On behalf of our client, based in Wicklow Town, we are currently recruiting for a Quality Manager.
The Quality Manager will lead the development of a proactive quality culture across the business, shifting the organisation from reactive problem solving to prevention and continuous improvement.
This is a hands on role, based predominantly on the production floor, working directly with operators, supervisors and engineers to improve product quality at source. The successful candidate will focus on building capability within the team, embedding robust processes, and ensuring that quality is owned by production rather than inspected at the end. The role is not just about identifying issues, but about ensuring that sustainable corrective actions are implemented and that problems do not reoccur.
The Quality Manager position is based in our offices in Wicklow Town, and will require travel, including overnight stays, on both a regular and ad hoc basis in line with business needs.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Driving Quality Culture
Actively lead and embed a culture where quality is built into the process, not checked at the end
Spend the majority of time on the shop floor working with teams to improve quality at source
Coach and support operators and supervisors to take ownership of quality standards
Move the business away from “find and fix” to “prevent and improve”
Root Cause and Continuous Improvements
Lead structured root cause analysis on quality issues (not surface level fixes)
Ensure corrective and preventive actions are implemented, tracked and sustained
Identify recurring issues and eliminate them through process improvement
Introduce and embed practical problem solving tools across the production team
Process and Project Quality
Develop and improve standard operating procedures to reduce variation
Ensure quality is built into processes rather than inspected at the end
Work with Engineering and Production to improve manufacturability and consistency
Support new product introduction to ensure smooth transition into production
Training and Capability Building
Train production teams on quality standards, defect identification and good practice
Develop simple, practical training that operators can apply immediately
Build internal capability so teams can identify and solve problems themselves
Data and Performance Improvement
Use quality data to identify trends, not just report performance
Translate data into actionable improvements on the shop floor
Ensure reporting drives behaviour and decision making at production level
Work closely with Production, Design, Engineering and Installation teams to close feedback loops
Engage with suppliers to resolve quality issues and improve incoming quality
What We Are Looking For
A hands on quality professional who prefers being on the shop floor rather than behind a desk
Strong experience in root cause analysis and implementing lasting corrective actions
Proven ability to influence and change behaviours within production teams
Practical mindset able to simplify quality rather than overcomplicate it
Experience in manufacturing environments (ideally with fabricated or engineered products)
Someone who challenges the status quo and drives accountability
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:
A third-level qualification in Quality Management, Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related discipline
Minimum 5+ years’ experience in a Quality role, with at least 2–3 years in a managerial or leadership position
Experience within a manufacturing or production environment is important
Experience in implementing, maintaining, and improving QMS systems, including internal and external audits
Demonstrated ability to lead root cause analysis and corrective/preventive actions (e.g. CAPA, 8D methodologies)
Experience managing customer complaints, supplier quality issues, and non-conformance processes
Strong understanding of regulatory and compliance requirements relevant to manufacturing in Ireland and the EU
Experience liaising with external auditors, certification bodies, and customers
Proficiency in quality tools and techniques (e.g. FMEA, SPC, Lean, Six Sigma principles)
Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills
Strong analytical and problem-solving ability with a data-driven approach
High level of IT literacy (ERP systems, Microsoft Office, quality reporting tools)
For a full Job Spec and to apply for this role please call Linda on 01 2784703 or e-mail [email protected]
Thornshaw Scientific Recruitment is a leading Irish provider of specialist Scientific Recruitment. Part of the CPL Group. www.thornshaw.com Tel: +353 1 2784671
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