What are the responsibilities and job description for the Quality Assurance (QA) Manager position at Smooth-On, Inc.?
Brief Description
Essential Job Functions
Strong candidates who do not meet every qualification are encouraged to apply. Smooth-On values aptitude, initiative, problem-solving ability, leadership potential, and a commitment to continuous learning.
Essential Job Functions
- Align with and embrace Smooth-On’s 4 Pillars – Civility, Accuracy, Safety and Productivity;
- Develop, maintain, and continuously improve the organization's QMS, including document control, nonconformance management, complaint handling, investigations, root cause analysis (RCA), corrective and preventive action (CAPA) management, training programs, and quality policies;
- Ensure QMS alignment with recognized quality management principles, industry best practices, and applicable International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards;
- Ensure conformance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Work Instructions, and other controlled documents through routine audits of documentation and production processes to verify alignment with the QMS;
- Maintain overall accountability for quality performance across all product and process areas, including leadership of material- and performance-related complaint investigations and CAPAs;
- Conduct and lead thorough RCAs and ensure proper and thorough CAPA plans are established and executed in a timely manner (in coordination with cross-functional teams);
- Prepare, maintain, and distribute formal quality investigation reports documenting investigative findings, RCAs, CAPAs, and recommendations for relevant internal stakeholders;
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on reducing complaints, nonconformances, waste, and cost of poor quality (COPQ);
- Develop, analyze, and present meaningful and actionable quality metrics and trend analyses that drive CAPAs and promote continual improvement;
- Collaborate with Production, Engineering, Shipping, Sales, Customer Service, and other departments to identify and implement process improvements, corrective actions, project requirements, and continuous improvement initiatives;
- Manage current on-site QA Technicians, provide direction and oversight of their work, and develop roving inspection schedules;
- Complete job tasks efficiently, timely and accurately according to SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures), job aids, and based on job function;
- Practice civility in all aspects of your job by listening, hearing, and working together with co-workers, vendors, and managers and by resolving issues respectfully and professionally in a civil manner;
- Continually practice safety procedures and policies to protect yourself, others, and Company-owned property;
- Comply with Company rules, policies, and procedures;
- Maintain work area (e.g., materials, stock areas, desks, floors, shelves, counters, etc.) in a safe, clean, organized, and efficient manner;
- Work overtime as necessary;
- Demonstrate reliable attendance, limited lateness, or call outs;
- Must have reliable transportation to and from work;
- Willingness to learn other jobs;
- All other duties as assigned.
- Proven leadership and teamwork skills with demonstrated abilities to both work collaboratively and to influence those with whom no formal hierarchical relationship exists;
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to evaluate processes, investigate issues, identify root causes, implement sustainable solutions, and follow through independently;
- Ability to effectively lead investigations involving product quality, production processes, customer complaints, and non-conforming materials;
- Demonstrated curiosity, initiative, sound judgment, and ownership in solving complex problems;
- Ability to influence change and work effectively across departments without direct authority;
- Experience developing, improving, documenting, or auditing procedures, work instructions, standard operating procedures (SOPs), or management systems;
- Ability to interpret and utilize data, reports, metrics, and trends to drive quality improvements and support business decision-making;
- Strong written and verbal communication skills that can be used with people of various backgrounds, experience, and education levels;
- High attention to detail, accuracy, urgency, follow-through, and accountability;
- Ability to prioritize competing demands, make sound decisions, and work effectively with cross-functional teams;
- Demonstrated highly effective platform presentation skills and training delivery skills.
- Bachelor’s Degree in Quality, Operations Management, Chemistry, Business Administration (with manufacturing experience) or related field; and,
- Minimum of 3 years’ experience in quality assurance, continuous improvement, or other analytical problem-solving role; and,
- Experience with quality systems, RCAs, CAPAs, audits, and/or process improvement; and,
- ISO, ASQ, Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt are preferred; and,
- Previous leadership, project management, or supervisory experience preferred; and
- Experience in manufacturing, chemical, or other regulated operational environment preferred; or,
- Equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Applicants consent to a background check to comply with a suitability determination from corporate management, including, but not limited to, Verification of information provided on Employment Application[1]; and,
- Passing a Company provided substance-screening test; and,
- Acknowledgement and agreement to follow all Company policies whether in the Company’s Employee Handbook or otherwise created; and,
- Provide necessary documentation establishing eligibility for employment in the United States.
Strong candidates who do not meet every qualification are encouraged to apply. Smooth-On values aptitude, initiative, problem-solving ability, leadership potential, and a commitment to continuous learning.