Lead Inspector
Manchester, United Kingdom
Full Time
Quality Assurance
Manager/Supervisor
Lead Inspector
Luxfer MEL Technologies is a global leader in high-performance magnesium and zirconium-based materials, supporting advanced technology industries worldwide. From aerospace and defence to healthcare, automotive, environmental and specialist industrial applications, our materials help improve performance, safety and reliability in critical sectors.Role Overview – Lead Inspector
Are you an experienced inspection and NDT professional ready to lead a team? We are looking for a Lead Inspector to join our Quality and Compliance department in Manchester, reporting to the Head of Quality Assurance.You will lead the site Inspection function, allocating work, developing inspectors and assuring the quality of inspection records and traceability. You will provide technical oversight for incoming, first-off, in-process and final inspection, including NDT Level 3 (UT) expertise, training, mentoring and developing onsite Level 1/2 personnel and ensuring compliance with relevant standards.
The Lead Inspector role sits between the QC department, Operations teams and the Quality Assurance department, and reports to the Head of Quality Assurance. It requires independent judgement, accurate records and the confidence to stop and escalate uncertainty.
Key Responsibilities
- Work safely in accordance with company HSE requirements, permits, risk controls and site rules.
- Lead, coach and allocate work to inspectors, and own the inspection skills matrix and authorisations.
- Provide NDT Level 3 (UT) technical oversight, including training and mentoring of Level 1 and 2 testers.
- Review and countersign inspection records, challenging incomplete or unsupported results.
- Develop and update standard methods and SOPs for dimensional, visual, final and NDT-related inspection.
- Ensure gauges, metrology and NDT equipment are calibrated, available and controlled.
- Provide inspection input to APQP, PFMEA, control plans, MSA, PPAP and FAI/AS9102 planning.
- Monitor inspection workload, errors and escapes; coordinate containment and independent reinspection of suspect product.
- Lead investigations and root cause analysis for out-of-specification material, and verify completion of corrective actions.
- Support audits and internal auditing, and drive continuous improvement and 5S standards.
- Work with Operations, QA, QC and Warehouse while maintaining objective judgement and respecting release controls.
The Package
- Full-time, permanent role.
- Monday to Friday, 37 hours per week, based on site.
- Salary competitive, dependent on experience, plus potential annual bonus.
- 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays.
- Enhanced company pension.
- Paid time to volunteer.
- Free on-site parking.
- Employee Assistance Programme, including access to confidential support and advice.
- Bike-to-work scheme.
Requirements – Lead Inspector
- At least 5 GCSEs at grade 4/C or above, including English, maths and science.
- NDT Level 3 certification in Ultrasonic Testing (UT) to NAS 410 / EN 4179 (issued on behalf of the British Institute of Non-Destructive Testing)
- At least 5 years’ experience in inspection, quality control or NDT in a manufacturing environment, including direct ultrasonic testing experience and technical oversight.
- Experience of leading or coordinating a team and its technical priorities.
- Ability to work to drawings, specifications and acceptance criteria using calibrated measuring equipment.
- Strong understanding of traceability, objective evidence and nonconforming-product control, with the ability to make and defend evidence-based decisions.
- Clear written and verbal communication, high attention to detail, integrity and the confidence to stop and escalate uncertainty.
- A degree/HND in engineering, materials science, chemistry or analytical science, aerospace, automotive or regulated manufacturing experience, internal auditing, experience leading Level 1/2 testers, and SAP or equivalent ERP experience are not essential but would be advantageous.
The Luxfer Culture: Join a Specialist Inspection Team
This role calls for leadership, technical credibility, integrity and objective inspection judgement. You will work closely with Operations, QA, QC and Warehouse while maintaining a reliable, disciplined approach and a positive team attitude.
If you take pride in accurate inspection, clear records and traceability, and are ready to lead and develop a specialist inspection team, we would like to hear from you. Applicants must demonstrate all essential criteria; desirable criteria may be used for shortlisting where application volumes are high.
Export-Control Compliance
This role may involve access to defence-related goods, technical data or services subject to applicable UK and US export-control laws and regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), where applicable. Are you willing to provide the information reasonably required to assess and meet any applicable export-control, authorisation and compliance requirements?
Export-Control Authorisation
Certain duties may be subject to legal restrictions on access to controlled technical data, defence articles or services. Any access will be assessed in accordance with the applicable regulations, authorisation requirements and company compliance procedures. Do you agree to cooperate with the relevant compliance checks where legally required?
As a Disability Confident employer, we will ensure that a fair and proportionate number of disabled applicants that meet the minimum criteria for this position will be offered an interview. If you wish to request that your application be considered under the terms of our Guaranteed Interview Scheme, please explicitly state so in your CV and / or accompanying cover letter.
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