Quality Assurance Lead

Independent Forgings and Alloys (IFA), one of Europe's leading precision forging companies, is expanding and looking to recruit a Quality Assurance Lead to join its Sheffield-based team.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Quality professional to join a highly respected aerospace manufacturing organisation. The successful candidate will play a key role in driving quality assurance activities across the business, ensuring full compliance with AS9100, NADCAP, customer and regulatory requirements, whilst supporting continuous improvement initiatives throughout a complex forging and machining environment.

Company Details

Independent Forgings and Alloys Ltd (IFA) sits uniquely as the only single-sited forge with open-die radial, press, hammer & ring rolling and closed-die extrusion, drop stamp and blade forging capabilities in the world. Through extensive forging and manufacturing processes, IFA offers a fully integrated metals service centre from ingot and billet production through to fully tested and released machined products.

Job Vacancy

As the Quality Assurance Lead, you will be based at the Sheffield manufacturing facility, providing leadership across quality systems, compliance, auditing and continuous improvement activities within an AS9100 and NADCAP-accredited aerospace manufacturing environment. Working closely with Production, Manufacturing Engineering, Metallurgy and Customer Quality teams, you will take ownership of the Quality Management System (QMS), support accreditation requirements, lead audits, manage non-conformances and drive corrective actions across the business.

Key Responsibilities

Lead and maintain compliance with AS9100 Quality Management System requirements
Support and manage NADCAP accreditation requirements, audits and compliance activities where applicable
Act as the site lead for internal, customer and third-party quality audits
Ensure ongoing compliance with aerospace, customer and regulatory quality standards
Lead investigations into non-conformances, customer complaints and internal quality issues
Drive root cause analysis and implementation of effective corrective and preventive actions (8D methodology)
Monitor and report on quality performance metrics, KPIs and trends
Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on product quality, process capability and operational excellence
Work closely with Production, Manufacturing Engineering and Metallurgy teams to ensure process control and product conformity
Review and approve quality documentation, procedures, control plans and compliance records
Support process validation, FMEA activities and risk assessments
Ensure full traceability and compliance of manufacturing records in line with aerospace requirements
Support customer quality requirements, technical reviews and audits
Lead and support training and coaching of quality principles across operational teams
Ensure adherence to AS9100/NADCAP requirements in all manufacturing processes
Carry out any other reasonable duties as requested by management

Qualifications and Experience

Proven experience in a Quality Assurance, Quality Engineering or Quality Management role within aerospace or high-integrity manufacturing
Strong working knowledge of AS9100 requirements (essential)
Experience working within or supporting NADCAP-accredited processes (essential or highly desirable depending on exposure)
Strong background in forging, metals, steel, machining or precision manufacturing environments
Demonstrated experience leading internal, customer and certification audits
Strong knowledge of root cause analysis, 8D, FMEA and corrective action systems
Understanding of metallurgical or heat treatment processes is advantageous
Strong understanding of manufacturing process control and quality systems
Experience working closely with Production, Engineering and Metallurgy functions
Excellent communication, leadership and stakeholder management skills

Salary Information

This position would suit an experienced Quality Engineer, Quality Lead or Quality Manager from a highly regulated aerospace or precision manufacturing environment with strong knowledge of AS9100 and NADCAP standards. The starting salary is between £50,000 - £55,000, depending on experience.

Additional Benefits

Permanent position with long-term career opportunities
Training and professional development support
Opportunity to work within an advanced aerospace manufacturing environment
33 days holiday
Pension scheme with employer contribution
Bonus scheme and Westfield cash plan
On-site parking available
Opportunity to lead AS9100/NADCAP compliance and influence quality strategy across the business

This position is being recruited exclusively by W Talent Recruitment, who will be conducting the first-stage pre-screen interview. Any questions, please contact Glyn Dobb at W Talent directly