<p>The Quality Assurance Specialist will ensure products and processes meet defined quality standards, regulatory requirements and customer expectations. The successful candidate will design and maintain test plans, perform audits and support continuous improvement initiatives. This role requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail and excellent communication with cross-functional teams. The specialist will work closely with production, engineering and supply chain to resolve non-conformances and prevent recurrence.</p>
<h2>Quality Assurance Specialist Job Profile</h2>
<p>The Quality Assurance Specialist is responsible for implementing and maintaining quality systems that support consistent delivery of safe and compliant products. This role requires practical knowledge of quality control methods, root cause analysis and effective corrective actions. The specialist reports to the Quality Manager and often mentors junior QA staff.</p>
<p>The role suits an organised, methodical professional who can balance routine inspections with project work to improve process capability. The post involves both hands-on testing in the centre and coordination of documentation and audits.</p>
<h2>Quality Assurance Specialist Job Description</h2>
<p>The Quality Assurance Specialist will create and execute inspection plans, test protocols and sampling procedures to evaluate materials and finished goods. Regular activities include performing incoming inspections, in-process checks and final product verifications, as well as logging results in the quality management system. The specialist will analyse data to track trends and identify opportunities to reduce defects and waste.</p>
<p>Day-to-day responsibilities include conducting internal audits, supporting external certification audits and ensuring non-conformances are recorded, investigated and closed promptly. The specialist will develop clear, practical corrective and preventative action plans and work with production and engineering to implement improvements. Training shop floor staff on quality standards and correct measurement techniques will be a routine part of the job.</p>
<p>Additionally, the role involves liaising with suppliers to resolve quality problems, reviewing supplier performance and participating in supplier development activities. The specialist will help maintain controlled documentation, ensure calibration of test equipment and contribute to continuous improvement projects using recognised quality tools such as root cause analysis and statistical process control.</p>
<h2>Quality Assurance Specialist Duties and Responsibilities</h2>
<ul>
<li>Develop, implement and maintain inspection plans, test methods and sampling procedures</li>
<li>Perform incoming, in-process and final inspections and record results accurately</li>
<li>Carry out internal audits and assist during external certification audits</li>
<li>Investigate non-conformances using root cause analysis and implement corrective actions</li>
<li>Monitor quality metrics and prepare regular reports for management review</li>
<li>Collaborate with production and engineering to reduce defects and improve process capability</li>
<li>Coordinate supplier quality activities and evaluate supplier performance</li>
<li>Maintain calibration records and ensure test equipment is fit for purpose</li>
<li>Provide training and support to shop floor personnel on quality procedures</li>
<li>Participate in continuous improvement projects and support quality system enhancements</li>
</ul>
<h2>Quality Assurance Specialist Requirements and Qualifications</h2>
<ul>
<li>Bachelor's degree in engineering, applied sciences or a related discipline, or equivalent experience</li>
<li>Professional experience in quality assurance or quality control within a manufacturing or regulated environment</li>
<li>Familiarity with quality standards such as ISO 9001, IATF 16949 or relevant sector-specific standards</li>
<li>Practical skills in root cause analysis, corrective action and statistical process control</li>
<li>Excellent analytical skills and attention to detail with strong problem-solving abilities</li>
<li>Good communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively across functions</li>
<li>Experience with quality management systems and data entry for audit trails</li>
<li>Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications and technical documentation</li>
<li>Strong organisational skills and the ability to prioritise multiple tasks effectively</li>
<li>Willingness to work on the production floor and participate in shift patterns if required</li>
</ul>