Quality, Environmental, Health & Safety Manager

The QEHS Manager is responsible for developing, implementing and continuously improving Quality, Environmental, Health and Safety systems across the USystems manufacturing facility.

The role ensures that products, processes and working practices comply with customer requirements, internal standards and applicable legal obligations while fostering a culture of quality, safety and continuous improvement.

The successful candidate will work closely with Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain and Customer Service teams to drive operational excellence, reduce business risk and improve customer satisfaction.

This is a hands-on role requiring strong shop-floor presence, problem-solving capability and the ability to influence teams at all levels of the organisation.

Position of the function in the organization:

• Direct report to: Operations Manager

• Location: Bedford, UK

• Start Date: as soon as possible

• Employment Type: Full-time, permanent position

• Working model: site-based

Key Responsibilities

1- Quality Management

• Own and maintain the site's Quality Management System (QMS).

• Lead internal and external quality audits.

• Ensure compliance with ISO standards and customer-specific requirements.

• Drive investigation and resolution of customer complaints and internal quality issues.

• Lead Root Cause Analysis activities using 8D, 5 Why, Fishbone and other structured problem-solving methodologies.

• Monitor and improve product quality performance through KPIs and corrective actions.

• Ensure inspection plans, quality procedures, work instructions and checklists are accurate and effective.

• Support Engineering Change Management processes to ensure product and process changes are correctly assessed, approved and implemented.

• Establish robust non-conformance management and CAPA processes.

• Drive reduction of scrap, rework and customer returns.

2 - Health & Safety Management

• Act as site lead for Health & Safety compliance.

• Maintain risk assessment processes and safe working practices.

• Ensure compliance with French Health & Safety regulations and corporate requirements.

• Lead accident, incident and near-miss investigations.

• Develop and implement preventative actions to reduce workplace risks.

• Coordinate safety training and awareness programs.

• Promote a proactive safety culture throughout the business.

• Monitor and report H&S KPIs including accident frequency rates and corrective action completion.

3 - Environmental Management

• Develop and maintain environmental management systems.

• Ensure compliance with all applicable environmental regulations.

• Drive initiatives to reduce waste, energy consumption and environmental impact.

• Monitor environmental KPIs and support sustainability objectives.

• Maintain environmental permits, records and reporting requirements.

4 - Continuous Improvement

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives across manufacturing and support functions.

• Facilitate Lean Manufacturing and waste reduction projects.

• Support process optimisation to improve productivity, quality and delivery performance.

• Develop metrics and dashboards to monitor performance and identify opportunities.

• Promote data-driven decision making throughout the organisation.

• Provide leadership and coaching to quality and H&S personnel.

• Build strong relationships with customers, suppliers and regulatory bodies.

• Support customer visits, audits and quality reviews.

• Collaborate closely with Engineering, Production, Supply Chain and Customer Service teams.

• Develop and deliver training programs related to quality, safety and environmental requirements.

5 - Leadership & Collaboration

• Provide leadership and coaching to quality and H&S personnel.

• Build strong relationships with customers, suppliers and regulatory bodies.

• Support customer visits, audits and quality reviews.

• Collaborate closely with Engineering, Production, Supply Chain and Customer Service teams.

• Develop and deliver training programs related to quality, safety and environmental requirements.

Key Competencies

• Leadership

• Accountability

• Problem Solving

• Continuous Improvement Mindset

• Customer Focus

• Communication & Influencing Skills

• Risk Management

• Attention to Detail

• Coaching & Team Development

• Decision Making

Skills & Experience

Qualifications & Experience

Essential

• Degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality Management or related discipline.

• Minimum 5 years' experience in a QEHS, Quality or Operational Excellence leadership role within manufacturing.

• Strong knowledge of Quality Management Systems.

• Experience managing ISO audits and certification processes.

• Demonstrated experience in Health & Safety management.

• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.

• Experience with root cause analysis methodologies.

• Ability to influence and engage teams across all levels of the organisation.

• Strong communication skills in English.

Desirable

• NEBOSH, IOSH or equivalent Health & Safety qualification.

• Lead Auditor certification.

• Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma certification.

• Experience in sheet metal, electrical, HVAC, cooling technology or industrial manufacturing environments.

• Knowledge of UK H&S and environmental regulations.