Overview
We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Senior Quality Control and Quality Assurance Manager to lead our quality management initiatives across manufacturing and production processes. This position is responsible for overseeing and advancing the organization's quality assurance and quality control processes, ensuring compliance with industry standards, company policies, and customer expectations. This role focuses on managing raw material and finished goods quality, non-conformance resolutions, ISO and internal audits, and fostering continuous improvement initiatives. The Senior Quality Manager collaborates closely with Procurement, Production, and leadership teams to drive quality performance and enhance operational efficiency.
Duties
Leadership Responsibilities
- Provide insights based on industry trends, internal performance data, and external factors to influence goal setting.
- Develop, implement, and monitor strategic initiatives that align with the company’s financial and operational goals.
- Regularly review performance data and provide reports to the executive team and stakeholders, highlighting areas of success and identifying areas needing improvement.
- Champion a culture of continuous improvement, promoting innovation and operational efficiency.
- Communicate, drive, and live by Hobas’ core values through all actions and leadership efforts.
Procurement Operations Management
- Develop, implement, and maintain standardized policies and procedures within the Quality department.
- Track and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to evaluate Quality’s performance and identify areas for improvement.
- Identify and escalate opportunities for technological improvements within Quality’s processes.
People Management
- Foster professional development of all Quality staff through training programs, mentorship, and performance reviews, promoting a culture of continuous improvement.
- Review and evaluate employee offboarding decisions, assess retention opportunities, and manage knowledge transfer to ensure minimal disruption and continuity.
- Participate in all necessary steps of the hiring process, including identifying staffing needs, assessing and interviewing candidates, and providing strategic guidance on offer package development.
- Track and evaluate employee skills, performance, and growth potential to support decisions on promotions, demotions, and salary changes.
Raw Material Quality Control
- Vet supplier risk through the supplier questionnaire and communications to give recommendations on supplier approval.
- Provide advice to develop and maintain a supplier and material risk matrix through detailed evaluation and assessment, determining the need for additional material testing protocols.
- Aid the Quality Manager and Lab Manager in conducting raw material sample tests for all received shipments to ensure compliance with organizational and industry standards.
- Contribute to supplier sourcing decisions by offering detailed feedback on supplier performance during initial testing phases and probationary periods.
Non-Conformity & Non-Conformance
- Document and evaluate supplier performance, incorporating insights from supplier Root Cause Analysis reports into overall assessments.
- Facilitate and lead Root Cause Analysis meetings, advising relevant departments on corrective actions to address identified issues.
- Assess and decide on repair or disposition methods for all non-conforming finished goods.
- Oversee the identification, flagging, and proper disposition of all non-conforming raw materials to maintain compliance with quality requirements.
- Monitor the implementation and effectiveness of corrective actions taken by departments to address non-conformities.
- Track corrective actions and performance improvements for underperforming suppliers, ensuring accountability and quality improvements.
- Collaborate with Procurement to evaluate supplier performance and participate in supplier disqualification decisions when necessary.
- Issue formal complaints to suppliers and request Root Cause Analysis reports when non-conformities are identified in their materials or processes.
- Conduct Root Cause Analysis for recurring non-conformities and generate detailed rejection reports based on findings.
- Support Procurement in coordinating and implementing remediation steps with suppliers following disqualification decisions.
ISO Audits
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of annual ISO standards and ensure organizational compliance with any updates or changes.
- Review findings from previous ISO and internal audits to assess progress and identify areas of focus for upcoming updates and audits.
- Coordinate with the ISO Auditor and Consultant to plan and finalize the audit schedule, including travel arrangements.
- Ensure the completion of all internal audits and the preparation of required documentation in advance of ISO pre-audits.
- Conduct pre-audit reviews with the ISO consultant and facilitate final management reviews to discuss pre-audit findings and recommendations.
- Address and review ISO audit findings with relevant stakeholders, ensuring prompt resolution and alignment with ISO requirements.
Internal Audits
- Develop and communicate the annual audit schedule for Quality Management System (QMS) stakeholders, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives.
- Assign qualified auditors to specific audits based on expertise and departmental requirements.
- Review documentation, prepare necessary forms, and coordinate audit schedules for each department to ensure thorough and efficient execution.
- Document findings from interviews, observations, and records reviewed during the audit process, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
- Issue comprehensive Corrective Action Reports (CARs) and audit reports to address identified non-conformities and drive continuous improvement.
- Ensure department managers implement corrective actions promptly and monitor the effectiveness of these actions to achieve sustained compliance.
Qualifications / Experience
- Bachelor’s degree Quality Management, Engineering (Industrial, Mechanical, Civil), Chemistry, Materials Science, or a related discipline
- Advanced degree or professional certification is highly desirable
- Minimum of 8-10 years of experience in related quality control, assurance or compliance experience in a manufacturing environment
- Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in a supervisory or team leadership role is desirable
- Knowledge of quality control and assurance terminology, methods, tools, and industry standards including ISO9001
- Proficiency in MS Office applications, including Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, and Outlook
- Proficiency with statistical analysis software, quality tools, and systems like LIMS or ERP
- Exceptional organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively convey information across teams
Professional Certifications
- ISO 9001 Lead Auditor Certification preferred
- Certified Quality Auditor (CQA) preferred
- Lean Six Sigma Certification (Green or Black Belt) preferred
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Language:
Ability to Commute:
- Houston, TX 77073 (Required)
Work Location: In person
