Quality Assurance Manager

The Judge Group is looking for a Quality Manager for a Metals Manufacturing client in North Carolina!

The Quality Manager is responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining quality systems and continuous improvement initiatives to ensure products and processes meet customer, regulatory, and industry standards. This role provides leadership for quality assurance teams, supports cross-functional process development, and drives performance improvements across manufacturing operations.

• Leadership and Team Development
• Problem Solving and Root Cause Analysis
• Process Improvement
• Results Driven
• Strong Communication Skills
• Customer Focus
• Organizational Skills
• Technical Aptitude
• Essential Functions:
• Lead and maintain the organization’s Quality Management System (QMS) in compliance with ISO 9001, IATF 16949, and customer-specific requirements
• Analyze manufacturing processes to identify root causes of quality issues and implement corrective and preventive actions
• Lead and drive cross functional teams in corrective action activities, ensure timely closure and validation of corrective actions.
• Report customer performance metrics to team and management corrective actions for any customer metrics that are not meeting expectation.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance product quality, reduce defects, and improve process efficiency
• Manage and mentor Quality Assurance and Quality Technician staff
• Participate in cross-functional feasibility reviews and Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) activities
• Support Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) submissions and validation activities
• Oversee internal audit programs and ensure timely closure of findings
• Ensure document control and quality records are maintained in accordance with QMS requirements
• Collaborate with suppliers to establish and monitor incoming quality standards
• Track and report key quality performance indicators (KPIs) such as defect rates, customer complaints, and audit results
• Serve as a primary point of contact for customer quality matters and external audits
• Support implementation and optimization of quality management software or digital quality systems
• Provide training and guidance to employees on quality standards and processes
• Ensure compliance with all applicable regulatory and safety standards
• Perform other duties as assigned

• Internal and external defect rates
• Customer performance scorecards
• Audit results and corrective action closure
• Continuous improvement and cost-of-quality metrics

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, or related field preferred
• Minimum 5 years of experience in a quality leadership role within a manufacturing environment
• Experience with ISO 9001 and/or IATF 16949 quality systems
• Strong knowledge of APQP, PPAP, MSA, SPC, and root cause analysis methodologies
• Internal auditing experience preferred
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and quality data analysis tools