Senior Quality Engineer / Quality Lead, Retford

Senior Quality Engineer / Quality Lead (Progression Opportunity)

Site-based | Up to £50,000 per annum DOE | 39 hours per week | Permanent

Hours:
Monday to Thursday: 8am–4:30pm
Friday: 8am–3:30pm
(Flexibility available)

Step Into Your First Quality Leadership Role

This role is ideal for a Senior Quality Engineer or Quality Supervisor looking to take the next step into a hands-on management position within a growing manufacturing business.

We’re looking for someone who enjoys being close to the shop floor, solving real problems, and driving improvements – not sitting in a purely strategic or corporate role.

You’ll take ownership of quality performance on site, while leading a small team and making a visible impact on scrap reduction, process improvement, and customer satisfaction.

What You’ll Be Doing

Quality Improvement & Problem Solving (Main Focus)

• Lead root cause analysis and problem-solving activities (8D, RCA, etc.)
• Drive scrap reduction, yield improvement, and defect prevention
• Reduce NCRs and recurring quality issues
• Work closely with production teams to solve shop floor challenges
• Identify and implement practical process improvements

Quality Systems & Standards

• Support and improve the ISO 9001 Quality Management System
• Ensure customer and internal quality standards are consistently met
• Assist with audits, compliance, and quality documentation
• Monitor performance using KPIs and data analysis tools (SPC)

Leadership (Step-Up Opportunity)

• Oversee a team of approximately 10 staff (inspectors/technicians)
• Provide day-to-day support, guidance, and development
• Act as the bridge between quality and production teams

HSE (Supporting Element)

• Support safe working practices and compliance
• Assist with risk assessments and incident reviews where required

What We’re Looking For

Essential:

• Experience in a Quality Engineer / Senior Quality Engineer in manufacturing
• Experience working in a hands-on, shop floor environment
• Strong knowledge of problem-solving methodologies (8D, RCA, etc.)
• Experience reducing scrap, defects, or NCRs
• Understanding of ISO 9001 / QMS systems
• Keen to step into a leadership / management role

Desirable:

• Experience supervising or mentoring others
• Knowledge of SPC, Lean, or Six Sigma tools
• Exposure to ISO 14001 / ISO 45001

Why Join?

• Genuine progression into management
• Opportunity to make a real impact in an SME environment
• Be hands-on and close to the manufacturing process
• Visible role with direct influence on performance and improvement

If you’re ready to take the next step in your career and want to make a real difference in a quality-driven, manufacturing environment, we’d love to hear from you.

To apply please either:

• Call Charlie on 0333 99 66 988 between the hours of 8am – 5pm Mon-Fri
• Email your CV to apply@essentialrecruitment.co.uk

This role is being advertised by Essential Recruitment and Professional, a recruitment agency.