Quality Assurance Officer

Quality Assurance Officer (QAO)Role ProfileTouchstar Technologies Limited / Touchstar plcJob TitleQuality Assurance Officer (QAO)Reporting ToChief Executive Officer (CEO)Purpose of the RoleThe Quality Assurance Officer (QAO) is responsible for establishing, managing, auditing, maintaining, and continuously improving the companys integrated management systems, compliance frameworks, operational quality standards, and certification requirements across the entire business.This is a governance, compliance, process control, and operational assurance role not a technical support or engineering support position.The QAO will act as the central owner of all business accreditations, certifications, policies, audit readiness, procedural controls, and compliance obligations, ensuring the company operates to a consistently high and measurable standard across all divisions.The role is critical in supporting the companys operational maturity, scalability, customer confidence, and long-term growth ambitions.Core Responsibilities1. Quality Management System OwnershipOwn and manage the companys Integrated Management System (IMS)Maintain and continuously improve all documented processes, procedures, policies, and operational controlsEnsure operational adherence to company standards across all departmentsDevelop measurable quality objectives and KPI reporting frameworksMaintain document control processes across the organisationEnsure version control and audit traceability of all controlled documents2. ISO & Accreditation ManagementFull ownership and management responsibility for all company certifications and accreditations, including but not limited to:ISO 9001ISO 14001ISO 27001ISO 45001Cyber Essentials PlusNSI GoldBAFESafe ContractorConstructionlineAchilles or future industry schemesAny future compliance frameworks required by customers or regulatorsResponsibilities include:Surveillance auditsRecertification auditsCorrective actionsNon-conformance managementInternal audit schedulingExternal auditor liaisonManagement review preparationContinuous improvement programmesCertification renewalsCompliance reporting to leadership3. Internal Audit & Compliance ControlDesign and implement a company-wide internal audit programmeAudit operational compliance across all divisionsEnsure departmental adherence to:documented procedures,contractual obligations,quality standards,health & safety requirements,information security controls,environmental standards,and customer commitmentsProduce formal audit reports with:findings,risk ratings,corrective actions,owners,and target completion datesMonitor completion and effectiveness of corrective actions4. Operational Process ImprovementIdentify operational inefficiencies, inconsistencies, and process failuresWork with department heads to improve:process control,accountability,operational consistency,and service delivery qualityAssist in standardising workflows across divisionsSupport the transition from reactive operational management to structured scalable processes5. Risk, Governance & Regulatory ComplianceSupport the companys governance and risk management frameworkMaintain risk registers relating to:compliance,operational quality,health & safety,cybersecurity,supplier risk,and business continuityEnsure regulatory compliance obligations are maintained and evidencedSupport GDPR and information governance controls alongside relevant departmentsEnsure audit evidence is maintained and retrievable6. Supplier & Subcontractor Quality AssuranceAssist with supplier qualification and compliance reviewsMonitor subcontractor compliance requirementsEnsure external providers meet required operational and certification standardsMaintain approved supplier records and compliance evidence7. Customer & Contractual ComplianceSupport customer audit requirementsEnsure customer contractual compliance obligations are documented and controlledAssist operational teams in ensuring contractual processes align with company certifications and standardsSupport major customer onboarding from a compliance and assurance perspective8. Management ReportingProvide regular reporting to senior leadership covering:Audit outcomesNon-conformancesCertification statusCorrective action progressCompliance risksKPI trendsContinuous improvement activitiesOperational quality performanceKey DeliverablesThe QAO will be expected to:Maintain all certifications without major non-conformanceImprove audit readiness across the businessReduce operational inconsistencyImprove process adherenceIncrease organisational accountabilityStrengthen governance and compliance maturitySupport scalable business growth through operational disciplineSkills & Experience RequiredEssentialStrong experience managing ISO management systemsExperience leading external certification auditsExperience implementing internal audit programmesStrong understanding of:ISO 9001ISO 27001ISO 14001ISO 45001Experience within technology, engineering, software, security, logistics, or service-based environmentsExcellent documentation and procedural writing capabilityStrong organisational and analytical skillsAbility to challenge operational practices constructivelyExperience managing corrective and preventive actionsStrong communication and stakeholder management skillsDesirableExperience with NSI Gold and/or BAFE environmentsKnowledge of cybersecurity governance frameworksExperience in AIM-listed or regulated businessesExperience building integrated management systems from fragmented environmentsInternal or Lead Auditor qualificationsPersonal CharacteristicsHighly organisedProcess-drivenDetail-orientedIndependent and objectiveCommercially awareCalm under pressureAble to influence operational change without direct authorityStrong sense of accountability and ownershipTPBN1_UKTJ