Quality Program Manager

About the role

We are looking for a Quality Program Manager as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) responsible for ensuring the conformity of the Quality Management System, implementing quality standards at the site, and maintaining production at those standards.

In this role, you will be the change agent who leads all quality improvement activities working with different departments, including manufacturing, R&D, Quality, and Commercial, and fosters an enhanced quality culture.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced quality professional to join the site leadership team and have a meaningful impact on ongoing operations.

Domestic Relocation assistance may be provided for selected candidates, where applicable.

• Lead and drive the site quality program, including all best practices.
• Align the quality program with business/customer goals and support the development of strategic quality initiatives.
• Implement critical quality metrics that ensure customers receive quality product and help the site meet its quality KPIs.
• Lead external audits, customer audits, and regulatory audits of the sites.
• Drive the quality program to improve customer experience, lead product return processes, and ensure action effectiveness.
• Educate and engage production and maintenance teams on quality issues and work with departmental managers to improve overall quality culture.
• Lead investigation of customer complaints and waivers to identify root causes and validate effectiveness of actions.
• Lead statistical process/quality control charting for all products manufactured at the site and coordinate with the team to address deviations.
• Lead disposition of products to customers and, if necessary, discuss suspension of production based on quality concerns.
• Ensure all company safety rules and regulations are followed and promote general plant safety.
• Participate in supplier qualification and development activities.
• Work closely with plant leadership to ensure all necessary controls enforce compliance with IATF 16949:2016.
• Participate in process improvement teams and recommend improvements that align with the quality program.

• Bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in a manufacturing environment with strong product quality focus; chemical manufacturing experience is a plus.
• Knowledge of ISO 9001:2015 and IATF 16949; cGMP/Halal/Kosher training is a plus.
• Leadership experience and ability to lead project teams.
• Strong analytical skills, highly organized, and capable of working in a matrixed organization.
• Developed knowledge of the technical field and working understanding of business processes, technologies, and applications.
• Six Sigma Black Belt certification preferred.
• Knowledge of statistical tools such as Minitab.
• Data‑driven, results‑focused with a strong action orientation and practiced risk management abilities.

• Recognition for your contributions, thinking, and hard work.
• A work environment where safety is the number one priority.
• Competitive base salary reflecting your skills and experience plus an annual incentive bonus.
• Access to top‑tier, family‑friendly health programs including medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, life insurance, and voluntary benefits.
• Excellent retirement plan with up to 6% defined company contribution and generous 401(k) matching.
• Attractive share ownership plan.
• Comprehensive leave policies covering PTO, paid holidays, and bereavement leave.
• Generous parental leave ensuring you can spend quality time with your family.
• Discount programs for leisure and access to Virgin Pulse with wellness incentives.
• Employee Assistance Program providing confidential counseling or expert guidance for you and your family.

Rio Tinto is committed to equal employment opportunity. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

We are committed to an inclusive environment where people feel safe, respected, and valued. All voices are heard and diverse perspectives are essential to our success. We treat all of our people fairly and with dignity.