Lead Plant Quality Engineer

We’re not just another bike brand - we're an iconic, British motorcycle brand with over 120 years of history behind us. Our new state-of-the-art facilities in Solihull, West Midlands are home to a tight-knit, but ever-expanding team that's passionate about delivering exquisite riding experiences to our customers.

Under new ownership and proud to be part of the TVS Motor family, we're entering a new era of global success. And we want you to be a part of it!

At Norton, we value respect, trust, and responsibility. We trust our employees to execute their roles exceptionally and professionally, and we value personal development, teaching, and learning. When you join our team, you'll have the opportunity to grow and learn alongside some of the most talented and dedicated people in the business.

So if you're passionate about motorcycles and looking to join a team that's shaping the future of this legendary brand, we'd love to hear from you!

The Role

As the Lead Plant Quality Engineer, you will be responsible for leading all plant quality engineering activities within manufacturing. You will work cross-functionally with Production, Manufacturing Engineering, Supply Chain, Product Development, and Supplier Quality to ensure robust quality systems are implemented and sustained, delivering premium products that exceed customer expectations.

You will lead a team of Plant Quality Engineers and provide technical leadership in problem solving, root cause analysis, containment activities, process capability improvement, and quality planning.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the Plant Quality Engineering team, providing technical guidance, coaching, and performance development

• Drive a proactive quality culture across manufacturing operations

• Ensure manufacturing processes consistently achieve quality, safety, and customer requirements

• Lead investigations into internal quality concerns using structured problem-solving methodologies (8D, A3, 5 Why, Ishikawa, DMAIC)

• Manage containment, corrective, and preventive actions (CAPA), ensuring effective implementation and validation

• Develop and maintain Process Control Plans, PFMEAs, inspection standards, and quality documentation

• Monitor manufacturing quality performance through KPIs and statistical analysis, identifying trends and implementing improvement actions

• Support new product introduction (NPI) activities to ensure quality is built into manufacturing processes from launch

• Lead process validation activities, including capability studies (Cp/Cpk), MSA, and process audits

• Coordinate response to customer quality concerns and support warranty investigations where required

• Collaborate with Supplier Quality to resolve supplier-related issues affecting production

• Ensure compliance with ISO 9001 and support implementation of automotive quality standards and best practices where applicable

• Lead Layered Process Audits (LPA), internal audits, and manufacturing process reviews

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on reducing defects, improving first-time-through quality, and lowering the cost of poor quality

• Support production teams through daily quality reviews and escalation management

• Present quality performance updates to senior management and contribute to strategic quality planning

Skills & Experience

Essential

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality Engineering, or a related discipline

• Significant experience within manufacturing quality engineering in automotive, motorcycle, aerospace, or high-value engineering industries

• Previous experience leading or mentoring quality engineering teams

• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes including machining, assembly, fabrication, and paint

• Proven experience with structured problem-solving techniques including:

  • 8D

  • 5 Why

  • Ishikawa

  • FMEA

  • Control Plans

  • SPC

  • MSA

  • PPAP principles

• Experience conducting process and product audits

• Excellent analytical and data interpretation skills

• Experience supporting New Product Introduction (NPI)

• Strong communication and stakeholder management abilities

• Ability to influence cross-functional teams and drive quality improvements

Desirable

• Lead Auditor qualification

• Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt

• Knowledge of IATF 16949 core quality tools

• Experience within premium automotive or motorcycle manufacturing

• Familiarity with digital quality systems and Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES)

Rewards of working for Norton:

We like to take care of our Nortoneers and we think we offer some pretty decent rewards. Here's what you'll get when you join the team:

• Competitive salary package that recognises your skills and experience

• 33 days of holiday (inc. Bank Hols) to relax and recharge

• Generous pension scheme that sets you up for the future, with access to personalised advice.

• Private Medical Insurance and a Cash Back Programme to keep you feeling your best

• Life insurance (4x salary) because we've got your back no matter what

• FREE fruit, got to have your five-a-day!

• WeCare Employee Assistance Programme, which includes access to online GP services, dietary advice, mental health support, bereavement counselling, and a fitness programme

• Experience the thrill of an entrepreneurial environment within a larger, well-funded company with ambitious long-term goals.

• Elevate your career with our Ideas for Excellence scheme, where every brilliant idea is not just valued, but also rewarded!

• A diverse and international team that brings together different perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences.

• Join the fun with our twice-yearly employee events, payday socials, and loads of exciting activities in between!

• Want to go green? You can enjoy free electric bicycle hire

• Plus, no need to stress about finding a parking spot - we've got on-site free parking covered and FREE electric charge points.

We know how important it is to take care of our team, and we're committed to continually improving our reward offering in line with the business growth plan.

Join us and see for yourself!

PLEASE NOTE, WE DO NOT ACCEPT AGENCY APPLICATIONS