, and consistently. From day one, you will be part of an organisation that values your safety, wellbeing, and career growth, providing an environment where your work is both rewarding and impactful.

Agency Notice

We operate a preferred supplier list (PSL). Please do not submit speculative CVs to hiring managers — all agency submissions must be made via the Recruitment team. Unsolicited CVs will not be considered.

If you are ready to lead a team that ensures quality at the highest level while shaping the future of technology that matters, apply today.