Quality Associate

Location: Tyne and Wear
Contract: Full-time, Permanent
Hours: Monday – Thursday 8.30am–5.00pm, Friday 8.30am–3.00pm
Salary: £27,000 – £28,000

We are seeking a proactive and detail-focused Quality Associate to support quality assurance activities within a fast-paced manufacturing and logistics environment. This role plays a key part in ensuring product quality standards are consistently met, customer requirements are achieved, and continuous improvement is driven across the business.

You will work closely with the Quality Manager, internal teams, suppliers, and customers to maintain quality systems, resolve issues, and support ongoing improvement initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise incoming goods inspection activities, ensuring all materials meet required quality standards
• Ensure inspection equipment is maintained and calibrated in line with quality requirements
• Control and manage quarantined and non-conforming materials in accordance with company procedures
• Investigate quality issues, identify root causes, and implement corrective and preventive actions
• Liaise with customers regarding quality concerns, including rejections, corrective actions, and improvement initiatives
• Work closely with suppliers to resolve quality issues, drive improvements, and support supplier performance development
• Communicate quality issues effectively across internal departments to ensure correct handling and resolution
• Assess quality requirements for new products, including supplier capability evaluation and customer specifications
• Prepare and compile quality documentation (e.g. PPAP, ISO documentation) for customer approval
• Support internal and external ISO audits and ensure ongoing compliance with quality standards
• Produce KPI reports and quality performance data for senior management
• Support continuous improvement initiatives, including Kaizen and 5S activities
• Develop, review, and maintain quality procedures, work instructions, and training materials
• Provide guidance and support to inspection staff to ensure departmental objectives are achieved
• Assist with IMDS submissions and understanding of CBAM requirements where applicable
• Provide cover for the Quality Manager and inspection team when required
• Support cross-functional teams to ensure quality standards are maintained throughout operations
• Occasional travel abroad.

Ideal Candidate

• Previous experience in a quality role within manufacturing, logistics, or a similar environment
• Strong understanding of inspection processes and non-conformance management
• Familiarity with ISO standards and quality documentation such as PPAP
• Experience working with suppliers and customers to resolve quality issues
• Knowledge of continuous improvement methodologies (e.g. Kaizen, 5S)
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
• Experience with IMDS and CBAM is desirable but not essential

Benefits

• Company Pension
• Annual Leave
• Onsite / Free Parking