Quality Manager

Kanzaki Specialty Papers, located in Ware, MA, is a world leader in specialty coated materials and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Oji Holdings Co., Ltd., one of the largest paper companies in the world.

We are seeking a hands-on, improvement-focused Quality Manager to lead our Quality function and strengthen quality performance across our manufacturing operation. Reporting to the Vice President of Operations, this position will provide leadership and oversight for the Quality team and systems supporting incoming materials, in-process quality, finished-product testing, outgoing certifications, customer quality requirements, ISO 9001, forestry certifications, and continuous improvement.

The Quality Manager will develop and support the Quality team while partnering closely with Manufacturing, Process Engineering, Purchasing, Sales, and Technical teams to strengthen quality systems, improve processes, reduce repeat issues, and build a culture where quality is owned throughout the organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and continuously improve the company’s Quality function and Quality Management System.
• Provide leadership and oversight for ISO 9001 and forestry certification programs, supporting team members responsible for day-to-day administration and ensuring continued compliance, audit readiness, and successful certification.
• Provide leadership and oversight for the Quality team responsible for incoming materials, in-process quality controls, finished-product testing, and outgoing Certificates of Analysis/Conformance.
• Develop, monitor, and report meaningful leading and lagging Quality KPIs.
• Lead the Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA) program and promote disciplined root-cause analysis and sustainable corrective actions.
• Ensure effective investigation and resolution of customer complaints, internal nonconformances, supplier issues, and process deviations.
• Partner with Manufacturing and Process Engineering to reduce repeat defects, rework, waste, and Cost of Poor Quality.
• Drive improvement in Right First Time/First-Pass Yield and overall process capability.
• Apply Lean Six Sigma, statistical analysis, continuous improvement, and other structured problem-solving methods to identify root causes and implement sustainable improvements.
• Partner with Purchasing and suppliers to address incoming material and supplier-quality concerns.
• Develop, coach, and support Quality team members and evaluate opportunities to improve systems, testing methods, processes, responsibilities, and organizational effectiveness.
• Promote quality ownership and continuous improvement throughout the organization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Quality, Engineering, Chemistry, Paper Science, Manufacturing, or a related technical field; equivalent relevant experience may be considered.
• Minimum 5 years of progressive Quality experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Previous leadership or supervisory experience.
• Strong working knowledge of ISO 9001 and Quality Management Systems.
• Demonstrated experience with CAPA, root-cause analysis, corrective action effectiveness, and structured problem solving.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification required.
• Experience developing and managing manufacturing Quality KPIs.
• Strong data analysis and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively on the manufacturing floor and collaboratively with operators, foremen, managers, engineers, and senior leadership.

Preferred Qualifications

• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification.
• ASQ CQE, CMQ/OE, or similar certification.
• Experience with SPC, process capability analysis, Minitab, or similar tools.
• Experience with forestry certification programs.
• Experience in paper, coatings, converting, chemicals, specialty materials, or continuous/process manufacturing.
• Supplier quality and customer complaint management experience.

Benefits

Kanzaki Specialty Papers offers a comprehensive benefits package including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, paid vacation and holidays, and a 401(k) plan with company match.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $100,000.00 - $115,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Experience:

• progressive Quality experience in manufacturing environment: 5 years (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $100,000 - $115,000