Quality Manager

Imagineering Finishing Technologies is a leading metal finishing company dedicated to delivering high-quality solutions to our clients. The Imagineering brand is globally acknowledged as the Knowledge Source™ for Metal Finishing. We take pride in our commitment to excellence, innovation, and a positive workplace culture.

Position Summary:

The Quality Manager is responsible for leading the Quality team while serving as a working manager who actively supports daily operations, resolves technical and quality issues, and drives continuous improvement throughout the facility.

This position is expected to lead from the floor by providing direction, coaching, and hands‑on support to Quality Engineers, Quality Technicians, Planning personnel, and Production. The Quality Manager must be visible, engaged, and willing to work alongside the team to ensure customer requirements, regulatory requirements, and IFT Worldwide quality standards are consistently achieved.

The Quality Manager is responsible for maintaining compliance with AS9100, ISO 9001, IATF 16949 (where applicable), customer‑specific requirements, and regulatory standards while partnering closely with Operations, Planning, Engineering, Customer Service, and Production to improve quality, delivery, and customer satisfaction.

The successful candidate must be a strong leader, coach, and technical problem solver who builds credibility through action, develops people, drives accountability, and is comfortable rolling up their sleeves to support audits, customer issues, corrective actions, inspections, process improvements, and production challenges whenever needed.

During the first 180 days, the Quality Manager will complete a structured development program designed to build a comprehensive understanding of IFT Worldwide's customers, special processes, Quality Management System, operational workflow, and leadership expectations. Successful completion of this program is essential to becoming an effective long‑term leader for the operation.

Quality Management Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Quality team.
• Maintain compliance with AS9100, ISO 9001, IATF 16949, and customer‑specific requirements.
• Lead customer complaints, SCARs, RMAs, and corrective actions.
• Ensure audit readiness and lead internal, external, and customer audits.
• Oversee Planning quality and work package accuracy.
• Lead MRB activities and disposition of nonconforming material.
• Monitor and improve KPIs including CoPQ, FPY, OTD, Scrap, Rework and Corrective Actions.
• Drive continuous improvement and standardization.
• Partner with Operations, Planning, Engineering, Customer Service and Production.

Authority and Accountability

• Stop production when quality requirements are not met.
• Direct the Indianapolis Quality team.
• Escalate quality and compliance risks.
• Recommend staffing, process and system improvements.

Performance Expectations

• Customer satisfaction and scorecard improvement.
• Achievement of Quality KPI targets.
• Audit performance and corrective action effectiveness.
• Reduction in scrap, rework and CoPQ.
• Improved FPY and OTD support.

Qualifications

Required

• 5+ years of Quality leadership experience.
• Experience in aerospace, automotive, defense, or special processing.
• Working knowledge of AS9100, ISO 9001, IATF 16949, PFMEA, PPAP/APQP, and Root Cause Analysis.
• Strong leadership, communication, and problem‑solving skills.

Preferred

• CQE or equivalent certification.
• Metal finishing or special processing experience.
• Leadership
• Customer Focus
• Accountability
• Risk‑Based Thinking
• Problem Solving
• Cross‑Functional Leadership
• Coaching & Development
• Prolonged periods of remaining stationary at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• HDHP Plans with Company contribution to H.S.A.
• Flexible spending accounts for Medical and Dependent Care
• Company paid life insurance with AD&D
• Company paid short‑term disability insurance
• Voluntary life with AD&D for employee, spouse, and child(ren)
• Voluntary long‑term disability insurance
• Supplemental Accident and Critical Illness plans
• 401(k) matching program
• Flexible schedules, generous paid time off, plus 8 paid holidays
• Company outings
• Emp…