Position Overview: The Quality Manager provides leadership in establishing and maintaining product quality throughout the supply chain, from suppliers to customers, by driving an effective quality management system. As the guardian of quality compliance, this role challenges all functions across the value chain to drive continuous improvements. The Quality Manager will support operations, supply chain, and customer services, while fostering a cross-functional culture of quality, compliance, and performance. This role involves the leadership, development, implementation, and management of all quality assurance (QA) programs and activities, ensuring compliance with ISO standards, regulatory requirements, and product quality objectives.
Key Responsibilities:
Oversee product quality across the plant by promoting a "Culture of Zero" for defects and leading the Material Review Board, quality meetings, and training programs for managers and plant personnel.
Lead the documentation and implementation of an ISO 9001-based Quality Management System (QMS) at the plant level, ensuring all processes meet ISO and company requirements.
Identify key process characteristics using tools such as PFMEA (Process Failure Modes and Effects Analysis) and DOE (Design of Experiments).
Drive improvement of process capabilities (Cpk's) by collaborating with equipment OEMs and process engineering.
Maintain process capabilities using statistical process control (SPC) tools such as X-bar R charts and Pre-Control methods.
Develop and manage inspection plans for non-capable processes.
Implement process control technologies like cameras and poka-yoke to prevent or highlight errors.
Partner with plant operations to enhance process efficiency and product quality, coaching personnel in effective root cause analysis using tools like fishbone diagrams and fault tree analysis.
Assist the Plant Manager and Director of Quality in providing key process metrics and monthly performance reviews.
Ensure calibration of measuring gauges and testing equipment across locations.
Facilitate supplier claim resolution and evaluate customer claims, working with plant operations to identify and correct root causes.
Collaborate with sales teams and customers on external rejections or technical issues related to plant-processed materials.
Lead Material Review Board meetings to ensure corrective actions and proper disposition of nonconforming materials.
Produce certifications, letters of conformance, or PPAP documentation as needed for customers.
Supervise, develop, and mentor QA supervisors, technicians, and engineers.
Support company-wide system deployment, such as SAP Quality Management.
Foster relationships within the company through collaboration and teamwork, supporting local site success and growth.
Qualifications:
Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or a related field, with 5+ years of quality management experience in a manufacturing environment preferred, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Strong knowledge and experience in process capabilities and process control, including tools such as Statistical Process Control (SPC), FMEA, CpK's, and inspection plans. Experience with DOE, camera inspection, and poka-yoke is a plus.
Experience with ISO 9001:2015 management systems compliance, continuous improvement, and standard quality tools.
Expertise in root cause analysis and problem-solving tools.
Strong verbal and written communication skills, with a professional presentation style.
Highly motivated self-starter with the ability to prioritize projects, accept responsibility, and work independently.
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects effectively.
Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-stress environment with a sense of urgency.
ASQ Certified Quality Manager (CQM), Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), or Six Sigma certification preferred.
Knowledge of industry standards (ICEA, AEIC, UL, ASTM) and lean manufacturing tools is a plus.