Principal Quality Manager

Job Description

Job Title: Principal Quality Manager

Location: Barrow-in-Furness. This role will require full time on site attendance

Salary: Competitive with executive car allowance and benefits on top

Who we are:

Join BAE Systems and you’ll be part of something bigger. As a valued member of our global colleague network, you’ll bring your unique skills and perspectives to help pioneer progress and protect what matters most. You’ll be trusted to play your part in delivering the advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions of tomorrow, shaping a safer future, for all of us.

From the depths of the ocean, to the far reaches of space, there’s no limit to where a career at BAE Systems could take you.

Job Description:

As a Principal Quality manager, you have the responsibility for leading the team who carry out product assurance activities within the BAE Systems supply chain, oversee supplier special process approvals and system based audits along with carrying out receipt inspection checks when goods are receipted into the business. You will work closely with a large network of stakeholders, offering direct influence, opportunities, team direction and strategy.

You will also have the chance for progression within the role and across other functions within the business. The role will involve regular travel across the UK, Europe and the wider globe.

Core duties:

• You will be responsible for driving outcomes across the team and managing overall performance
• You will be effectively prioritising and balancing team workloads to meet business needs and requirements
• You will play a key part in shaping and setting strategic direction, goals and long term team objectives
• You will be working closely with stakeholders across the organisation to build engagement
• You will be responsible for managing and resolving business level escalations accordingly

Essential Skills:

• You will have gained demonstrated experience in leadership of a large team with a strong track record of embedding high performing culture changes within an organisation
• Hold strong engineering and inspection capabilities, with an excellent knowledge of non-destructive techniques
• You will need to be proficient in clear, effective reporting across team performance and KPI measures

The SQA product assurance Team:

Here in the team, we drive quality through supplier inspections, special process oversight and robust audit activity. We lead on performance, set long term objectives and collaborate widely across the organisation, maintaining strong stakeholder engagement while resolving escalations and upholding high engineering and inspection standards. We offer relocation support packages across all Submarines roles, subject to meeting eligibility criteria.

Why BAE Systems?

Here you’ll build a career with purpose and limitless possibilities. With lifelong learning and meaningful work, this is a place where you can grow your career with confidence and be empowered to be your best. You’ll be recognised for your contribution and enjoy rewards tailored to what’s most important to you and your family, support for your financial and personal wellbeing, as well as a balanced lifestyle. In an environment embracing sustainable ways of working and with a strong sense of shared purpose, our supportive culture is a place you can feel you belong and proud of the difference you make.

A place where everyone can thrive:

We’re committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We know that a diversity of backgrounds, perspectives and experiences strengthens our teams and is vital to the work we do.

Please be aware that many roles at BAE Systems are subject to both security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors such as your nationality, any nationalities you may have previously held, and your place of birth can restrict the roles you are eligible to perform within the organisation. All applicants must as a minimum achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard. Many roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting where applicants must typically have 5 to 10 years of continuous residency in the UK depending on the vetting level required for the role, to allow for meaningful security vetting checks.

Closing Date: 15th April 2026

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

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