Head of Quality and Continual Improvement

Responsible for strategy, development and overseeing all standards, processes, training and systems of quality management leading to improvements in our Workdry UK Quality function. This position will focus on creating and maintaining policies, driving improvement initiatives (including VCP projects), and supporting compliance with regulatory and customer frameworks such as AMP. The role will work closely with functional leaders to ensure consistent standards are applied, improvement opportunities are identified, and best practice is shared across sites.

Quality Management

• Maintain and continuously improve the company’s Quality Management System.
• Lead responsibility for ISO 9001 accreditation and related certifications (ISO 14001, ISO 45001 as required).
• Develop and maintain policies, procedures, and supporting documentation for Quality to ensure adherence with regulatory, customer, and industry standards.
• Review customer requirements and ensure they are understood and consistently met.
• Conduct and oversee internal audits, supplier audits, and compliance investigations.
• Support compliance activities (e.g. AMP frameworks), advising that operational processes enable adherence to obligations.

Continuous Improvement

• Develop and maintain the framework for continuous improvement across Workdry UK, including policy creation, process reviews, and identification of improvement initiatives.
• Support the design, deployment, and monitoring of Value Creation Projects (VCP), ensuring alignment to strategic objectives.
• Monitor and analyse quality non-conformances and implement corrective and preventative actions.
• Collaborate with functional leaders to document, standardise, and continuously improve business activities, embedding a consistent approach across all locations.

• Act as a subject matter expert on compliance frameworks relevant to operational delivery (excluding direct responsibility for ISO 9001 management systems).
• Support AMP compliance activities, ensuring operational policies and processes enable adherence to contractual obligations.
• Inspire, lead, and develop a high-performing Workdry UK Quality team, setting clear objectives and creating a strong performance culture.
• Act as a visible champion for quality, compliance, and improvement across the business.
•  Build collaborative relationships with stakeholders at all levels to drive alignment and ownership.
• Facilitate lessons learned reviews where process or compliance gaps have been identified and assist in defining improvement actions.

Reporting

• Establish measures and reporting to track progress of improvement initiatives, policy implementation, and compliance activities.
• Regularly report progress to the to the Workdry UK SHEQ Director and the Workdry UK Senior Leadership Team.

Change Management

• Act as a champion for change, supporting teams in the adoption of new processes and ways of working.

• Support communication plans to ensure clarity of purpose and expectations. Ensure effective communication and engagement during change management initiatives.

The main responsibilities are outlined above.  This is not a definitive list, and other tasks/activities may be necessary as the company’s commercial activities require.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:

Essential:

• ISO 9001 Lead Auditor qualification and ISO 9001 experience.
• Formal training in Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies.
• Extensive and relevant demonstrable experience in a senior Quality role.
• Proven track record of leading teams and driving continuous improvement in operational environments.
• Strong project management and change management skills.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Working knowledge of compliance frameworks in utilities, construction, engineering, or rental sectors.
• Computer literate (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Project).
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel 1 - 2 days per week nationally.

• Membership of a professional quality body (e.g. CQI/IQA).
• Experience supporting AMP compliance programmes.
• Knowledge of ISO 14001, ISO 45001, UVDB, and related frameworks.
• Experience in training design and delivery.