Interim Head of Quality

An established manufacturing business operating within a complex engineering and fabrication environment is seeking an Interim Head of Quality to provide senior leadership during a period of growth and operational change.

This is a short-term, high-impact role focused on regaining visibility, control and consistency across Quality, while supporting the wider leadership team as systems and processes mature.

The appointment is intended to stabilise and strengthen the Quality function, ensuring standards, compliance and governance are fit for a growing operation.

Key Responsibilities

• Take full interim ownership of the Quality function across manufacturing operations

• Provide clear leadership, structure and accountability within the Quality team

• Review and improve Quality Management Systems (QMS), ensuring effective implementation

• Maintain and oversee ISO-aligned systems (e.g. ISO 9001), including audits and corrective actions

• Act as the senior escalation point for quality issues, non-conformances and customer concerns

• Analyse quality performance data, identifying trends, risks and improvement opportunities

• Drive practical continuous improvement initiatives across production and engineering

• Work closely with Operations, Engineering and Senior Management to align quality with delivery

• Produce concise quality reporting for leadership, supporting decision-making and risk management

This role requires a hands-on, visible leader who is comfortable operating on the shop floor as well as at leadership level.

Required Experience & Skills

• Proven experience in a senior Quality leadership role within manufacturing, engineering or fabrication

• Strong working knowledge of Quality Management Systems and audit processes

• Experience operating in fast-growing or changing organisations

• Confident leadership style with the ability to influence across functions

• Strong understanding of compliance, standards and operational risk

• Data-driven mindset with a practical approach to problem-solving

• Ability to quickly assess current-state quality performance and implement improvements

Role Details

• Interim / fixed-term contract

• Manufacturing / engineering environment

• On-site role

• Rate and duration dependent on experience and availability