Customer Quality Lead

Caudwell Marine is a pioneering UK marine engineering company, backed by entrepreneur and philanthropist John Caudwell. We are redefining marine propulsion through the development of a diesel outboard system built for uncompromising performance, reliability and control in all conditions, with a global product launch planned for 2026. As a growing and ambitious business, we are focused on delivering cutting-edge technology designed for the toughest marine environments and turning innovation into real-world impact. At Caudwell Marine, every team member plays an important role in shaping the future of the company. Our approach is built around being confident, committed and consistent in everything we do. Driven by endurance and powered by people, we are building a team that sets high standards and is helping redefine the future of marine propulsion. Role & Responsibilities As the Lead Engineer, you will act as the primary point of contact on customer quality by providing strategic direction and hands-on support to resolve complex quality challenges. You will collaborate closely with product support, manufacturing, and production functions to embed robust quality practices into processes and products - both internally and within the nominated supply chain. The role will involve leading a team of engineers and technicians while developing and implementing framework & systems to drive our customer quality support, conducting rigorous analysis of failures, and leading proactive initiatives that prevent defects and improve overall product performance within our customer base. Responsibilities include:

• Lead investigation teams for customer quality issues - Review, Approve and validate 8D permanent corrective action plans.
• Plan, complete & track to completion 8D issue resolution for the team & wider business – ensuring proactive quality reviews to safeguard defect free part supply.
• Drive initiatives to reduce defects, improve yield, and enhance customer satisfaction using industry recognised quality tools.
• Develop and implement customer quality systems to support safe launch and continued adherence to quality expectations throughout product lifecycle.
• Lead cost-of-quality analysis and implement strategies to reduce scrap, rework, and warranty claims using both proactive & reactive measures.
• Ensure compliance with business processes, ISO standards and marine industry regulations both internally & with suppliers.
• Establish and monitor Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for customer quality performance within the supply chain/internal processes.
• Lead, mentor & guide engineers and technicians on quality best practices and problem-solving methodologies.
• Collaborate effectively cross functionally, ensuring the voice of quality is consistent while supporting business objectives.
• Where necessary, cover the Head of Quality responsibilities during times of absence/travel. Required Skills & Experience
• At least 5 years' experience in Supplier Quality Assurance/Supplier Development/Quality in an Engineering or Manufacturing environment. Longer experience will be valued, as will demonstratable experience of managing Supplier Quality / Quality with powertrain suppliers. Preferential for experience to be held in customer facing roles (I.E Warranty / Field Quality / Customer Support)
• At least 2 years in a ‘blue chip' manufacturing / engineering organisation where ‘automotive level' quality, procurement and supply chain processes have been demonstrated.
• Robust experience of quality tools/systems 8D/Problem solving, warranty processes & best practices with extensive real-world application.
• Experience in leading a team through quality activities through early life market launch through to stabilised serial production.
• Experience of self-lead implementation of quality processes from ground upwards with little support or input.
• Ideally has also worked in a Small, Medium Enterprise (SME) and is able to demonstrate the ability to ‘roll their sleeves up' and personally get things done as part of a cross functional team. Personal Attributes
• Consistent. Confident. Committed.
• Data driven – with a keen eye for detail in all aspects of work.
• Ability to be self-led and accountable for progress while working alone (when required) or as part of a wider team.
• Team player, who is both comfortable with supporting, and leading colleagues within the wider cross functional team.
• A strong leader who can manage local teams using their own preferred methods - driving results in the desired timeframe despite challenges.
• Ability to balance ‘hands on' with longer term vision and processes – ensuring that all areas of the business are supported with a methodological approach.
• Determination to always uphold quality expectations while achieving the best possible business results.
• Comfortable in leading complex topics and representing the brand within the market without support.
• Willingness to travel Europe-wide and, when necessary, globally Qualifications
• Minimum HND or a BEng in an Engineering discipline
• Continuous Improvement/ Lean qualifications (preferred) Additional Information
• Primary location of Coventry, UK with the requirement to work with colleagues at our R&D facility in Lowestoft, UK and suppliers as necessary
• Primary hours are 9am to 5pm however candidate needs to be flexible and be able and willing to work outside normal hours when necessary
• 5-day week office based unless stated otherwise.

Caudwell Marine operates a Preferred Supplier List (PSL) for recruitment agencies, which is currently not under review. Agencies not on our PSL are kindly requested to refrain from submitting speculative CVs or contacting our hiring managers or employees directly regarding recruitment matters. Please note that any CVs submitted by non-PSL agencies, whether speculative or otherwise, will be treated as unsolicited.