Quality Manager

Position Summary

The Quality Manager is responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining the company's Quality Management System (QMS) to ensure products consistently meet customer specifications, industry standards, and regulatory requirements. This position leads the quality department, drives continuous improvement initiatives, manages customer quality concerns, and partners with production, engineering, and purchasing to improve processes, reduce defects, and enhance overall product quality.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all quality assurance and quality control activities throughout the manufacturing process.
• Develop, implement, maintain, and continuously improve the company's Quality Management System (QMS).
• Ensure compliance with ISO 9001 standards and customer-specific quality requirements.
• Supervise, coach, and develop Quality Inspectors and other quality personnel.
• Establish quality objectives, KPIs, and departmental performance metrics.
• Monitor production quality through inspections, audits, and statistical analysis.
• Investigate customer complaints, nonconformances, and internal quality issues using root cause analysis tools.
• Implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) and verify effectiveness.
• Lead internal audits and coordinate external customer and certification audits.
• Review customer drawings, specifications, and quality requirements during new product launches.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Production, Maintenance, and Purchasing to improve manufacturing processes and product quality.
• Develop inspection procedures, work instructions, and quality documentation.
• Ensure calibration and maintenance of inspection and measuring equipment.
• Analyze quality data to identify trends and opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Lead problem-solving initiatives utilizing Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Support supplier quality initiatives and evaluate supplier performance.
• Participate in customer visits and respond to quality-related inquiries.
• Ensure employees are properly trained on quality procedures and standards.
• Promote a culture of quality, accountability, and continuous improvement throughout the organization.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, or related field preferred. Equivalent manufacturing experience may be considered.
• Minimum of 5 years of quality experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Minimum of 2 years of supervisory or leadership experience preferred.
• Experience in metal fabrication, welding, machining, or sheet metal manufacturing strongly preferred.
• Working knowledge of ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), Certified Quality Manager (CQM), or other ASQ certifications are a plus.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong leadership and team development skills.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical abilities.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and GD&T.
• Knowledge of quality inspection methods and measurement equipment.
• Experience using root cause analysis tools such as 5 Whys, Fishbone Diagrams, and PFMEA.
• Strong understanding of SPC, process capability, and statistical analysis.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational and project management abilities.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and ERP/MRP systems.
• Ability to prioritize multiple projects in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Physical Requirements

• Frequently walk throughout the manufacturing facility.
• Occasionally lift up to 30 pounds.
• Ability to stand, sit, bend, kneel, and reach as needed.
• Ability to use computers and inspection equipment for extended periods.

Work Environment

• Combination of office and manufacturing floor environments.
• Exposure to machinery, noise, dust, and varying temperatures.
• Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn while on the production floor.

Performance Measures

Success in this role may be measured by:

• Customer complaint reduction
• Internal and external PPM performance
• Scrap and rework reduction
• Corrective action closure effectiveness
• Audit performance and ISO compliance
• On-time completion of quality initiatives
• Continuous improvement project results
• Employee development and departmental performance