Quality Manager

Company Overview

Our client is a $50MM custom converter and fabricator specializing in flexible materials such as rubber, foam, sponge, and adhesives. Serving diverse markets—including medical, industrial, and electronics—they deliver precision, engineering expertise, and fast, flexible manufacturing solutions.

As the company continues to grow, they are committed to elevating quality systems, improving processes, and strengthening customer partnerships. The Quality Manager will be a key leader in driving this next stage of quality excellence.

Position Overview

The Quality Manager is a hands-on leader responsible for operational execution and strategic quality improvement across the business. Managing a team of four quality professionals, this role blends daily oversight with customer engagement, product launch support, and cross-functional collaboration.

The ideal candidate brings deep experience in custom flexible materials manufacturing, strong technical expertise, and the ability to build quality into every process. This is a working manager role suited for someone who is data-driven, influential, and ready to make an immediate impact.

Key Responsibilities

Quality Leadership & Business Impact

• Develop and execute quality strategies aligned with business objectives and ISO 9001:2015/ISO 13485 compliance.
• Use data, trend analysis, and capability studies to proactively drive process improvement.
• Build dashboards, KPIs, and reporting that enhance accountability and visibility.

Customer Engagement & Product Launch Support

• Serve as the quality lead for customer product launches and quality requirements.
• Manage PPAP processes, failure analysis, and corrective actions.
• Represent the company during customer audits and regulatory inspections.
• Lead the Engineering Change Notice (ECN) process and maintain accurate documentation.

Quality Management System Ownership

• Manage core QMS functions including complaint handling, design and development, CAPA, audits, supplier quality, calibration, document control, and traceability.
• Oversee digital QMS modules (including 1Factory) and validation activities.
• Develop control plans, validation protocols, and IQ/OQ/PQ processes.
• Maintain ITAR compliance across documentation and operations.

Team Leadership & Culture Building

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of four quality professionals.
• Promote a culture where quality is built into processes rather than inspected in.
• Ensure proper training on inspection methods, equipment, and industry standards.
• Partner closely with Sales, Engineering, Operations, Customer Service, and Finance.

Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives, 5S practices, and strong housekeeping standards.
• Lead cross-functional problem-solving using SPC, PPM, and other quality tools.
• Participate in weekly operational meetings, communicating progress and challenges.

Qualifications

Industry Experience

• 5 years in quality within custom flexible materials (rubber, foam, sponge, adhesives).
• Knowledge of kiss cutting, die cutting, water jet cutting, lamination, slitting, and extrusions.
• Understanding of soft material variability and custom manufacturing environments.

Technical Expertise

• Experience managing quality teams.
• Proficiency with QMS platforms (1Factory preferred).
• Strong PPAP, failure analysis, CAPA, and root cause capabilities.
• Advanced skills in SPC, capability studies, validation, and data analysis.
• Strong understanding of ISO 9001:2015; ISO 13485 preferred.

Leadership & Mindset

• Hands-on working manager who can lead transformation and daily operations.
• Strong cross-functional collaborator with customer-facing experience.
• Excellent communicator who connects quality initiatives to business impact.
• Data-driven, proactive, and effective within a $50MM entrepreneurial environment.
• Self-starter who thrives in ambiguity and drives improvement from day one.