Quality Director

Description

Quality Director

Location: Columbia, TN

FLSA Status: Exempt

Position Summary

The Director of Quality is responsible for developing, implementing, and sustaining a comprehensive Quality Management System (QMS) that ensures operational excellence and customer satisfaction. This role provides strategic oversight of all quality-related activities across JC Ford’s operations, including supplier quality, product design reviews, production quality assurance, and customer support. The Director of Quality will champion a culture of quality, compliance, and continuous improvement across the organization.

Position Purpose

• Lead the development and execution of the Quality Management System aligned with JC Ford’s operational goals and regulatory requirements.
• Establish and maintain quality policies, procedures, and standard work instructions to ensure consistent execution and compliance.
• Direct and mentor the quality department team, fostering a results-driven and collaborative culture.
• Lead internal audits, address customer quality concerns and warranty claims, and drive supplier corrective actions (SCARs).
• Oversee the implementation of in-process and final product inspection procedures based on engineering specifications and manufacturing methods.
• Engage in product drawing reviews and design documentation to ensure quality compliance and manufacturability.
• Apply statistical process control (SPC), root cause analysis, Six Sigma, and CAPA methodologies to monitor, analyze, and improve product and process quality.
• Develop and monitor Price of Non-Conformance (PoNC) metrics to reduce cost of quality and warranty claims.
• Drive continuous improvement through the implementation of Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) techniques and process audits.
• Lead and coordinate Layered Process Audits (LPAs) to ensure adherence to quality standards across production areas.
• Collaborate with Production, Engineering, Inventory Control, Purchasing, and other internal teams to proactively resolve quality issues.
• Manage the control and disposition of non-conforming materials and ensure timely resolution.
• Remain current on applicable government regulations and industry standards related to equipment manufacturing quality practices.
• Design and deliver training programs to elevate quality knowledge and compliance across departments.
• Represent the quality function in customer engagements and ensure exceptional internal and external customer service.
• Communicate quality trends, issues, and opportunities for improvement to senior leadership.
• Demonstrate professionalism, accountability, and integrity in all interactions.
• Promote and ensure a safe working environment and adherence to safety and attendance policies.
• Lead by example in promoting teamwork, mutual respect, and shared accountability across departments.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support company objectives.
  
  

Education

Qualifications and Prior Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Quality Management, or a related field.
• Equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience may be considered.
  
  

Experience & Skills

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience in quality management within manufacturing, preferably in equipment manufacturing (machining, fabrication, and assembly environments).
• Proven expertise in implementing and sustaining QMS frameworks.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with demonstrated use of SPC, Six Sigma, and root cause analysis.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to communicate effectively across all levels of the organization.
• Track record of leading cross-functional teams and driving continuous improvement initiatives.
• Strong organizational, time management, and leadership skills with the ability to influence change.
  
  

Physical Requirements

• This position requires time spent in office, production, and warehouse environments. Occasional travel may be required.
  
  

The duties and responsibilities outlined in this job description are intended to represent the essential functions of the position and are not exhaustive. JC Ford reserves the right to modify this job description at any time, with or without notice, to meet business needs. Employees are expected to adhere to company policies and applicable local, state, and federal laws. This document does not constitute a contract of employment, and JC Ford retains the right to employ individuals at will, as permitted by law.