Quality Manager - Rail - Derby

Quality Manager

Derby, Full-time, Occasional travel

Reports to: Operations Director

Shape quality. Drive change. Make an impact.

This well-established rail engineering SME, part of an international group of companies, is looking for a hands-on, forward-thinking Quality Manager to join its thriving team in Derby.

This is a key role responsible for ensuring products and processes meet the highest standards, while also championing training, continuous improvement, and environmental responsibility. You will play a central role in maintaining compliance with ISO standards, driving continuous improvement, and promoting a culture of quality, safety, and accountability across the business.

What you’ll be doing

Leading quality from the front, ensuring systems, processes, and standards are not just followed but continuously improved.

Owning and delivering ISO 9001 and 14001 compliance, keeping the business audit-ready at all times.

Acting as a key contact for customer and supplier audits, building confidence and trust externally.

Driving training and development, ensuring teams have the skills and knowledge to succeed.

Identifying gaps, solving problems, and implementing practical, sustainable improvements.

Supporting new projects with robust quality planning and documentation.

Collaborating across teams to embed a culture of accountability, safety, and excellence.

Playing an active role on the shop floor, staying close to operations and real-world challenges.

What makes this role exciting

Real ownership — you’ll have the autonomy to shape and improve the quality function.

High visibility — working closely with senior leadership and key stakeholders.

Variety — from audits and compliance to training and continuous improvement.

Impact — your work will directly influence customer satisfaction and business success.

What we’re looking for

Proven experience in a quality role within a regulated manufacturing environment (automotive, aerospace, rail, or similar).

Strong working knowledge of ISO standards and audit processes (Lead/Internal Auditor preferred).

Knowledge and experience of PPAP and customer quality requirements.

Experience delivering or supporting training and development programmes.

A proactive mindset, someone who spots opportunities and acts on them.

Confident communicator, able to engage at all levels of the business.

Detail-focused, organised, and comfortable managing multiple priorities.

Who you are

You’re someone who leads by example and sets high standards, takes ownership and follows through, enjoys working collaboratively and building relationships, and is passionate about doing things the right way while continuously improving them.

Why apply

You’ll be joining a business where quality isn’t just a department — it’s a mindset. This is your chance to influence, improve, and leave a lasting mark.

Ready to take the lead on quality? Please click the ‘Apply’ button.