Quality Manager - Sunbury (UK)

Quality at the heart of everything we do.

FT Technologies is a market-leading SME based in Surrey and Madrid, specialising in designing and manufacturing ultrasonic wind sensors – also known as anemometers or air-flow sensors. FT ultrasonic wind sensors are unique because we use acoustic resonance to measure wind speed, direction, and temperature using an acoustic wave resonated inside a small cavity.

The wind energy industry is growing, and FT is growing with it; this is your place if you care about sustainability and the green revolution. In the last decade, we have tripled in size. We employ around 100 brilliant minds who contribute to our mission: to engineer invention through curiosity and creativity using our core technology.

The development of our current technology will enable us better to serve our existing customers in the wind energy sector. With significant company investment and growth, the invention of new products and manufacturing technology will offer sensors' unique strengths to meteorology, marine and defence customers.

• Responsible to the Head of Quality
• Key contacts include the Management Team, Manufacturing, Procurement, Engineering, Automation, IT and Sales Departments, and Suppliers.
• Located in Sunbury-on-Thames (Onsite)
• 40 hours per week (Flexi-time)
• Please note: Candidates will be required to undergo a background and reference check as part of the hiring process.
• Overall Job Purpose 
• This is a unique opportunity to join an innovative. As part of the Quality Team, you will:
• Drive continuous improvements across the organisation, ensuring that customers' expectations regarding product and service quality are met every time.
• Responsible and accountable for the Quality Assurance (Q/A) function across the entire organisation.
• Compliance with the APQP4Wind quality assurance methodology through all aspects of design, production, supply chain and after-sales service.

Main Tasks & Responsibilities

As part of the Quality Team, your responsibilities will include:

Quality Planning

• Lead business improvement using Six Sigma / Lean methodologies to optimise product and service quality and meet customer expectations through design, process control and operational excellence
• Implement the APQP4WIND framework to drive quality assurance standards across the business, ensuring the successful completion of projects and the development of commercially successful products in line with APQP4WIND.
• Define the appropriate KPIs for product and process control across all areas, and work with all departments to drive performance improvement.
• Ensure the integrated management system meets the business needs and implement necessary improvements.
• Experience in leading/facilitating design risk assessment (FMEA) for new embedded software products.

Quality Control

• Collaborate closely with Manufacturing and Supply Chain to reduce the inbound Cost of Quality, ensuring that quality control plans and Critical to Quality measures are well-defined and consistently adhered to, both internally and with suppliers.
• Direct the Quality team to develop and monitor effective trackers and dashboards of statistical process controls, first-time pass rate, rejects and Gemba to identify, isolate and rectify quality issues across the manufacturing cycle.

Line Management

• Manage the performance and development of Quality staff, including recruitment, appraisals and setting objectives and training plans aligned with business objectives.
• Provide coaching and feedback through 1-1s and Personal Development Plans to support employee performance and development.
• Ensure that the Quality team adhere to relevant Health & Safety requirements and training.
• Support other departments and process areas as required to ensure the continued success of FT.

Quality Assurance

• Manage the Internal Management System, which conforms to ISO9001 and ISO14001 accreditation,
• Host external auditors and oversee the audit programme.
• Lead root cause analysis, 8D reporting and corrective & preventative actions to ensure that internal non-conformances and customer complaints are identified, reported and closed out promptly
• Lead customer approval processes, such as PPAP, and handle all assessment requests—host customer audits when required.
• Lead the enterprise documentation and change management process through best practices.
• Chair the monthly Management Review Meeting

Skills, Ability and Experience (Essential)

• BSc in Electronics Engineering
• Successful track record in leading/facilitating FMEA for new products, as evidenced by figures for design corrections & warranty claims within 2 years of launch
• Extensive experience in using Six Sigma methodologies in the workplace
• Highly experienced in electronics manufacturing processes within the Automotive industry or the Wind Turbine industry
• Proven expertise in regulatory compliance and quality standards specific to electronics manufacturing

Personal Qualities

We're seeking individuals with excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as a conscientious mindset. They should also be able to develop a solid understanding of end-user requirements and the impact of their role on overall business objectives. Due to the nature of the projects, you must be able to work independently and as a team player, working cross-functionally with other departments; strong communication (both verbal and written) and organisation are key.

Why work with us?

As well as a competitive salary, we offer:

• Non-contributory pension plan, 9% company contribution
• Life assurance scheme
• Private health care plan
• Additional holiday days per annum in lieu of remote work.
• 24 days holiday per annum, increasing to 25 daysyear's one year's service, plus all bank and public holidays
• Flexi-time for days worked in the office
• Recruitment referral bonus scheme
• Travel schemes: Season ticket or Cycle-to-work
• Subsidised gym membership
• Sponsored professional study support