Senior Quality Manager

Location: Bellevue

Company:
Mitsubishi Performance Polymers Division

Job Description:

Senior Quality Manager
- Performance Polymers Division

Where performance meets precision.

At PPD, we're more than just a materials company - we're a team of innovators, engineers, and problem-solvers committed to shaping what's next in performance polymer technology. Our products help power essential industries, from automotive to advanced manufacturing, where quality and consistency make all the difference.

We're seeking a Senior Quality Manager who will bring technical expertise, leadership excellence, and a continuous improvement mindset to our Performance Polymers Division. This is a pivotal role that ensures our products meet the highest standards of performance, reliability, and customer satisfaction - every time.

What You'll Do

The Senior Quality Manager oversees all quality assurance activities within the Performance Polymers Division, ensuring adherence to customer requirements, industry standards, and internal operating procedures. Working closely with Production, R&D, Procurement, Commercial, and Site Quality Managers, this role is responsible for establishing and maintaining world-class quality systems, developing laboratory and inspection processes, and driving continuous improvement initiatives across 1-3 manufacturing locations.

You will serve as the division's expert resource in quality management, accreditation, testing methodologies, and statistical analysis-positioning the company to meet future growth while continuing to exceed customer expectations.


Leadership & Team Management

• Lead, supervise, and develop a team of lab technicians conducting final product testing for color, physical properties, and other quality parameters.
• Provide direction and mentorship to Site Quality Managers overseeing day-to-day quality activities at supported locations.
• Oversee workforce planning, hiring, training, performance reviews, and progressive discipline.
• Foster a collaborative and accountable culture within the Quality Department across all sites.

Quality Systems & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with ISO 9001, TS16949, A2LA, and other applicable accreditation standards.
• Maintain lab accreditation (A2LA) and ensure all testing procedures meet required standards.
• Manage the calibration, verification, and quality assurance of lab equipment across locations.
• Lead and support internal and external audits, ensuring timely resolution of findings.
• Oversee the material certification process for customers and maintain documentation accuracy.

Technical Quality Leadership

• Work with R&D to define raw material specifications, product critical characteristics, and testing requirements.
• Serve as the division's expert on SPC (Statistical Process Control) and data-driven quality analysis.
• Use SPC tools to monitor product and process performance, evaluate capability, and support improvement projects.
• Develop, update, and maintain inspection and testing standards, lab methodologies, and standardized procedures across sites.
• Support the development and implementation of the Corporate Quality Operating System (Lab Track - S4 SAP), ensuring consistency across all operations.

Customer & Supplier Quality

• Oversee customer complaint investigations, root cause analysis, and corrective action implementation.
• Ensure timely communication, documentation, and closure of customer quality concerns.
• Manage supplier quality issues in partnership with Procurement, including supplier evaluations and corrective action processes.
• Lead customer approval processes including PPAP submissions, Supplier Change Requests, and product qualification requirements.
• Provide technical support to the Commercial team during customer visits, audits, and reviews.

Continuous Improvement & Problem Solving

• Lead quality-driven continuous improvement initiatives and collaborate with cross-functional teams to strengthen processes.
• Drive root cause analysis sessions using structured problem-solving techniques and tools.
• Implement solutions that improve product quality, optimize testing efficiency, and reduce quality-related costs.
• Promote and oversee 5S activities within all Quality areas to maintain an organized and…