What does a Quality Manager do?
A Quality Manager ensures that an organisation’s products and services meet internal and external standards, function effectively and meet the customer’s requirements. Quality Managers are involved in designing and implementing these standards across various parts of the business. They also create quality management systems, monitor company-wide performance and compliance and report on their findings.
Quality Managers work across all industries from manufacturing and health to finance and aviation. They collaborate frequently with external and internal stakeholders and regulatory bodies. They sometimes provide training to their colleagues.
Quality Manager skills and qualifications
A good Quality Manager needs to be very good at solving complex problems, communicating and managing large projects. These will ensure that they perform their duties effectively. A successful Quality Manager will have various prerequisite skills and qualifications that typically include:
- Strong research and analytical skills
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Excellent communications skills
- In-depth knowledge of national or international industry regulations
- Understanding of business management principles
- Working knowledge of relevant software tools and computer literacy
- Attention to detail
Quality Manager experience requirements
Quality Managers must have prior experience in analysing quality and performance. They must have at least one to two years of experience in a similar role or fields such as health and safety management. Familiarity with business improvement methods such as lean management and Six Sigma is required. Other requirements may include a background in project management and previous industry-specific experience.
Entry-level Quality Manager positions usually require candidates to complete an internship or apprenticeship. Mid-level Quality Managers require three to five years in the role, while Senior Quality Managers or Consultants will need to have over five years of experience.
Quality Manager education and training requirements.
A Quality Manager must have a bachelor’s degree in production management, human resources, business administration or a relevant field. A Higher National Diploma (HND) in production, materials science or other relevant fields may be required in place of a bachelor’s degree. Some employers prefer candidates who have a master’s degree in production management.
Possible training requirements for Quality Manager positions include the Level 5 Diploma in Quality Management, Lean Six Sigma Training, Business Process Improvement and training on the International Standards Organisation (ISO) codes such as ISO18404 and ISO 9001.
Quality Manager salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, a Quality Manager in the UK can expect to earn an average of £41,605 per year. This salary expectation depends on factors such as the hiring company, the candidate’s level of experience and qualification, industry and geographical location and whether the position is a full-time employee, a contractor or a consultant.
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