Manager, Quality

OVERALL RESPONSIBILITIES:

Responsible for establishing a corporate Quality Assurance System that defines and drives organizational Quality Direction. Coordinate with quality leaders across all Truck Accessories Group (TAG) facilities to promote customer satisfaction and enhance financial performance. Develop, implement, manage, and integrate a Quality Management System (QMS) for manufacturing plants based on ISO 9001 requirements. Champion defect reduction and continuous improvement initiatives to strengthen quality processes and ensure an effective, data-driven QMS. Implement and manage a comprehensive set of Quality Metrics across all TAG facilities with a structured monthly reporting process to ensure compliance, accountability, and continuous improvement. Lead quality improvement activities based on data-driven insights to elevate product performance. Educate and train employees in the use of proven quality tools and methodologies that reinforce operational excellence and a culture of continuous improvement.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Leadership and Strategic Direction

• Lead the Quality Operations function across all LEER and TAG facilities, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives and business priorities.
• Establish, communicate, and execute quality strategies, goals, and performance objectives to achieve measurable improvements in product quality and customer satisfaction.
• Provide leadership and direction through managers and staff, fostering collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Develop and implement functional business plans that align with corporate growth strategies and operational excellence.

Quality Systems, Standards, and Compliance

• Develop, manage, and administer the organization’s quality assurance and control systems, policies, procedures, and standards to ensure compliance with internal, customer, and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee manufacturing and production quality plans to meet defined quality criteria and legal requirements.
• Lead the migration toward a uniform, measurable, and auditable quality system across all facilities.
• Maintain documentation, procedures, and standards that ensure consistent product quality and regulatory compliance.

Operational Excellence and Process Improvement

• Utilize statistical analysis and continuous improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma, TPS) to identify and address process inefficiencies.
• Establish and manage uniform processes for inspection, testing, corrective actions, and sustainable problem-solving.
• Drive initiatives to improve first-pass yield, reduce warranty, and rework costs, and enhance postproduction quality, including shipping damage and dealer returns.
• Implement a corporate quality metric reporting system to monitor trends, track progress, and identify areas for improvement.

Customer Focus and Continuous Improvement

• Champion defect reduction, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement initiatives that enhance customer experience and product reliability.
• Lead programs to maintain and improve the quality of existing products and services while fostering employee engagement in quality improvement.
• Direct and oversee the investigation and resolution of customer complaints, ensuring timely corrective and preventive actions.
• Function as the primary contact for all quality- and customer-related legal and compliance matters.

Cross-Functional Collaboration and Communication

• Build strong, trust-based relationships with internal stakeholders, plant leaders, and functional heads to drive a unified approach to quality.
• Collaborate with senior management to establish consistent quality standards, inspection protocols, and performance expectations.
• Manage corporate warranty administration, ensuring alignment with quality performance metrics and continuous improvement efforts.
• Ensure consistent communication of quality performance, improvement plans, and results across all organizational levels.

Training and Team Development

• Oversee the development and delivery of training programs focused on quality tools, standards, and continuous improvement practices.
• Mentor and develop quality professionals across multiple sites, promoting knowledge sharing and operational consistency.
• Foster a culture of empowerment, ownership, and accountability throughout the quality organization.

MINIMUM POSITION REQUIREMENTS

• BS/BA in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or Business Administration.
• 10 years of experience in QA systems implementation and management, with 5 years as a CQE/CQM in a medium-sized manufacturing environment, familiarity withcomposite materials industries a plus.
• Experience in Lean, Six Sigma, and/or OPEX techniques.
• Proven track record of business performance improvement.
• Ability to influence without authority.
• Broad knowledge of the theory and principles of statistics and statistical process control.
• Experience in designing and implementing quality systems.
• Diverse knowledge of inspection and control methods, techniques, and documentation.
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal).
• Strong computer skills, including quality control applications, word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.
• “Figuring it out” aptitude with the ability to provide direction unaided by senior management.
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule, including occasional weekend and/or evening work.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced entrepreneurial environment while balancing competing priorities and tight deadlines.
• Thorough understanding of general safety requirements.
• Travel estimated at 60%.
• Work performed in both office and factory settings.
• Exposure to shop environments such as noise, dust, odors, and fumes.
• Occasionally required to lift 40 lbs.
• Regularly required to sit, stand, bend, reach, and move about facilities.

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