Manufacturing Quality Leader | Paint

At Howdens, we operate a purpose-built Paint to Order factory equipped with state-of-the-art technology. Our bespoke paint-to-order kitchens offer flexibility for customers to personalise their space with their choice of colour schemes and finishes.

As a Manufacturing Quality Leader, you’ll play a pivotal role in maintaining our exceptional quality standards and leading continuous improvement initiatives. This is an excellent opportunity for a paint expert with experience in spraying applications, water-based or solvent-based paint systems, technical understanding, and curing processes to join a dynamic team.

What Will You Be Doing as a Manufacturing Quality Leader:

In this role, you will be instrumental in delivering the core objectives of the Manufacturing Quality Department by improving quality performance and enhancing systems and procedures. Your key responsibilities will include:

• Managing the day-to-day work of Quality Inspectors, ensuring all tasks meet established standards.
• Supporting the Manufacturing Quality Manager in achieving key quality objectives, participating in quality improvement projects and New Product Introduction (NPI) activities.
• Leading and contributing to investigations into quality concerns, working closely with stakeholders across manufacturing, technical teams, suppliers, and quality assurance.
• Providing timely and accurate quality reports and analysis to support decision-making.
• Overseeing the maintenance and development of quality standards and SOPs, supporting both internal and external BSI audits.
• Assisting the Manufacturing Quality Manager in managing the quality budget.
• Supervising, coaching, and motivating the quality team, including additional agency staff during peak periods.

What Do You Need to Qualify for the Manufacturing Quality Leader Role:

We are seeking an experienced professional with a strong background in manufacturing quality, ideally with expertise in paint application processes. The ideal candidate will have:

• A minimum of 3 to 5 years of experience in a manufacturing quality role, ideally within a paint or coating environment.
• Strong expertise in paint application methods, including water-based or solvent-based systems, spraying application, and curing times.
• City and Guilds or equivalent qualification in manufacturing or quality.
• Solid understanding and practical application of quality management systems.
• Experience in inspection and metrology processes.
• Proven people management abilities, with experience leading investigations and supervising teams.
• Strong ability to interpret quality data, identify trends, and implement improvements.
• Effective interpersonal and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to address complex quality concerns and deliver solutions.

What we offer:

• Competitive Salary + Bonus
• Pension Plan with a maximum company contribution of 12%
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays with an opportunity to purchase additional days
• Staff discount
• Ongoing support and development
• Free onsite car parking
• Friendly and supportive environment offering exceptional reward and recognition

About Us:

Howdens Joinery is the UK’s number one trade kitchen supplier providing thousands of products across kitchens, joinery, and hardware.  We have over 900 depots throughout the UK and Europe – making us the first choice for more than 460,000 loyal trade professionals. With an ambitious and credible growth plan, we continue to build on our £2.3 billion sales made last year.

There is a strong entrepreneurial ethos and the opportunity to develop within a fast-paced and commercial environment. That, along with a competitive salary, development opportunities, and exciting rewards, are among the reasons why our people enjoy working for Howdens – and why we have been named as one of the 10 Best Big Companies to Work For.

How to apply:

We are building a future where world-class service, innovation, and sustainability are embedded within our DNA.  If Howdens sounds like the kind of place where you can build and develop your career as a Manufacturing Quality Leader, then we are keen to hear from you.

You will need to activate your account when you apply for this role. Please check your email carefully to ensure that you have completed this step. We are unable to view your application if you have not activated your account.

Howdens is founded on the principle of being Worthwhile for ALL concerned. We’re working hard to ensure we provide an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome. We will do everything we can to support you during your application. If you need us to make any adjustments to our recruitment process, please email recruitmentteam@howdens.com with the job title and location, and we will be happy to help you.

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