Quality Manager

Job Description – Quality Manager

Position Summary

The Quality Manager is responsible for leading and developing the site’s quality organization to ensure that all hygiene products (baby diapers and baby pants) meet Drylock’s internal standards and customer requirements.

This role drives end-to-end quality performance, from raw material verification through in-process controls to final product release, while fostering a strong quality culture on the production floor. The Quality Manager ensures proactive defect prevention, effective root cause analysis, and continuous improvement across all production lines.

Key Responsibilities

1. Quality Leadership & Strategy

• Lead the site’s Quality Department, including Quality Supervisors, Lab Technicians, and Line Quality Technicians
• Build a strong “quality at the source” culture across all shifts

2. Production & Process Quality

• Ensure consistent quality presence on the floor from start to end of each shift
• Establish robust in-process quality controls to detect and prevent defects early
• Partner with Production, Technology, and Maintenance teams to resolve quality issues in real time
• Drive standardization of inspection and testing processes (e.g., absorbency, seam strength, visual defects)
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3. Customer Quality & Claims Management

• Own customer quality performance metrics (e.g., claims per million, defect categories)
• Lead investigation and resolution of customer complaints, ensuring timely corrective actions.
• Identify recurring quality issues and implement sustainable corrective/preventive measures.
• Act as primary quality contact for key customer interactions and audits.

4. Quality Systems & Compliance

• Maintain and continuously improve the site Quality Management System (QMS)
• Ensure adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and internal standards
• Oversee product release processes and non-conforming product controls
• Ensure full traceability, documentation accuracy, and data integrity

5. Audit & Certification Compliance (ISO / IFS-HPC / PEFC) 

• Ensure full compliance with: 
  • ISO 9001 & 14001 
  • IFS-HPC (International Featured Standards – Household & Personal Care Products)
  • PEFC (Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification – chain of custody where applicable)
• Lead preparation, coordination, and successful execution of: 
  • External certification audits
  • Customer audits
  • Internal audits
• Always maintain audit readiness, with strong focus on documentation, process adherence, and shop floor execution
• Own audit action plans and ensure timely closure of non-conformities
• Drive continuous improvement based on audit findings and risk assessments
• Ensure supplier compliance where relevant (especially packaging/PEFC-related materials)
• Train site teams on audit expectations, standards, and compliance requirements

6. Continuous Improvement & Problem Solving

• Lead structured root cause analysis using methodologies such as: 
  • 5 Why
  • DMAIC
  • PDCA
• Drive reduction of key defect categories (e.g., side seam failures, bonding issues)
• Analyze trends and implement data-driven improvements
• Collaborate cross-functionally to improve process capability and product consistency

7. Team Development & Training

• Develop and coach the Quality team across all shifts
• Ensure proper training on testing methods, defect identification, and documentation practices
• Build competency in problem-solving and quality ownership for technicians and operators
• Partner with HR and operations to support onboarding and skills development

8. Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Production, Technology, Maintenance, and Supply Chain
• Support new product introductions, line startups, and process changes
• Ensure quality requirements are integrated into all operational decisions

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Customer claims (ppm and severity)
• Internal defect rates and scrap reduction
• Audit performance (ISO, IFS-HPC, PEFC results, findings closure rate)
• Response time and closure rate of quality issues

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality, or related field (preferred)
• 5–10 years of experience in manufacturing quality (preferably hygiene, FMCG, or high-speed converting)
• Experience leading certification audits (ISO 9001, IFS or equivalent standards) strongly preferred
• Proven leadership experience in a production environment

Skills & Competencies

• Strong knowledge of: 
  • Quality Management Systems (QMS)
  • Audit processes and certification standards (ISO / IFS / sustainability frameworks)
• Hands-on, floor-oriented leadership style
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence without authority
• Strong communication and organizational skills
• Data-driven mindset with experience using quality metrics and reporting tools