Quality Assurance Manager – Public Sector Estates

Location: Leatherhead or Swindon – hybrid working
Contract: 6–9 months
IR35: Outside IR35, subject to assessment
Start: ASAP
Security: BPSS, with additional client clearance to be obtained
Sector: Public Sector / Estates / Facilities Management

We are looking for an experienced Quality Assurance Manager / Quality Lead to support the mobilisation of a major public-sector estates contract.

This is a specialist Quality Management role rather than an IT quality, PMO or general governance position.

The successful candidate will take ownership of establishing and embedding a robust Quality Management System (QMS) across a complex multi-supplier environment, ensuring that internal teams, facilities management providers and wider supply-chain partners are operating to the required standards.

• Design, implement and maintain the contract-level Quality Management System

• Establish quality processes and controls across internal teams and multiple supply-chain organisations

• Develop and manage internal and supplier audit programmes

• Ensure services are being delivered in line with agreed quality standards, procedures and contractual requirements

• Identify and manage non-conformities, corrective actions and areas for improvement

• Undertake root-cause analysis and ensure actions are driven through to effective closure

• Maintain appropriate quality documentation, audit records and evidence

• Support mobilisation and readiness activity, ensuring quality controls are embedded from the outset

• Provide independent quality assurance and constructive challenge to delivery teams and suppliers

• Support external audits, client assurance reviews and compliance activity

• Develop quality reporting and provide clear updates to senior stakeholders

• Support the implementation of business continuity and operational resilience arrangements across different service areas

• Promote a culture of quality, accountability and continuous improvement

We are looking for someone with strong, demonstrable experience in Quality Management / Quality Assurance
, including:

• Strong practical knowledge of ISO 9001

• Experience developing, implementing and owning a QMS

• Significant internal audit experience

• Experience auditing suppliers, subcontractors or complex supply chains

• Strong understanding of non-conformance management, corrective action and root-cause analysis

• Experience working within complex operational, outsourced or multi-supplier environments

• Experience supporting the mobilisation or transition of a new contract or service

• Ability to translate standards and contractual requirements into practical quality controls

• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills

• Recognised Quality Management / Audit qualifications

Experience with in one or more of the following would be particularly relevant:

• Public Sector / Central Government

• Estates or Facilities Management

• Infrastructure

• Property / Built Environment

• Defence or secure environments

• Large outsourced service contracts

• Highly regulated operational environments

Experience of
Business Continuity / Disaster Recovery
, particularly from an operational and people/process perspective, would also be beneficial.

Relevant qualifications may include:

• ISO 9001 Internal Auditor

• ISO 9001 Lead Auditor

• CQI / IRCA qualifications

• Other recognised Quality Management qualifications or professional memberships

This is a hybrid role, with an expectation of approximately 2 days per week on site
, with some weeks requiring 3 days depending on project requirements.

Candidates can be based from either Leatherhead or Swindon
, with occasional travel to other UK sites where required.

This role would not be suitable for someone seeking a fully remote assignment.