Job Title

Matchtech are working with a key client to support the recruitment of a Head of Quality – OCS to work on the HS2 project. This role is a permanent position working on a hybrid basis in London 2-3 days per week.Head of Quality OCSKey ResponsibilitiesQuality Management System (QMS)Ensure the Contractor's QMS is certified to ISO 9001 and compliant with ISO/TS 22163 (IRIS), valid for the OCS scope and accepted by the Project Manager prior to commencement of works.Maintain QMS compliance throughout the project lifecycle, including certificate renewals, surveillance audits, and scope extensions where required.Ensure the scope of certification fully covers all OCS activities and locations.Make QMS documentation, registers, certification records, and assurance evidence available to HS2 upon request.Ensure laboratory testing and calibration activities are undertaken by appropriately accredited bodies (e.g., ISO/IEC 17025) where required.Quality Objectives & Risk-Based GovernanceEstablish and monitor risk-based quality objectives aligned to contract requirements, programme KPIs, and HS2 performance targets.Embed "right first time" principles and continual improvement across all OCS activities.Apply measurement system analysis (MSA) techniques to improve reliability of inspection and testing data.Identify systemic quality risks and escalate appropriately to senior management.Quality PlanningDevelop, implement, and maintain the OCS Quality Plan in accordance with:ISO 10005WI 600HS2 Quality Plan Requirements for ProvidersEnsure the Quality Plan covers design, installation, inspection, testing, commissioning, and handover.Submit the Quality Plan and revisions for HS2 acceptance within contractual timescales.Ensure quality deliverables are embedded within the Accepted Programme.Independent Quality LeadershipAct independently from delivery functions with authority to challenge activities and halt works where quality or compliance is compromised.Provide professional and technical challenge to design, construction, and testing teams to prevent defects and nonconformities.Promote a strong quality culture across OCS engineering, construction, and supply chain partners.Ensure the quality function maintains an independent reporting line to director level.Design Quality Assurance (OCS)Define, implement, and evidence robust design assurance processes for OCS works.Oversee self-certification, design verification, technical assurance, and system certification records.Ensure compliance with HS2 standards, interoperability requirements, railway norms, and contractual obligations.Monitor configuration control and design change governance processes.Inspection, Testing & CommissioningEnsure Inspection and Test Plans (ITPs), surveillance plans, forms, and templates are developed and accepted prior to works commencing.Verify witness and hold points are included within the Accepted Programme.Ensure compliance with WI 0700 and applicable OCS testing standards.Oversee quality assurance of commissioning and handover documentation.Information & Document ManagementEnsure all quality-related deliverables are incorporated within Information Delivery Plans (IDPs).Monitor submissions via HS2 EDMS, ensuring correct numbering, status codes, and acceptance routes.Maintain accurate records of accepted, approved, and informational submissions.Ensure compliance with HS2 document management and numbering procedures.Supply Chain & Subcontractor QualityEnsure OCS subcontractors and suppliers possess appropriate certification, competence, systems, and resources.Plan and conduct audits of subcontractors in accordance with ISO 19011.Maintain a rolling audit schedule covering previous and forthcoming six-month periods.Support HS2 participation in subcontractor audits where required.Ensure personnel certification and system certification registers are maintained and submitted as required.Plant, Materials & TraceabilityDevelop and maintain the Material Certification and Traceability Plan in accordance with EN 10204.Ensure OCS materials (e.g., conductors, cantilevers, insulators, fixings) are fully traceable throughout the lifecycle.Ensure inspection documentation is verified, approved, and traceable to installed assets.Segregate, quarantine, and report suspect, defective, or counterfeit materials immediately to HS2.Special ProcessesIdentify OCS-related special processes (e.g., welding, crimping, NDT).Ensure special processes are managed in accordance with ISO/TS 22163 and relevant industry standards.Verify personnel and processes are appropriately certified (e.g., ISO 3834, ISO 9712).Ensure competent authority approval for special processes and subcontractor submissions.Audits & AssuranceEstablish and maintain a rolling quality audit schedule aligned to contract scope and risk profile.Ensure audits are conducted by competent, IRCA-qualified auditors in accordance with ISO 19011.Submit audit schedules and reports to HS2 in accordance with contractual requirements.Facilitate HS2, regulatory, and third-party audits, ensuring timely closure of findings.Nonconformance, Defects & Corrective ActionImplement and manage the defect and nonconformance control process in accordance with:WI 600ISO 9001HS2 Non-Conformance and Corrective Action RequirementsLead structured root cause analysis and ensure effective corrective and preventive actions.Monitor nonconformance trends and escalate systemic issues to senior management.Submit Quality Performance Improvement Plans (QPIPs) where required.Quality Performance, Maturity & Continuous ImprovementDevelop and implement quality improvement and lessons learned initiatives.Conduct ISO 9004 maturity self-assessments targeting minimum Level 4 across all key elements.Prepare and implement improvement plans where maturity gaps are identified.Track improvement performance and report progress to management review.Business Critical Models (BCM)Maintain an up-to-date register of Business Critical Models relevant to OCS works.Ensure appropriate assurance, validation, and governance controls are applied.Submit and maintain the BCM register in accordance with HS2 requirements.Reporting & Management ReviewPrepare and submit monthly quality reports in accordance with HS2 reporting requirements.Present quality performance, trends, risks, KPIs, and improvement actions at management review meetings.Ensure quality data is accurate, transparent, and available for monitoring and measurement upon request.Competence & Experience (Essential)Demonstrable experience leading quality management within rail systems, preferably Overhead Catenary Systems (OCS) or electrification programmes.Proven experience operating as an independent quality authority on major infrastructure or high-speed rail projects.Strong working knowledge and practical implementation experience of:ISO 9001ISO/TS 22163 (IRIS)ISO 10005 (Quality Plans)ISO 10006 (Quality in Projects)ISO 9004 (Organisational Maturity)ISO 19011 (Auditing Management Systems)Experience establishing and maintaining certified QMS arrangements on complex, multi-disciplinary projects.Experience managing quality across the full lifecycle: design, procurement, installation, testing, commissioning and handover.Competent quality auditor (IRCA or equivalent), with experience leading internal and external audits.Demonstrable experience managing nonconformity processes, root cause analysis, corrective actions and systemic improvement programmes.Experience overseeing material certification, traceability (EN 10204), and special process control (e.g. ISO 3834, ISO 9712).Experience working within regulated railway environments and engaging with assurance bodies and regulators.Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders, challenge delivery functions constructively, and operate at director level.Qualifications & Professional MembershipDegree (or equivalent) in Engineering, Quality Management, or a related technical discipline.Member of the Chartered Quality Institute (CQI) or equivalent recognised professional body (e.g., Chartered Engineer status desirable).Certified Lead Auditor (IRCA or equivalent recognised body).Formal training in root cause analysis and continuous improvement methodologies (e.g., Six Sigma, Lean) desirable.Rail, electrification, or electrical systems qualifications desirable.