Head of Supplier Quality Assurance

Job type

Permanent

Wrightbus

Tuesday 03 Mar 2026 08:00

"We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications from suitably qualified and experienced candidates. We therefore encourage early applications."

All applicants must hold valid right to work in the UK. Please be aware that we are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position now or in the future.

This position will be located at our Newpower facility in Bicester.

Wrightbus, a fast-moving company that has experienced considerable growth in the last year, is seeking a Head of SQA to plan and implement strategic change, ensure the team achieves its operational goals, and identify and fix problems within the team to continuously improve its performance and cost effectiveness.

• Develop and monitor KPIs; provide guidance and coaching to improve performance
• Provide oversight on quality of completed 8D's
• Reduction of reject quantities, reject costs, quantity of R2's and indirect costs caused by poor supplier quality
• Ensure critical improvement projects are completed on time
• Verify all relevant processes and procedures within the Quality Management System are effectively implemented and updated
• Communicate with personnel at all levels internally and externally in relation to quality matters
• Ensure supplier audits are completed according to documented requirements
• Validate and verify the supplier audit schedule and corrective action plans are effective
• Verify quality control documentation for assessment of bought-in parts is sufficient
• Work in conjunction with the QA/QC function to reduce the effect of non-conforming supplier materials
• Report against agreed objectives and KPI's
• Address systemic weaknesses internally and cross-functionally
• Lead business system development and continuous improvement activities
• Develop training materials and lead training sessions

• Bachelor (Eng or Sc) degree
• Minimum 12 years' experience in Quality role in a manufacturing industry Or Minimum 7 years' experience in Quality role in a highly regulated industry such as Automotive or Aerospace. And 5 years managing a supplier quality team
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting technical drawings and specifications inc GD&T
• Structured problem-solving methodologies (8D, PPS, DMAIC)
• Advanced Root cause methods Is/Is-Not, Cause-Effect analysis & KJ Analysis
• Auditing skills
• Knowledge of Manufacturing processes, Inspection and test methods and best proactive relevant to scope of responsibility
• Data analysis skills including statistician methods🤦‍♂️
• Understanding of relevant quality standards such as ISO 9001, IATF 16949
• 'Lean' Methodologies
• '5S' Methodology
• Proficient in defining, monitoring, and reporting key performance indicators (KPIs) for the quality team.
• Skilled at process mapping, design and continuous improvement
• Able to analyse facts, data, and trends to support quality improvement initiatives.
• Stakeholder management in Production driven business
• Knowledgeable about the principles and methods of continuous improvement and how to apply them in practice.
• Proficient in using Microsoft Office applications for data entry, analysis, and presentation.
• Use of AIAG core tools (PF, PFMEA, CP, MSA, SPC)
• Development & implementation of strategies

• 7% employer pension contribution
• 10% discretionary annual bonus
• £10,148 car allowance
• Private medical insurance for the employee

#wbstaff

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