Head of Quality and Test

CIRCOR International (NYSE – CIR) is one of the world’s leading providers of mission critical flow control products and services for the Industrial and Aerospace & Defence markets. The company has a product portfolio of market leading brands serving its customers’ most demanding applications. Headquartered in Burlington, Massachusetts, Circor has facilities in USA, Germany, France, UK (incl. Hale Hamilton), China, Morocco, UAE, Malaysia and India, has approximate annual sales of $800 million, 3200 employees and serves 14000 customers across approximately 100 countries.

Hale Hamilton (Valves) Limited, part of CIRCOR’s Global Navy Division, is a leading manufacturer of pressure and flow control solutions for application on various Submarine and Surface Ship platforms and for applications in Industrial segments such as Renewable Energy, Industrial Gas and Power.

For our site in Uxbridge, Greater London, we are seeking a Head of Quality and Test to lead our quality assurance and testing strategy. In this key leadership role, you will ensure our products, systems, and services meet the highest standards of quality, reliability, and compliance. Working closely with senior leaders, customers, and operational teams, you will drive continuous improvement and operational excellence across the organization. You will also champion a culture of quality and oversee robust testing and assurance processes that support customer satisfaction and business success.

Your responsibilities

Quality Management

• Oversee and enhance the effectiveness of the Quality Management System (QMS) to support business performance.
• Lead quality audits, ensure compliance, and manage corrective and preventive action plans.
• Monitor quality KPIs, identify improvement opportunities, and promote a culture of continuous improvement.

Testing & Assurance in Hydro and final FAT testing

• Develop and implement the company’s testing strategy, standards, and best practices.
• Lead the planning, execution, and reporting of testing activities across products, systems, and services.
• Monitor testing performance and ensure quality objectives are achieved.
• Drive root cause analysis, validation processes, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Leadership & Stakeholder Management

• Lead and develop Quality and Test teams.
• Provide expert guidance to senior leaders and key stakeholders.
• Build strong relationships with customers, suppliers, and regulatory bodies.
• Drive cross-functional collaboration and support employee development.

Governance & Continuous Improvement

• Define and monitor quality and testing performance metrics.
• Manage organizational risks and ensure effective mitigation plans.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to strengthen quality and operational excellence.

Budget & Resource Management

• Manage budgets and resources to support quality and operational objectives.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities and support investment decisions through business case analysis.

Your qualifications

• Degree in Quality, Engineering, Manufacturing, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Senior leadership experience in Quality and/or Testing, ideally in manufacturing, aerospace, naval, defence, or another regulated industry.
• Strong knowledge of QMS, testing, auditing, industry standards, and regulatory compliance.
• Proven experience leading quality, continuous improvement, and operational excellence initiatives.
• Experience managing teams, budgets, and cross-functional projects.
• Professional qualifications such as Six Sigma, CQI, IRCA Lead Auditor, or Chartered Quality Professional are desirable.
• Strong leadership, communication and analytical skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders, drive strategic quality and continuous improvement initiatives, and deliver measurable business results

Your benefits

• 4 day working week with Fridays off (38 hours per week)
• Life Cover: 2x Annual Salary
• Pension: Employer’s & Employee’s contribution
• Competitive bonus scheme
• Employer-only option salary exchange
• Generous holiday equivalent to 5 weeks holiday
• Medical insurance with an option to include as a payroll benefit
• A culture calendar to celebrate events
• Birthday lunch every month hosted by our Managing Director
• Employee benefits portal with discounts on many products
• Active social club – with regular events