Inspection Manager

Job Title: Inspection Manager

Department: Inspection

Reporting to: General Manager

Due to Hewland’s continued expansion and strong product portfolio across both motorsport and future automotive, we are looking to recruit an Inspection Manager to support the Quality Assurance aspect of the business.

Hewland Engineering is relied upon by many of the world’s top motorsport teams, performance car constructors, and hybrid and electric transportation innovators to extract the performance and reliability they require to get their high-performance transmission challenges done. Whatever the nature of your next motorsport or vehicle engineering project might be, Hewland can help with off-the shelf and bespoke solutions, along with design consulting and manufacturing expertise. At Hewland, we believe that good customer service is every bit as important as a strong product.

As the Inspection Manager at Hewland Engineering Ltd., you will play a vital role in ensuring the quality and precision of our products while managing the inspection budget and building strong relationships with clients and suppliers. You will lead the inspection team, manage inspection processes, and uphold compliance with Hewland’s quality management systems, including AS9100, ISO9001, and ISO14001. This position requires a strategic leader with a keen eye for detail, a strong commitment to quality, and the ability to drive continuous improvement in a dynamic, engineering-focused environment.

Duties and responsibilities include:

Leadership & Team Management:

• Supervise, mentor, and develop a team of skilled inspectors, fostering a culture of quality, precision, and continuous improvement aligned with Hewland’s values.
• Coordinate the workload and shift patterns of the inspection team to meet production schedules and maintain Hewland’s high standards.
• Conduct performance reviews, set team goals, and encourage professional development.

Inspection & Quality Control:

• Oversee all inspection processes, including incoming, in-process, and final inspections, ensuring compliance with customer specifications and Hewland’s rigorous quality standards.
• Implement, monitor, and refine inspection procedures for compliance with AS9100, ISO9001, and ISO14001 requirements, maintaining alignment with industry best practices.
• Review and approve inspection reports, non-conformance reports, and corrective actions to continuously enhance product quality and reliability.

Budget Management:

• Develop, monitor, and manage the inspection department budget, ensuring efficient allocation of resources to meet departmental and company goals.
• Control costs by optimising inspection procedures, implementing best practices, and identifying cost-saving opportunities without compromising quality.
• Forecast budget needs for equipment, training, and personnel to support long-term quality objectives.

Client & Supplier Relations:

• Work closely with clients to understand and meet their quality expectations, ensuring open communication on inspection standards and processes.
• Build and maintain relationships with suppliers to ensure the quality and timely delivery of components, coordinating quality checks and inspections with external partners as needed.
• Collaborate with both clients and suppliers to address and resolve quality concerns, fostering a positive and proactive partnership approach.

Process Improvement:

• Identify and drive opportunities for improvement within inspection practices to enhance quality, efficiency, and productivity.
• Work closely with engineering, production, and quality departments to address quality issues and implement corrective actions.
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective/preventive action initiatives to address and prevent non-conformances, aligning with Hewland’s commitment to excellence.

Documentation & Compliance:

• Maintain comprehensive records of inspection results, non-conformance issues, and corrective actions, ensuring accurate documentation for audits and customer requirements.
• Ensure inspection processes comply with Hewland’s certifications, including AS9100 and ISO standards.
• Support both internal and external audits, providing required documentation and expertise to ensure seamless compliance.

Training & Development:

• Develop and implement training programs for new inspectors and ongoing skill enhancement for the inspection team.
• Keep the team updated on changes in inspection procedures, standards, and industry requirements, reinforcing a learning-oriented culture.

Health & Safety:

• Enforce health and safety regulations within the inspection department, contributing to Hewland’s safe working environment.

The ideal candidate must have/ skills required:

· Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality Management, or a related field (preferred)

· Proven experience in inspection management within an engineering or precision manufacturing environment

· Strong knowledge of AS9100, ISO9001, ISO14001, and related industry standards

· Proficiency in budget management and cost control within a manufacturing or engineering context

· Experience in managing client and supplier relationships with a focus on quality and reliability

· Strong problem-solving skills with a proactive approach to process improvement

· Excellent leadership, communication, and team-building abilities

· Effective organisational skills and attention to detail

Desirable:

· Familiarity with Lean, Six Sigma, or other quality improvement methodologies

· Experience with ERP/MRP systems (Syspro)

· Knowledge of calibration systems

· Experience with Seiki AIR shop floor data capture

Salary: Competitive, based on experience

Benefits: Hewland offers a benefits package that includes health insurance, on-site parking, 25 days holiday, EV car scheme, plus opportunities for professional growth and development.

This is an excellent opportunity to lead and grow within a company dedicated to quality, innovation, and engineering excellence. If you are passionate about quality management, skilled in budget handling, and experienced in client and supplier relations, we encourage you to apply and join the Hewland team.