"I am persistent, conscientious and resourceful, which I need to be to get people on board with me in order to implement improvement. That fits well with the ‘Coach’ and ‘Innovator’ types. My role covers a broad spectrum of activities which explains why I matche well with so many different personality types!"

"Quality Managers help companies to ensure that they supply and manufacture quality goods and products, and that they carry out all their business activities to the highest standards. Companies often achieve accreditation to allow them to carry out work or supply goods, and they may require their sub-contractors and suppliers meet standards of accreditation. As Group Quality Manager, I have to monitor and manage all of this and ensure that everyone is doing as they should, working to the highest standards, and constantly improving across all the companies in the group. The product and the service that the group companies supply will be used for applications all over the world. Customers need to be confident that the product is of the best quality and all work has been carried out and tested exactly as needed, as well as that the company meets all the regulations required of it.I work with people at all levels (from shop floor to management) to develop best practice processes, and with customers, suppliers and accreditation bodies. I gain customer approvals through audits and develops internal audit schedules to improve performance in her organisation. I also set up and deliver training sessions as well as writing procedures, creating documents and carrying out risk assessments and data analysis. I do a lot of problem solving to bring improvement when I find quality issues. "

"I was inspired by my dad, who started as an electrician and went on to become Managing Director of a leading surgical blade manufacturer. I initially started out as a Metallurgical Technician and worked in other metallurgy and quality-based roles until specialising in Quality. I have a HNC in Metallurgy and an Advanced Diploma in Quality. I have always worked in engineering and like being able to use my metallurgy and engineering knowledge to support my Quality role. I have realised that my main motivation is working with a company at a strategic level to facilitate business improvement. "

"I have a caravan in the Peak District and like to go there as much as possible. I love my garden and being outside. I have a passion for all things Italian and have recently started Italian language lessons, although my engineering mind find the rules and verb formations a bit tricky!In my work, I particularly enjoy working with people and having the freedom to be involved with most areas of the business. I like bringing improvement and helping people to work smarter, making their jobs easier. I have had articles published in Quality World, been an expert on a panel at a quality event, and helped a company achieve their accreditation – my work is always exciting.In the future, I would love to have the opportunity to gain Directorship. I know I belong in a position where I would have the opportunity to be involved in supporting the strategic direction of the business!"

"It's different every day! I can desk-bound some days, writing procedures, creating systems, carrying out data analysis or creating reports.I'm involved in auditing our internal practices and lead customer and regulatory audits, which I really enjoy. I train people in quality. If there's been a major issue I'll get involved in the investigation and work with the companies to bring solutions. Having worked on the shop floor since leaving school, I really enjoy being on site in the factories particularly our forge and heat treatment plants. Watching red-hot metal being processed is fantastic!"

"Having failed my A Levels, I am an example that you can be successful after failure. My career in engineering and quality started at eighteen when I successfully applied for a job as a Metallurgical Technician, not actually knowing what one was! The job offered vocational training and within eight years I was leading a team of engineers and had achieved higher education qualifications in both Quality and Metallurgy.-Advanced Diploma in Quality Assurance - Diploma in Quality Assurance - A3 Quality Assurance Management - A1 Introduction to Quality Assurance. -Aerospace Lead Auditor.-HNC Engineering, Metallurgy - ONC Metals Technology."