Job Title: Quality Assurance Manager
Department: Quality Assurance
Summary The Quality Assurance Manager plans, coordinates, and directs the company's quality assurance programs to ensure that raw materials, production processes, finished products, and services consistently meet customer, regulatory, and company requirements. This position leads quality initiatives that support customer satisfaction, operational excellence, continuous improvement, and compliance with established quality standards. The Quality Assurance Manager works closely with Production, Engineering, Sales, and Supply Chain teams to maintain and improve quality performance throughout the organization.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following.
· Manage and oversee the quality of incoming raw materials, purchased components, manufactured fasteners, assemblies, finished products, and production-related services.
· Develop, implement, maintain, and continuously improve quality assurance and quality control processes and procedures.
· Monitor production and inspection processes to ensure compliance with customer specifications, industry standards, and company quality requirements.
· Lead root cause analysis and corrective action activities related to internal quality issues, customer complaints, supplier concerns, and nonconforming products.
· Investigate, document, and coordinate resolution of customer quality complaints and product performance concerns.
· Track, prioritize, and coordinate quality assurance, quality control, automation, and continuous improvement projects.
· Analyze quality performance metrics, inspection data, scrap, rework, and customer returns to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.
· Collaborate with suppliers to address quality issues and improve supplier performance.
· Support customer audits, supplier audits, and quality system audits as required.
· Work with Operations, Engineering, and Production teams to identify process improvements that enhance product quality, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
· Develop and maintain quality documentation including procedures, work instructions, inspection plans, corrective actions, and quality records.
· Provide timely updates to the Plant Manager and Customer Service Manager regarding quality investigations, supplier issues, production concerns, and expected resolution timelines so accurate Information can be communicated to customers.
· Promote a culture of quality throughout the organization by providing guidance, training, and support to employees at all levels.
· Motivate employees within the Quality Department and across all departments to achieve quality objectives and maintain high standards of workmanship.
· Ensure compliance with applicable safety requirements, customer requirements, and company policies.
· Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.
Supervisory Responsibilities
- Directly supervises 2 to 5 employees in the Quality Assurance Department. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems. Maintains daily communications with Plant Manager and Customer Service Manager. Partner with the Customer Service Manager to ensure customer quality concerns are investigated promptly, communicated effectively, and resolved in a timely manner.
Required Competencies
Leadership
- Demonstrates strong leadership, accountability, and integrity.
- Inspires and motivates employees to achieve quality and business objectives.
- Builds collaborative relationships across all levels of the organization.
Problem Solving and Decision Making
- Identifies issues proactively and resolves problems using data-driven methodologies.
- Conducts root cause analysis and develops effective corrective actions.
- Exercises sound judgment and makes timely decisions.
Communication
- Communicates effectively both verbally and in writing.
- Presents technical information clearly to employees, customers, suppliers, and leadership.
- Facilitates meetings, training sessions, and quality reviews.
Project and Change Management
- Plans and manages multiple projects simultaneously.
- Coordinates resources, timelines, and stakeholder expectations.
- Drives change through effective communication and engagement.
Business and Quality Acumen
- Understands the relationship between quality, customer satisfaction, operational performance, and profitability.
- Uses quality metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs) to support business decisions.
- Maintains knowledge of industry trends, standards, and best practices.
Qualifications
Education and Experience
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality Management, Manufacturing, Industrial Technology, or a related field preferred.
- Minimum of 5 years of progressive quality leadership experience in a manufacturing environment.
- Equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.
- Professional certifications such as ASQ Certified Quality Manager (CMQ/OE), Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), Lean Six Sigma, or related certifications are preferred.
Technical Knowledge
- Strong knowledge of quality management systems, auditing, statistical analysis, and manufacturing processes.
- Understanding of supplier quality management and customer quality requirements.
Computer Skills
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
- Experience with ERP systems, quality management software, and data analysis tools preferred.
- Ability to generate reports, analyze trends, and present quality performance data.
Physical Requirements
The physical requirements described are representative of those necessary to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Frequently sit, stand, walk, and move throughout office and manufacturing environments.
- Regularly use hands and fingers to operate computer equipment and inspection tools.
- Occasionally lift and/or move materials up to 50 pounds.
- Must be able to visually inspect products, read documents, and analyze quality data.
Work Environment
- Work is performed in both office and manufacturing environments.
- Regular exposure to manufacturing equipment, production processes, and warehouse operations.
- Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required in designated production areas.
- Noise levels vary based on production activity and may range from moderate to high in manufacturing areas.
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
