Here's the problem with most quality roles: you're firefighting someone else's mess, drowning in paperwork, and nobody listens when you flag issues early.
Here's what's different:
They make medical devices that actually matter, wound care and diagnostic products used in hospitals and clinics. Your inspections directly impact patient safety, and the engineering team actually care what you think.
Flag a problem at incoming stage? They'll listen. Spot a process issue? You'll be part of fixing it, not just logging it.
You'll work double days (6am-2pm or 2pm-10pm rotating), inspecting raw materials, in-process parts, and finished products. Mechanical checks, visual inspection, calibration, proper hands-on quality work, not just data entry.
ISO 13485 and FDA regulated, so everything's documented, but the systems actually work rather than slowing you down.
The reality:
You'll be on the shop floor more than at a desk. Liaising with production when something's borderline. Working with engineering on root cause when failures happen. Keeping inspection records accurate because they matter for audits and traceability.
It's methodical, detail-focused work, if you're the type who gets annoyed by shortcuts or sloppy standards, you'll fit right in.
What you get:
£33k-£35k base + 20% shift allowance (£39.6k-£42k total)
Quarterly profit share (actual money, not vague promises)
23 days holiday to start, rising with service
Dental scheme
Overtime paid at premium rates
Annual salary reviews
You'll love this if you:
Know your way around ISO 9001 or 13485 (or similar regulated environments)
Can read technical drawings and specs without needing everything explained
Actually enjoy the satisfaction of catching issues before they become problems
Have worked in quality in manufacturing, medical devices, aerospace, automotive, precision engineering, anywhere standards actually matter
Are comfortable with digital systems and databases (no paper-based chaos here)
Prefer being part of a solution rather than just reporting problems
Medical device experience is ideal, but if you've done quality in another regulated industry and you're hungry to step up, they'll absolutely consider you. This is more about attitude than ticking boxes, if you're driven, committed, and take pride in getting things right, that matters more than your previous sector.
If you're tired of quality roles where standards are optional and your input gets ignored, let's talk
