Director of Quality Assurance

JOB SUMMARY:

The Director of Quality Assurance leads Thermo Bond’s company-wide quality strategy and execution. This role serves as the primary point of contact and quarterback for all internal and external quality escalations, ensuring rapid response, clear communication, and lasting solutions. The Director builds and maintains the quality management framework, drives continuous improvement across suppliers and manufacturing processes, and partners closely with Supply Chain, Manufacturing (including Quality Control), Engineering, and Sales/Customer Service to deliver consistent, high-quality products and outstanding customer experience.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Supplier Quality Engineers
• Quality Engineers/Analysts/Specialists
• Other QA staff as assigned ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Leadership & Strategy
• Act as the single point of contact for all quality-related escalations from customers, suppliers, or internal teams.
• Lead cross-functional response teams to rapidly contain issues, identify root causes, and drive permanent corrective actions.
• Provide timely, transparent communication to customers, executives, and team members. Quality Management Systems
• Establish and maintain Thermo Bond’s quality standards, documentation, and best practices appropriate for our markets (ISO-ready but not dependent on certification).
• Own and continuously improve the Quality Management System (QMS), including ISO certification and external audit readiness.
• Oversee corrective and preventive action (CAPA), change management, and document control. Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Partner with Supply Chain to qualify and monitor suppliers and ensure supplier corrective actions.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing and QC to identify trends, close feedback loops, and prevent recurrence of non-conformances.
• Work with Engineering to integrate quality standards into product design and process development.
• Coordinate with Sales/Customer Service on customer complaints and warranty claims. Performance & Reporting
• Establish key quality metrics and communicate performance to leadership and the board.
• Lead management reviews and present systemic improvement plans.
• Ensure compliance with customer, industry, and regulatory requirements. Continuous Improvement
• Drive long-term quality improvements through risk assessment, FMEA, and Lean/6 Sigma methods.
• Champion a culture of prevention, accountability, and data-driven decision making.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Strong leadership and team development skills with a proven ability to drive results under pressure.
• Exceptional communication and relationship management skills across all levels, including customers and executive leadership.
• Expertise in root cause analysis, corrective action, and continuous improvement methods (e.g., 8D, 5-Why, FMEA).
• Ability to design and scale a quality management system (ISO-ready) as the company grows.
• Proficiency in ERP, quality, and data analytics tools.
• Ability to travel to other plant locations and customer sites.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Quality, Industrial Technology, or related field required
• Master’s degree or MBA preferred
• Professional certifications (CQE, CMQ/OE, or Lean Six Sigma Black Belt) strongly preferred
• 10 years in manufacturing quality leadership, including 5 in senior management
• Proven success as the primary escalation lead, driving root cause analysis and corrective action
• Hands-on experience developing and scaling a Quality Management System (ISO-ready)
• Strong cross-functional leadership with Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Engineering, and Customer Service
• Expertise in continuous improvement tools (8D, 5-Why, FMEA, SPC, Lean/Six Sigma)
• Proficiency with ERP and quality software for metrics, CAPA, and executive reporting

TRAVEL, HOURS OF WORK, & SUPERVISION:

This position normally requires the individual to be physically present at one or more TBB manufacturing location Monday through Friday as deemed necessary. The Director of QA may be required to travel extensively and may frequently be required to remain out of town on overnight trips in fulfillment of his or her job responsibilities. This position will report to the COO.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS (INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO):

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Must be able to access and navigate all areas of the facility to determine needs
• Able to lift/carry 15 lbs.