Project QA/QC Leader

Stoke-on-Trent

5 days ago

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Job Title: Project QA/QC Leader
Location: Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire

The Opportunity

Our client are recruiting for an experienced Project QA/QC Leader to support complex, heavy-engineered industrial projects. This is a senior quality role where you will take ownership of all quality assurance and quality control activities across the project lifecycle, leading a dedicated quality team and working closely with engineering, project management, suppliers, and subcontractors.

You will play a key role in ensuring all project deliverables meet contractual, regulatory, and industry requirements, while driving continuous improvement and maintaining a strong quality culture.

Key Responsibilities

Lead, manage, and develop the project QA/QC team, setting clear expectations, providing direction, and supporting professional development.
Identify resource and competency gaps within the quality team and implement plans to address them.
Develop, implement, and maintain the Project Quality Plan in line with company, project, and industry requirements.
Interpret engineering drawings, material specifications, and applicable codes and standards to ensure compliance.
Develop and manage Inspection and Test Plans (ITPs) for equipment, vendors, and sub-suppliers.
Review, verify, and control quality documentation, ensuring accuracy, completeness, traceability, and audit readiness.
Liaise with suppliers, subcontractors, and internal stakeholders to ensure quality expectations are clearly understood and met.
Lead and participate in quality-related meetings, including pre-inspection meetings.
Manage non-conformances, including root cause analysis and corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
Perform and oversee quality inspections and audits, including incoming inspections, welding inspections, NDT activities, and final inspections.
Provide regular quality performance updates and reports to project and operational management.
Identify, manage, and escalate quality risks to protect project objectives and delivery.
Ensure full compliance with regulatory, safety, and quality standards throughout the project lifecycle.

Essential Requirements
Degree or HND/HNC in a relevant engineering discipline.
ISO 9001 Lead Auditor certification.
Proven experience in a QA/QC leadership role within industrial, oil & gas, or heavy engineering projects.
Strong working knowledge of industry standards including ASME, ASTM, API, ISO, NACE, and AWS.
Experience with non-destructive testing (NDT) methods such as ultrasonic, radiographic, and dye penetrant testing.
Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
Excellent organisational skills with a high level of attention to detail.
Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel.
Ability to work effectively in high-pressure, safety-critical environments.

Desirable Experience
NDT certification (PCN or ASNT Level II).
Welding inspection certification (e.g. CSWIP).
Welding metallurgy experience.
Experience leading quality teams on large-scale or complex projects.
Experience working in organisations with a significant outsourced supply chain

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