Senior Quality Manager

The Senior Quality Manager is a key leadership role within the Safety, Quality & Mission Assurance (SQ&MA) function, responsible for defining and delivering the Quality Strategy for the STEP fusion programme. Reporting to the Head of Safety, Quality & Mission Assurance, the role provides independent confidence that systems, structures, and products are safe, compliant, and fit‑for‑purpose across the full lifecycle—from concept and design through manufacture, delivery, and operation. STEP is a first‑of‑a‑kind, high‑consequence engineering programme, comparable in complexity and risk profile to advanced nuclear and space systems. In this context, quality must be designed in from the outset; opportunities to recover from failures post‑deployment are extremely limited. The Senior Quality Manager therefore establishes the frameworks, governance, and assurance necessary to achieve robust, performance‑driven quality in the presence of technical uncertainty, novel technologies, and evolving regulatory expectations. Acting as the SQ&MA focal point for quality assurance, the role ensures that management systems, assurance frameworks, and certification approaches enable safe, reliable, and high‑quality outcomes at scale. The postholder will engage closely with the Design Authority, regulators, delivery partners, and independent assurance bodies to build confidence in STEP’s technical and organisational capability. Key Accountabilities Quality Strategy & Capability - Define and deliver the STEP Quality Strategy, aligned to organisational objectives, regulatory requirements, and programme priorities. - Establish a coherent approach to achieving fit‑for‑purpose, risk‑informed quality in a first‑of‑a‑kind fusion environment. - Drive consistent application of quality principles across engineering, operations, and the supply chain. - Set expectations for structured quality and reliability tools, including design risk analysis (e.g. FMEA, DFMEA, FTA) and problem‑solving methodologies (e.g. RCA, 8D, DMAIC). - Build and lead a high‑performing Quality function, embedding capability, resilience, and a culture of continuous improvement. Management System & Assurance - Provide independent assurance that management systems and governance frameworks enable safe, compliant, and high‑quality outcomes. - Define and implement a proportionate, risk‑based assurance framework appropriate for a complex, first‑of‑a‑kind programme. - Oversee assurance activities including audits, surveillance, readiness reviews, and compliance assessments. - Ensure insights from assurance and operational performance are captured and used to continuously improve systems and processes. Certification & Conformity - Define and oversee the strategy for product and system certification within a regulated environment. - Ensure the development and maintenance of robust conformity evidence, including UKCA requirements, essential requirements, and technical documentation. - Enable integration of certification and compliance activities into programme delivery and lifecycle decision‑making. - Support engagement with regulators, notified bodies, and external assurance organisations to build confidence in STEP’s approach to novel technologies. Quality Risk Management - Lead the identification, assessment, and management of quality‑related risks across the lifecycle. - Establish a structured, risk‑based approach to quality management integrated with programme and engineering decision‑making. - Ensure alignment with safety, reliability, security, and environmental risk frameworks. - Facilitate risk reviews and ensure timely mitigation and closure of actions. Leadership & Culture - Act as a senior leader within SQ&MA, influencing quality outcomes across engineering, supply chain, and delivery partners. - Champion a culture where quality is proactively engineered and assured, reflecting the high‑consequence nature of the programme. - Role‑model organisational values, the Seven Principles of Public Life, and inclusive leadership behaviours. - Promote a culture of curiosity, evidence‑based decision‑making, and disciplined problem‑solving within complex, high‑uncertainty environments. Essential: - Degree Level Science or Engineering Qualification (or equivalent experience). - Chartered member with relevant institution. - Strong understanding of engineering principles and product lifecycle management. - In-depth knowledge of quality management systems and applicable standards (e.g., ISO9001). - Experience leading product certification and conformity assessment activities, including managing UKCA‑relevant evidence, technical files, and engagement with regulators or notified bodies. - Ability to identify, assess, and mitigate technical and quality risks while enable innovation. - Ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams and manage complex technical interfaces. - Excellent communication skills and the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels. Beneficial: - Track record of creative problem solving in ambiguous or innovative environments. - Experience of the full lifecycle for technically complex plant systems within major programmes.