Quality Assurance Manager

Quality Assurance Manager

The Quality Assurance Manager is responsible for ensuring that all consumer-packaged goods (CPG) appliances and electronic products meet or exceed quality, safety, regulatory, and performance standards, primarily for U.S. and Canadian markets. This role will lead the development and execution of quality systems, inspection programs, and process improvements throughout the product lifecycle—from design and sourcing through manufacturing, inbound inspection, and post-market monitoring.

The QA Manager will work cross-functionally with Product Development, Sourcing, Engineering, Regulatory, and Customer Service to drive continuous improvement, minimize defects, and protect brand reputation. For select products sold in the EU or other territories, or in response to ad hoc requests, the QA Manager will also support EU regulatory compliance and provide guidance on local market requirements.

• Develop, implement, and maintain quality assurance programs, policies, and SOPs for CPG appliance & electronics categories.
• Ensure compliance with relevant standards, certifications, and regulations, including UL, ETL, CSA, FCC, DOE, FDA, CPSC, Proposition 65, FPLA (U.S.), and CPLA (Canada).
• Oversee supplier quality audits, factory inspections, and corrective action plans.
• Manage product testing protocols for safety, performance, and durability.
• Ensure labeling compliance in accordance with U.S. and Canadian laws, including ISO 780 pictorial marking standards.
• Maintain documentation for regulatory compliance, including FCC (U.S.), ISED (Canada), and ISPM-15.
• Collaborate with Product Development and Engineering teams during design and pre-production phases to ensure manufacturability and regulatory compliance.
• Approve and maintain product specifications, testing requirements, and quality documentation.
• Lead root cause analysis for product defects and implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
• Monitor returned goods and warranty claims to identify trends and improve product performance.
• Partner with Sourcing and Supply Chain teams to evaluate, qualify, and manage vendor quality performance.
• Develop quality scorecards for suppliers and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Oversee pre-shipment inspections and inbound quality control for domestic and imported products.
• Lead, train, and mentor QA team members to ensure best practices in inspection, testing, and reporting.
• Implement Lean Six Sigma or similar methodologies to improve quality processes and reduce cost of poor quality (COPQ).
• Serve as the primary contact for quality escalations and customer complaint investigations.
• Provide guidance on EU regulations for products sold in the EU or upon ad hoc requests, such as CE marking, RoHS, REACH, WEEE, EMC Directive, and Packaging/Waste Directives.
• Maintain and update EU compliance documentation (e.g., EU Declarations of Conformity, technical files).
• With internal and external support where required, advise internal teams and suppliers on local labeling, safety, and recycling requirements.

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Quality Management, Engineering, Manufacturing, or related field (Master's degree a plus).
• 7+ years of quality assurance experience in consumer goods, appliances, or electronics manufacturing.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. and Canadian product compliance regulations; working knowledge of EU regulatory requirements preferred.
• Experience managing third-party testing labs and certification processes.
• Familiarity with APQP, PPAP, and FMEA frameworks.

Certifications:

• Certified Quality Manager (CQM) or Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) – Required
• ISO 9001 Lead Auditor – Preferred
• Six Sigma Green/Black Belt – Preferred

Skills &

Competencies:

• Proficient in quality tools and methodologies (FMEA, SPC, DOE, Six Sigma, ISO 9001, TS-16949, AS9100).
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for cross-functional, supplier, and regulatory interactions.
• Proven ability to lead teams and drive process improvements.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally (up to 25%), including occasional EU…