Quality Manager

A quality manager is responsible for developing, setting up and monitoring systems to control the quality of products or services.

That could involve improving product quality, or streamlining working practices within a company.

The aim is to achieve a standard of product or service that satisfies customer requirements.

The work might include: analysing business statistics to measure performance against in-house and external standards; reviewing existing policies and planning how to improve quality management systems (QMS); looking at any areas of weakness and recommending ways to improve; and inspecting, sampling and testing products and production processes.

You could also be making sure procedures meet equality laws or national standards (such as Investors in People); consulting with staff and working with training departments to put plans into effect; reviewing and assessing the effectiveness of changes; working closely with other managers and departments; and managing a team of quality control technicians. In some companies you may be known as a quality assurance or quality control manager.

Salaries are usually between £22,000 and £40,000 a year.

Top salaries can reach £50,000 to £60,000.

To become a quality manager, you will need proven experience in management or quality control in your industry.

You may have an advantage with a degree or postgraduate qualification in quality management or business studies.

For certain industries, a relevant degree may be required.

In manufacturing, engineering or scientific industries, you could start a quality control technician and work your way up to quality management with experience.

It may help your promotion prospects to study for a relevant BTEC HND or degree – use the course search on this site to look for suitable courses.