Furniture Quality Assurance Manager

Job Title: Quality Assurance Manager

Duration: Fulltime (Permanent)

Location: Delanco, NJ

Salary: $130K - 135K Annually

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced and hands-on Quality Assurance Manager to lead and strengthen our quality systems within a fast-paced furniture manufacturing environment. This role is responsible for ensuring that all products meet company quality standards, customer expectations, and regulatory requirements.

The Quality Assurance Manager will oversee quality processes across raw materials, production, finishing, and final inspection while partnering closely with manufacturing, engineering, and supply chain teams to drive continuous improvement. This position plays a critical role in reducing defects, improving operational efficiency, and maintaining the craftsmanship and reliability our customers expect.

Key Responsibilities

Quality Management Systems

• Develop, implement, and maintain company-wide quality assurance policies, procedures, and standards.
• Ensure compliance with applicable quality systems and industry standards (e.g., ISO-based frameworks or internal quality standards).
• Conduct internal audits and support external customer or regulatory audits when required.
• Maintain documentation, inspection procedures, and quality records.

Production Quality Oversight

• Oversee quality control activities across all manufacturing stages including:
• Raw material inspection (wood, veneers, hardware, fabrics, and finishes)
• In-process inspections during machining, assembly, and finishing
• Final product inspections prior to shipment
• Establish inspection plans and sampling methods to ensure consistent product quality.
• Monitor quality metrics such as defect rates, scrap, rework, and warranty returns.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify trends and root causes of quality issues using structured problem-solving methods (5 Whys, Fishbone, CAPA).
• Implement corrective and preventive actions to eliminate recurring defects.
• Collaborate with manufacturing and engineering teams to improve processes, tooling, and product design.
• Lead quality improvement initiatives that reduce scrap, improve yield, and enhance product durability.

Supplier Quality Management

• Evaluate and monitor supplier quality performance.
• Establish supplier inspection requirements and quality expectations.
• Work with procurement and suppliers to resolve material quality issues and implement corrective actions.

Team Leadership

• Manage and develop the quality inspection team.
• Train production employees on quality standards, inspection procedures, and best practices.
• Promote a culture of accountability, craftsmanship, and continuous improvement throughout the facility.

Customer Quality Support

• Investigate customer complaints and warranty claims related to product quality.
• Coordinate corrective actions with internal teams and communicate resolutions to leadership.
• Identify trends in field issues and implement improvements to prevent recurrence.

Key Performance Indicators

• Success in this role will be measured through:
• Reduction in manufacturing defect rates
• Lower scrap and rework costs
• Decrease in customer returns and warranty claims
• Supplier quality performance improvements
• Successful completion of internal and external quality audits

Experience

• 5–8 years of quality assurance experience in a manufacturing environment
• Experience in furniture manufacturing, woodworking, cabinetry, upholstery, or similar industries strongly preferred
• Prior experience managing or leading quality teams

Skills & Competencies

• Strong understanding of manufacturing quality systems and inspection processes
• Experience with root cause analysis and corrective action processes
• Ability to analyze quality data and drive actionable improvements
• Strong leadership, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills
• Knowledge of woodworking processes, finishing operations, or furniture assembly is a plus

Preferred Certifications

• ASQ Certified Quality Manager (CQM) or Certified Quality Engineer (CQE)
• Lean Six Sigma certification
• ISO 9001 internal or lead auditor training

Work Environment

• Manufacturing facility environment with regular presence on the production floor
• Occasional travel to supplier locations may be required
• Ability to walk the production floor, inspect materials, and evaluate processes as needed

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality Management, or a related field preferred

Thank you!