Quality Assurance Director at Montrose Environmental Group Inc. in Orange, California

Job Description:

ABOUT YOU



Are you passionate about the environment and ready to join an inclusive work environment, committed to leading new ideas and pathways, and to delivering value? If the answer is, "Yes!" then we have an exciting career opportunity for you as a Quality Assurance Director based in our Orange, CA laboratory.


Who are we? We are Montrose, a global environmental services provider offering environmental planning and permitting, measurement and analytical services, and environmental resiliency and sustainability solutions. Our qualified engineers, scientists, technicians, associates, and policy experts are proud of our collective expertise and the collaborative nature of our approach to helping clients. We strive to optimize environmental resiliency in a way that effectively complements our clients' decision-making and operations and efficiently fulfills their project requirements.


We have more than 135 offices across the United States, Canada, Europe and Australia and over 3,000 employees - all ready to provide solutions for environmental needs.



WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU



As a key member of our Montrose team, you can expect:

• Mentorship and professional development resources to advance your career
  
  


• Direct exposure to our industry's leading experts who are solving the world's toughest environmental challenges
  
  


• An entrepreneurial environment where you can learn, thrive and collaborate with talented colleagues
  
  


• Opportunities to engage and contribute in our Diversity, Fairness and Inclusion and Women Empowering Leadership employee resource groups
  
  


• Competitive compensation package: annual salary ranging from $90,000 to $125,000,commensurate with accomplishments, performance, credentials and geography
  
  


• Competitive medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage
  
  


• 401k with a competitive 4% employer match
  
  


• Progressive vacation policies, company holidays and paid parental leave benefits to ensure work/life balance
  
  


• A financial assistance program that supports peers in need, known as the Montrose Foundation
  
  


• Access to a student loan planning tool to optimize your student loan payoff plans and compare student loan rates with lenders.
  
  

A DAY IN THE LIFE



The Quality Assurance Director is a pivotal onsite leadership role in our laboratory, responsible for overseeing, proactively managing, and continuously improving the Quality Management System. Key responsibilities include ensuring compliance with standards, retaining and expanding accreditations, adhering to analytical methods and regulatory standards, overseeing document control, managing internal and external audits, and improving laboratory protocols and documentation. The Director also plans and leads initiatives to drive continuous improvement of laboratory processes.


As the focal point for all quality initiatives, the Director establishes and upholds quality standards while fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Operating independently of production operations and financial responsibilities, this role focuses on maintaining high-quality standards and operational efficiency. A deep understanding of safety and environmental laboratory practices and protocols is essential. The Director leads the quality assurance team, equipping them to perform effectively and in aligned with organizational goals.


As a key member of the Orange laboratory team, this role will be responsible for a full range of onsite activities including:

• Leading the quality assurance team by fostering a culture of responsiveness, leadership, and continuous improvement. Mentoring and guiding staff to enhance performance and support their professional growth.
  
  


• Partnering with the laboratory director and operations managers to identify inefficiencies and implement solutions. Leading cross-functional change initiatives to optimize processes.
  
  


• Dedication to upholding the highest standards of ethics, integrity, and professionalism, ensuring confidentiality and discretion when handling sensitive company, personnel, and client information.
  
  


• Strategically managing laboratory accreditations, monitor regulatory updates, and maintain relationship with accrediting bodies while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards (e.g., TNI).
  
  


• Supervising proficiency testing, evaluating results, and developing corrective actions for any identified failures. Resolving non-conformances promptly.
  
  


• Overseeing the laboratory's QA/QC and data integrity improvement activities. Ensuring standard operating procedures are accurate, well-organized, technically sound, aligned with operational goals, and compliant with applicable guidelines.
  
  


• Overseeing personnel training records (e.g., demonstration of capability), ensuring completion, documentation, evaluation for improvements while meeting accreditation requirements.
  
  


• Managing non-conformances, corrective actions, and preventative actions by utilizing root cause analysis tools to document, resolve, monitor outcomes effectively to prevent reoccurrences.
  
  


• Collaborating with the laboratory team to evaluate and implement efficiency, accuracy, and safety improvements.
  
  


• Leading the development and execution of operational goals, efficiency plans, and enhancing the QA program and the QA Manual by integrating best practices such as statistical control and risk-based approaches.
  
  


• Developing and delivering QA/QC training to engage staff and promote compliance with ethical standards.
  
  


• Documenting validations of new test and measurement services.
  
  


• Planning, conducting, and documenting internal audits, data assessments, and external audits with third-party assessors, clients, and accrediting bodies. Addressing deficiencies and providing actionable insights to laboratory leadership while planning, implementing, and addressing corrective actions. All findings must be addressed to promptly respond to assessors.
  
  


• Developing and monitoring QA performance indicators, reporting findings to management, and identifying improvement areas.
  
  


• Completing standard reporting requirements and ensuring compliance with health and safety plans to promote and maintain a secure working environment.
  
  


• Taking on additional responsibilities as needed to support QA department and laboratory success.
  
  

YOUR EXPERTISE AND SKILLS



To perform this job successfully, individuals must be able to perform each duty and responsibility satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

• Bachelor's degree in chemistry, biology, environmental science, or related field; master's degree preferred (aligning with TNI requirements).
  
  


• A minimum of five (5) years of relevant QA experience in an environmental laboratory, with at least of two (2) years of in a leadership role such as Group Leader, Project Manager, or comparable experience that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the job.
  
  


• At least 2 years in a supervisory role overseeing compliance to TNI and other accrediting bodies. Proven track record of driving operational excellence and quality assurance in an environmental laboratory.
  
  


• Meets all minimum requirements of accrediting bodies.
  
  


• Technical expertise in environmental testing methods, including method validation and data interpretation.
  
  


• Proficient in root cause analysis, statistical tools, and LIMS systems, with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  
  


• Extensive working knowledge of industry regulations including USEPA, TNI 2016 Standard, 40CFR, and other regulated environments (i.e., USDA Soils Permit, DoD).
  
  


• Proven leadership skills with experience mentoring QA staff, developing high performers, and driving quality initiatives.
  
  


• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with ability to liaise effectively with regulators, clients, and internal stakeholders
  
  


• Must have availability to be on-site Monday - Friday
  
  

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of employees so classified. If you are an individual with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process, or are limited in the ability or unable to access or use this online application process and need an alternative method for applying, you may contact 949-988-3500 or careers@montrose-env.com for assistance.



MAKE THE MOVE TO ACCELERATE YOUR CAREER



We are going to be blunt - the way we work may not suit everyone. We are a fast-paced, dynamic and high-growth company. You are your own boss, but you will get tons of guidance and plenty of support from talented, super-smart colleagues and its service providers. Therefore, if freedom, autonomy, and head-scratching professional challenges attract you, we could be the perfect match made in heaven.


Want to know more about us? Visit montrose-env.com and have fun!


Montrose is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Montrose is committed to recruiting and hiring qualified candidates without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, or veteran status. Montrose is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its employment for individuals with disabilities.


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