Jackson Hogg have partnered with an industry leading manufacturing business in the Newcastle area, on a Quality Manager position, reporting directly to the Quality Director. This is a hands-on leadership role requiring a strong technical quality background, exceptional auditing capability, and the ability to influence quality standards across the entire operation. Quality Manager Responsibilities * Lead and manage the site Quality Management System (QMS) and ensure compliance with IATF 16949 requirements. * Manage and coordinate all external certification audits, customer audits and supplier audits. * Act as the primary quality representative during customer visits and quality-related meetings. * Maintain quality policies, procedures, standards and documentation across the business. * Drive standardisation and continuous improvement initiatives in line with organisational quality objectives. * Oversee product approval documentation, control plans, PFMEA activities, PPAP submissions and validation processes. * Manage approved supplier performance, supplier development activities and supplier re-approval programmes. * Lead root cause investigations using structured problem-solving methodologies including 8D. * Generate and present monthly quality reports, capability studies and strategic quality performance reviews. * Analyse manufacturing and trial data to support business decisions and process improvements. * Manage Statistical Process Control (SPC), Process Capability (CPK/PPK), Measurement Systems Analysis (MSA) and Gauge R&R activities. * Ensure laboratory testing systems, calibration programmes and quality control activities remain fully compliant and effective. * Lead quality improvement projects using Lean Six Sigma methodologies. * Manage departmental 5S standards and support wider operational excellence initiatives. * Provide guidance and support to process owners across the manufacturing operation. * Lead and develop the quality team through coaching, training and performance management. * Conduct performance reviews and development planning for direct reports. * Support strategic business reviews and present quality performance information to senior leadership. Quality Manager Requirements * IATF 16949 Lead Auditor qualification.(Desirable) * Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification. (Desirable) * Experience within an automotive manufacturing or similarly demanding production environment. * Proven experience in a Quality Manager or senior quality leadership role. * Strong knowledge of Quality Assurance and Quality Control principles. * Experience managing and maintaining IATF-compliant quality systems. * Demonstrable success leading customer, supplier and third-party audits. * Excellent communication skills with the ability to present complex technical information to both operational and senior leadership teams. * Strong analytical, organisational and problem-solving abilities. Desirable * VDA 6.3 Lead Auditor qualification. * Chartered Quality Institute (CQI) membership