Manufacturing Quality Manager

The Manufacturing Quality Manager is responsible for leading, developing, and administering the plant’s Quality Management System (QMS) to ensure products meet strict customer, regulatory, and industry requirements. This role oversees ISO 9000/9001 and other third-party accreditations (e.g., ASME), drives continuous improvement, and leads a team of quality professionals in a high-volume manufacturing environment ($25–$50M). The position requires strong leadership, independent judgment, technical expertise, and the ability to improve both product quality and customer satisfaction.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Quality Management System (QMS) & Certifications

• Develop, implement, and maintain a robust ISO 9000/9001–compliant QMS, ensuring ongoing certification.
• Achieve and maintain all third-party accreditations (ISO 9000/9001, ASME, customer-specific standards).
• Manage internal and external audits; ensure timely corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
• Maintain and control QMS documentation, including manuals, procedures, work instructions, records, and reports.

Quality Assurance & Control

• Oversee all inspection and testing activities: incoming materials, in-process, and final product.
• Develop inspection plans, test methods, and quality standards for welding, machining, fabrication, and assembly operations.
• Identify quality trends and root causes using statistical tools (SPC, Pareto, 5-Why, Ishikawa).
• Ensure calibration of measurement instruments and compliance with metrology standards.
• Develop and maintain quality performance metrics (KPIs) to improve the cost of poor quality.

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead and manage the Quality Assurance department, including exempt, non-exempt, and hourly personnel.
• Provide coaching, direction, and development for the team, promoting accountability and engagement.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and employee involvement.
• Serve as a key member of the Plant Operating Management Team, contributing to strategic plans and operational decisions.

Customer & Internal Collaboration

• Act as the primary point of contact for customer quality issues, complaints, and audits.
• Resolve issues requiring interpretation of quality standards in situations with ambiguity or controversy.
• Work cross-functionally with production, engineering, supply chain, and corporate quality to support business and customer requirements.
• Improve the overall customer experience through enhanced quality systems and communication.

Continuous Improvement & Lean Initiatives

• Promote and lead Lean and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance product quality, reduce defects, and eliminate waste.
• Drive CAPA, FMEA, and problem-solving activities to ensure sustained improvements.
• Support cross-functional Kaizen events and improvement projects.

Training & Development

• Develop and conduct training programs on quality procedures, inspection techniques, auditing, and QMS requirements.
• Train employees in Lean, SPC, and other quality tools to strengthen plant-wide quality awareness.

Decision-Making & Independence

• Operate with a high degree of autonomy and professional judgment.
• Make data-driven decisions regarding quality issues, process deviations, supplier concerns, and customer escalations.
• Handle complex or controversial situations requiring diplomacy and clear communication.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, or equivalent experience.
• 8+ years of quality experience in manufacturing, including 3+ years in a supervisory or management role.
• Experience working in welding, machining, fabrication, or similar heavy manufacturing environments strongly preferred.

Technical Skills

• Knowledge of ISO 9000/9001 QMS requirements and maintaining certifications.
• Strong proficiency in SPC, statistical analysis, and root cause tools.
• Experience with audits, CAPA, FMEAs, control plans, and process validation.
• Ability to interpret mechanical blueprints, electrical diagrams, and technical specifications.
• Familiarity with ERP/MES systems and digital quality tools.

Leadership & Professional Skills

• Proven leadership skills with the ability to motivate, develop, and guide diverse teams.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work independently, handle ambiguity, and make sound decisions.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and strategic thinking skills.

Working Conditions

• Work performed in both office and manufacturing floor environments, including exposure to welding, machining, and fabrication operations.
• Occasional exposure to moderately disagreeable conditions or minor hazards; proper PPE required.
• Limited physical demands; involves routine movement and light handling of materials.

Other Information

This job description reflects the general nature and responsibilities of the role and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties. Management reserves the right to change or modify job responsibilities as needed.