Project QA​/QC Leader

Location: Stoke-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