Brief overview of the role

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Company Overview: William Hughes Ltd. is an engineering firm specialising in the design and manufacture of high-quality springs and wire forms for the automotive and aviation industries. We are committed to delivering superior products that meet the stringent demands of our clients. Our success is built on a foundation of precision, innovation, and dedication to quality.

 

Position Summary

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We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Quality Manager to oversee and enhance our quality management systems. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring that our products meet the highest standards of quality and compliance, while driving continuous improvement across all areas of production. The Quality Manager will report to the Managing Director and Engineering Director on quality-related issues and to the Production Manager on production-related matters. The role also includes managing a small team comprising a Quality Engineer and two Quality Inspection staff.

 

Key Responsibilities

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1 – Quality Management System (QMS):
Develop, implement, and maintain the Quality Management System in accordance with industry standards (ISO 9001, IATF 16949, AS9100).
Ensure compliance with customer and regulatory requirements.
Conduct regular audits to assess the effectiveness of the QMS and implement corrective actions as necessary.

2 – Quality Control and Assurance:
Oversee all aspects of product quality, from raw material inspection to final product delivery.
Develop and implement quality control procedures and policies.
Monitor production processes to ensure adherence to quality standards.
Manage non-conforming product issues and implement corrective and preventive actions.

3 – Supplier Quality Management:
Evaluate and manage the performance of suppliers.
Conduct supplier audits and assessments to ensure compliance with quality standards.
Work with suppliers to resolve quality issues and improve performance.

4 – Customer Focus:
Act as the primary point of contact for all quality-related customer inquiries and issues.
Ensure customer satisfaction by addressing quality concerns promptly and effectively.
Collaborate with the sales and engineering teams to understand customer requirements and translate them into quality standards.

5 – Continuous Improvement:
Lead continuous improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing product quality and operational efficiency.
Utilise Lean, Six Sigma, and other quality improvement methodologies to drive process improvements.
Foster a culture of quality and continuous improvement within the organisation.

6 – Team Leadership and Development:
Manage and mentor the quality team, providing guidance and support to achieve departmental goals.
Conduct performance reviews and identify training and development needs.
Promote a collaborative and positive work environment.

7 – Documentation and Reporting:
Maintain accurate and comprehensive quality records and documentation.
Prepare and present quality reports to senior management.
Ensure proper documentation of all quality control and assurance activities.

 

Qualifications

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Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality Management, or a related field.
Minimum of 5 years of experience in quality management, preferably in the automotive or aviation industries.
Strong knowledge of industry standards and regulatory requirements (ISO 9001, IATF 16949, AS9100, NADCAP).
Proficiency in quality management tools and methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma, SPC, FMEA).
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
Strong leadership and team management abilities.
Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
Detail-oriented with a commitment to excellence.

 

Benefits

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£50-55k salary dependent upon experience
Auto-enrolment Pension Scheme.
Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
Supportive and dynamic work environment.
Free parking on site.
Holiday buy-back scheme for up to 5 additional holidays
Christmas shutdown.
Dayshift working only, no weekends.

 

Application Process

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Interested candidates should submit their resume and a cover letter detailing their qualifications and experience to mike.fear@wmhughes.co.uk.

Applications will be accepted until Friday 9th August 2024

Wm Hughes Ltd. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Brief overview of the role

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Do you have enthusiasm, drive and a commitment to a future in Engineering? Apply today if you do! A mechanical interest for engineering must be reflected in your application, be it through repairs to cars/bikes etc., or a general interest in Engineering. After completing the Apprenticeship, you will achieve a Level 3 or 4 Advanced Apprenticeship.

 

Possible start date
Closing date

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We can recruit new Apprentices at any time of year, however the starting date of their formal College study is usually in September each year.

 

Apprenticeship summary

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Working week
08.00 – 16.30 Monday – Thursday, 08.00 – 15.30 Friday
Total hours per week: 39.00

Weekly wage
£14,196 p.a.; £273.00 per week; £7.00 per hour
(Note: The National Minimum pay rate for Apprentices will be £6.40 per hour as of 1.4.24)

Expected duration
4 years

Apprenticeship level
Level 3 or 4 – Advanced Level Apprenticeship – Depending upon previous qualifications, we can offer either Level.

Positions
Up to 3 are available every year

 

Vacancy description

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William Hughes specialises in the design and manufacture of custom-made springs, wire forms and assemblies. We are seeking to employ an enthusiastic & hardworking individual as an Engineering Apprentice.

We are looking for someone who enjoys both practical and academic work with an aptitude for, and an interest in, Engineering.

Successful candidates will be given the opportunity to spend time visiting each department to gain insight into all Engineering techniques used.

Main duties and areas of training will include:

CNC Milling machines
Surface grinders and various other equipment used in the Tool-room department
Wire forming and Spring manufacturing equipment
Inspection and quality checking

 

Requirements and prospects

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Desired skills
Able to work to instruction & retain information given
Multi-tasking
Attention to detail
Good communicator
Organised

Personal qualities
You will be hard working and enthusiastic with a real commitment to your learning and study
Reliable
Punctual

Desired qualifications
Maths and English A*/9- C/4 GCSE (or equivalent), plus an additional 3 GCSEs including science, all to be at least grade C/4 (or equivalent).

Future prospects
Successful completion of the Apprenticeship will then lead to further progression and advancement within the company. Many of our Apprentices go on to senior roles in the Company, both in the UK and in our European companies in Poland and Bulgaria.

Things to consider
Applicants are advised to apply early as we reserve the right to close a vacancy prior to the closing date if a high number of applications have been received.

NOTE: If your application is successful, you must attend an initial interview with Yeovil College. This will be arranged by an invitation from the College. This is not an interview for the job, just to assess your suitability for the Apprenticeship.

Apprentices are paid for their normal working hours and training that’s part of their apprenticeship (usually one day per week).
The Apprenticeship National Minimum Wage guide is updated every April (ANMW): https://www.gov.uk/national-minimum-wage-rates

 

Questions for candidates

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First question
We are located in Stalbridge, are you able to travel to both work and college should you be successful? How?

Second question
What is your understanding of Engineering?

 

About the employer

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Employer
William Hughes Limited

Disability Confident
Employer is not registered as Disability Confident

Description
William Hughes specialises in the design and manufacture of custom-made springs, wire forms and assemblies.

For over two centuries, the company has been at the forefront of the UK wire industry. From humble beginnings in Drury Lane, London, the company  is now a global supplier of components to the automotive, aerospace, medical and more industries with major manufacturing facilities both in the UK and Bulgaria.

To survive in today’s economy, having the ability to give customers what they need as quickly and cost effectively as possible, while maintaining the utmost level of quality, is key.

William Hughes achieves this goal by substantial annual investment in the most advanced equipment, much of it CNC based, keeping pace with constant technological evolution, and by nurturing a long-term, skilled workforce capable of working to the most stringent quality standards.

Address
William Hughes Ltd
Station Road
Stalbridge
DT10 2RZ

 

Training

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Training provider
YEOVIL COLLEGE

Contact
Richard Sibbick
07951 881061
richard.sibbick@yeovil.ac.uk

 

Training to be provided

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Year 1:
An introduction to the industry as a student at Yeovil College, completing a Technical Certificate Level 2; here you will receive practical experience on machine skills (turning, milling and grinding) welding, assembly, testing, electronics and other aspects of engineering. When not attending college, you will be in the workplace gaining valuable practical experience.

Level 2 Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering (Foundation Competence)
Level 2 Diploma in Machining (Foundation Knowledge)

Years 2 – 4:
Upon successful completion of Year 1, you will be working within a site based manufacturing team, learning WM Hughes processes and procedures. Each technician follows a training programme that is tailored for the individual and will have the support of an NVQ Assessor who will encourage your progression and act as a mentor.

Level 3 Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering- Machining (Development Competence)
Level 3 Diploma in Machining (Development Knowledge)
The training is designed to develop the skills needed for the designation career path and to provide opportunities to gather the evidence needed to satisfy the requirements of the NVQ Level 3 programme. One day per week will be spent at Yeovil College to complete the theoretical part of the programme.

 

Apprenticeship standards

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Machining Technician – ST1305 – Level 3
Engineering Manufacturing Technician – ST0841 – Level 4

 

How To Apply

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 Interested candidates can apply either directly to William Hughes ( hr@wmhughes.co.uk ) or through Yeovil College (richard.sibbick@yeovil.ac.uk ).

 

Fact-Finding Tour

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If you would like to visit the William Hughes factory in Stalbridge before you apply, so that we can show you around and explain the work we do in more detail, please email hr@wmhughes.co.uk.