Quality Manager

Quality Manager – Rail MRO | SME | Derby Area

Salary: Competitive
Location: Near Derby

Are you an experienced Quality Manager looking for a hands-on role in a growing SME? Our client, a well-established business specializing in Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) for the rail industry, is seeking a proactive and driven Quality Manager to lead their quality function and embed a culture of excellence across the business.

About the Role

Reporting directly to senior leadership, you will take full ownership of the company’s Quality Management System (QMS) and play a pivotal role in modernizing processes, improving compliance, and driving continuous improvement. This is a practical, leadership role that requires someone who is both strategic and hands-on.

Key Responsibilities

• QMS Development & Modernization
  • Maintain and update the Quality Management System, ensuring robust document and conflict control.
  • Streamline templates and frameworks to make systems more user-friendly and aligned with modern best practices.
• Non-Conformance Management
  • Enhance processes for non-conformance and quarantine control.
  • Improve data capture, reporting, and analysis of non-conformance issues.
• Supply Chain Quality
  • Introduce and manage supplier performance metrics.
  • Implement systems to measure and monitor supply chain quality and compliance.
• Quality Culture & Training
  • Lead initiatives to embed a culture of quality throughout the business.
  • Deliver training and development to engage teams and improve quality awareness across all levels.

About You

• Proven experience in a Quality Management role within an SME or similar hands-on environment.
• Rail industry experience is highly desirable, but strong candidates from aerospace or automotive will also be considered.
• Strong working knowledge of QMS principles, document control, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Practical experience in supplier quality management and non-conformance processes.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills, with the ability to influence and engage teams at all levels.

What’s on Offer?

• Opportunity to shape and modernize the quality function in a growing business.
• A dynamic, hands-on role where your impact will be visible.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.

About 1492 Search

In a nutshell – We discover great people! Created with the belief that the process is just as necessary as the opportunity, we decided there was a better recruitment method. Working solely in the manufacturing and engineering industry, we work on retained projects to provide accountability for every hire we make with you. We connect candidates and hiring managers, provide in-depth project management plans and advise through up to date market research. No two hires are the same, and that’s why each project is adapted to your needs. We aim to take the stress out of the hiring process and focus on the job at hand!

We aim to reply to all applications, successful or not, within 10 working days of applying for the role. If you are not happy with the service, please feel free to give us a call or drop us an email.

1492 Ltd and its clients promote a policy of equal opportunities. Our policy is to treat job applicants and employees in the same way regardless of age, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, race, ethnic origin, religion, colour or disability.