Quality Assurance Manager

Hickory Metal Plant
Hickory, NC 28602, USA

Founded in 1944, HSM is a third generation, privately held company with a rich history of innovation and a commitment to our people. With 25 locations across the U.S. and corporate headquarters in Hickory, NC and Huntersville, NC, we specialize in manufacturing components for furniture, bedding, transportation, packaging, automotive, and healthcare industries. Our expertise also includes designing and building automated production machinery.

HSM products from sofa springs to swimming pool noodles and bus seats touch everyday life in countless ways.

At HSM, our success is built on our people. We foster a culture of teamwork, innovation, and shared success. If you’re looking for a meaningful place to grow and make an impact, we want to hear from you!

• Quality Leadership & Strategy
  • Own and execute the site quality strategy aligned with divisional goals and customer expectations
  • Lead, mentor, and develop Quality Engineers, technicians, inspectors, and lab personnel
  • Champion a culture focused on prevention, standardization, and continuous improvement
  • Serve as the site’s quality authority for leadership, customers, and external partners
• Quality Systems & Compliance
  • Maintain and continuously improve the Quality Management System (ISO 9001, IATF 16949, VDA 6.3)
  • Lead internal audits and support customer and registrar audits
  • Drive corrective and preventive actions with measurable, sustainable results
  • Ensure audit readiness, document control, and change management discipline
• Product, Process & Operational Quality
  • Oversee inspections, testing, and validation to meet engineering and customer requirements
  • Apply statistical analysis to identify trends, reduce variation, and improve capability
  • Partner with Manufacturing and Engineering on control plans, error‑proofing, and yield improvements
  • Provide hands‑on technical support for metal bending, stamping, and forming processes
• Lead supplier quality activities including audits, PPAP support, and incoming inspections
• Manage customer complaints and lead structured root‑cause investigations
• Own customer scorecards, reporting, and quality performance metrics
• Act as the primary quality contact for customer visits and quality reviews
• Department & Resource Management
  • Manage the Quality Control lab, measurement systems, and calibration programs
  • Ensure proper staffing and capability to meet production and customer demand
  • Support budgeting, capital planning, and investments in quality infrastructure

• Education & Experience
  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, or related field
  • 7–10+ years of progressive quality leadership experience in manufacturing
  • Automotive or transportation manufacturing experience strongly preferred
  • Experience with metal fabrication, bending, or stamping processes a plus
• Technical Expertise
  • Deep knowledge of IATF 16949 and ISO 9001
  • Hands‑on experience with VDA 6.3 process audits
  • Strong working knowledge of AIAG Core Tools (APQP, PPAP, FMEA, MSA, SPC)
  • Experience supporting customer‑specific requirements in safety‑critical products
• Leadership & Communication
  • Proven ability to lead and develop technical teams
  • Strong cross‑functional collaboration skills
  • Ability to translate technical quality issues into clear business impact
• Travel
  • Up to 15% travel to support suppliers, customers, and divisional quality initiatives

• Health & Wellness
  :
  Affordable medical, dental, and vision insurance plans, including an innovative global healthcare option for qualified participants.
• Retire
  : 401(k) with company match, fully vested from day one.
• Paid Time Off
  :
  Competitive PTO: 3 Weeks of Vacation + 9 company paid holidays.
• On‑Site Medical Clinics
  :
  Free for you and covered dependents.
• Teladoc
  : 24/7 access with no copay.
• Professional Development
  :
  Tuition reimbursement, professional development assistance and career growth opportunities.
• Discounts
  :
  Enjoy discounts with HSM partners, including Dollywood Parks & Resort, Verizon Wireless, and more.

At HSM, we believe that our diversity creates a productive workplace. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, marital status, affectionate or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.

For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.