Project QA/QC Leader
1 month ago
Burton-on-Trent
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