Plant Quality Manager - Manufacturing

Purpose of the Job

The Plant Quality Manager will play a crucial role in building our internal plant QA program associated with our portfolio of window products. This position is responsible for building our strategic quality system, investigating, analyzing and correcting problems across our window locations, as well as performing audits and implementing new strategies. The individual in this role will ensure the Quality Management System is being followed, will be data-driven, process-focused, and passionate about driving continuous product improvement. This role works cross-functionally with diverse teams within a manufacturing plant to deliver exceptional products that meet customer needs.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and manage the plant-level Quality Management System (QMS) to ensure compliance with company standards and applicable regulations.
• Establish and monitor key quality metrics to drive continuous improvement across manufacturing operations.
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions for non-conformances and customer complaints using structured problem-solving tools (e.g., A3, 8D, SPC, Ishikawa, 5 Why, DMAIC).
• Conduct internal audits to ensure ongoing compliance with QMS and regulatory requirements.
• Review manufacturing specifications and incoming materials to identify and validate critical quality requirements.
• Oversee product testing and inspection processes to detect and resolve quality issues.
• Collaborate cross-functional with Engineering, Operations, Product Management, and Procurement to resolve quality concerns and support new product introductions.
• Work with supplier quality team in providing technical advice and guidance to suppliers focused on reducing defect rates.
• Maintain detailed quality reports, including defect rates, trends, and improvement opportunities.
• Define and implement quality procedures, sampling plans, and inspection methods across all manufacturing areas.
• Ensure staff are trained in quality standards and procedures; provide ongoing support and development.
• Supervise quality personnel and ensure production standards are consistently met.
• Align product specifications with customer requirements and ensure compliance with standards.
• Establish and maintain documentation and control procedures to support quality assurance objectives.
• Support strategic initiatives to standardize processes and documentation across the organization.
• Traveling up to 10% may be required.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

Qualifications:

• Strong statistical analysis skills with a solid foundation in quality assurance principles.
• Proven experience in product development and commercialization, including familiarity with stage-gate or similar methodologies.
• Deep understanding of manufacturing and engineering processes, with hands-on involvement in plant operations.
• Skilled in data-driven problem solving and visualization using tools such as SPC, A3, 8D, and DMAIC.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and collaborate effectively across engineering, operations, and supply chain functions.
• Experience working with contract manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, and customers to resolve quality issues and drive improvements.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and presentation skills, including reporting to senior leadership.
• High attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Experience with Quality Management Systems (QMS) and conducting quality audits.
• Lean Manufacturing and/or Six Sigma certification preferred.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in material science, engineering, or equivalent experience.
• 5 years of experience in product or supplier quality, engineering, or related field.
• 5 years of experience in Quality Assurance in manufacturing, experience with window and door products is preferred.
• 5 years of experience leading teams.
• Certifications such as CQE, CQM/OE, or Six Sigma Belt are a plus.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, and move throughout the manufacturing facility for extended periods.
• Capable lifting, carrying, and handling materials weighing up to 75 lbs.
• Perform detailed visual inspections with precision and accuracy.
• Comfortable working in a manufacturing environment that may include exposure to noise, dust, and varying temperatures.
• Ability to bend, stoop, reach, and perform repetitive motions as needed.
• Must be able to wear the required personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety glasses, gloves, and hearing protection.
• Ability to respond quickly to quality issues on the production floor, including navigating stairs or uneven surfaces.

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