Lead Quality Specialist (Quality Management)

Our client is currently recruiting for a Lead Quality Specialist to work in their office in Somerset, UK.  This is a contract role, and duration will be 12 months minimum. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Act as a key point of contact for all project-related quality matters, ensuring clear and effective communication with internal stakeholders, cross-functional teams, and external partners.
• Provide expert guidance on quality requirements across design, manufacturing, testing, and installation phases, ensuring full compliance with customer specifications, industry standards, and Company Quality Management System (QMS).
• Support project execution by contributing as an active team member on larger programs or leading smaller-scale projects, driving quality deliverables from initiation through close-out.
• Develop, review, and implement Project Quality Plans (PQPs), Inspection and Test Plans (ITPs), and associated documentation, ensuring alignment with contractual and regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate and facilitate design and quality reviews, including risk assessments, non-conformance management, and root cause analysis, ensuring timely resolution and continuous improvement.
• Interface with engineering, sourcing, manufacturing, and site teams to ensure quality is embedded throughout the full project lifecycle.
• Monitor and report on key quality metrics, identifying trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement, and presenting findings to project and functional leadership.
• Support supplier qualification, audits, and surveillance activities to ensure external partners meet required quality standards.
• Lead or participate in internal and external audits, ensuring compliance with ISO and industry-specific standards.
• Drive lessons learned and continuous improvement initiatives, supporting broader business objectives and operational excellence.

REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality, or a related discipline from an accredited university or college.
  (Alternatively, a high school diploma/GED with a minimum of 4 years of relevant quality experience may be considered.)
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in Quality Management, Project Quality, or a related field, ideally within the oil and gas or energy sector.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate complex quality topics to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Demonstrated interpersonal and leadership capabilities, with the ability to influence stakeholders and drive alignment across functions.
• Proven ability to lead initiatives of moderate scope and complexity, managing deliverables, risks, and timelines effectively.
• Experience coordinating multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced, matrixed environment.
• Strong problem-solving mindset, with expertise in root cause analysis, corrective/preventive actions (CAPA), and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Highly analytical with excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Working knowledge of relevant international standards (e.g., ISO 9001, API, ASME) and quality tools.
• Hands-on experience in the fabrication, assembly, and construction of oil & gas equipment, with a strong preference for subsea projects and deepwater applications.
• Familiarity with client specifications, regulatory requirements, and offshore installation considerations.
• Candidates must have Right to Work in the UK.