At this year’s Quality Live, Shirley Parsons’ Quality Managing Consultant, Jessica Plested, joined a panel of speakers to share her insights on moving “Beyond the Accidental Quality Manager.”
Drawing from Shirley Parsons 2024 UK Quality Salary Survey, Jess provided valuable insights into how quality professionals can advance their careers. Here’s her expert advice and key takeaways:
The evolution of the quality profession.
Jess started the panel by saying most quality professionals don’t set out to work in quality.
“I’ve never spoken to or met a quality professional who said they wanted to do this growing up. This is reflective of the accidental nature of how many enter the profession. Our 2024 UK Quality Salary Survey, which surveyed over 650 quality professionals, was reflective of this. It revealed that a significant portion of respondents transitioned into quality from other fields.
38% had backgrounds in education, apprenticeships, or other professional industries, while 57% came from entirely different jobs. Top prior roles included engineers, welders, production managers, and site engineers from industries such as engineering, construction, and manufacturing.”
The growing importance of qualifications.
Jess highlighted a rising trend in qualifications that employers are increasingly seeking. She said:
“One thing I’m seeing more of is that a CQI membership is becoming non-negotiable for many clients. Similarly, lead auditor qualifications like ISO 9001 are also gaining prominence. These certifications help establish that a candidate has the necessary skills for the role.”
However, Jess emphasized that while qualifications are essential, they aren’t always deal-breakers:
“In many cases, employers list degrees as requirements, but once they meet a candidate and assess their skills, the degree becomes less relevant. It’s more about the person, their passion, and how they can drive quality within the organization.”
Key skills in demand.
Jess also touched on the critical skills and attributes that are becoming increasingly valuable. Problem-solving techniques such as Lean and Six Sigma are not just confined to manufacturing but are now being sought after in construction and other industries.
“The trend I’m seeing is that clients want quality professionals who are passionate about what they do, can build relationships across the business, and have the skills to drive continuous improvement.”
Evolution of the profession.
In discussing the evolution of the quality profession, Jess pointed out that it has grown significantly over the past decade.
“Quality has evolved into a very passionate profession and quality professionals are often paid more than the average in many sectors. The field is gaining recognition, and those who enter it can move up quickly within two to four years.”
When asked about career paths beyond quality management, Jess outlined traditional and lateral moves:
“Many will move up from quality engineer to manager, head of, or even director-level roles. But there are also opportunities in consulting, contracting, or moving into business assurance and compliance, depending on the individual’s interests.”
Building a quality-focused culture.
Jess believes that building a strong quality culture is essential for attracting talent:
“If your organisation has the right culture, it will attract people to the quality profession. It’s important to build relationships across the business and to be visible, sharing your passion for quality in a way that resonates with others.”
She further commented on the ‘accidental quality manager’ issue:
“I don’t believe there’s a shortage of quality professionals. Often, it’s a matter of being open to taking people from different industries. Many clients pigeonhole candidates based on industry experience, but I’ve seen amazing quality professionals thrive by leveraging their transferable skills. We need to be more open to this approach.”
Attracting new talent.
Addressing how to make quality roles more attractive to potential candidates, Jess emphasized the importance of job titles and flexibility:
“Job titles matter. People want roles that sound prestigious, like ‘Lead Consultant’ or ‘Engineer,’ even if they’re stepping into a new area. Generic titles won’t attract top talent. Also, hybrid work options are more critical than ever.”
Finally, Jess encouraged employers to highlight perks and growth opportunities within their organisations:
“Offering clear progression pathways, flexible working conditions, and competitive salary packages are key to attracting and retaining quality talent.”
Jess’ advice for aspiring quality professionals:
- Be passionate: Demonstrate your genuine enthusiasm for quality and its importance within businesses.
- Build relationships: Network with colleagues and industry professionals to expand your knowledge and opportunities.
- Consider diverse paths: Explore different industries and roles within the quality profession to find your ideal fit.
- Invest in qualifications: Consider obtaining relevant certifications to enhance your career prospects.
- Be open to new opportunities: Stay open to new roles and industries, as there are many exciting career paths available within quality.
To download a copy of Shirley Parsons Quality Salary and Workforce Insights Report 2024, click here. Or, for more information about advancing your quality career, fill out your details below.
