Manufacturing Quality Manager

Manufacturing Quality Manager

Manufacturing Quality Manager

The Manufacturing Quality Manager leads, develops, and administers the plant’s Quality Management System (QMS) to ensure products meet strict customer, regulatory, and industry requirements. The role oversees ISO 9000/9001 and third‑party accreditations (such as ASME), drives continuous improvement, and directs a team of quality professionals in a high‑volume manufacturing environment (annual revenue $25–$50M). The position requires strong leadership, independent judgment, technical expertise, and the ability to improve product quality and customer satisfaction.

• Develop, implement, and maintain a robust ISO 9000/9001‑compliant QMS, ensuring ongoing certification.
• Achieve and maintain all third‑party accreditations, including ISO 9000/9001, ASME, and customer‑specific standards.
• Manage internal and external audits; ensure timely corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
• Maintain and control QMS documentation, including manuals, procedures, work instructions, records, and reports.
• Oversee all inspection and testing activities: incoming materials, in‑process, and final product.
• Develop inspection plans, test methods, and quality standards for welding, machining, fabrication, and assembly operations.
• Identify quality trends and root causes using statistical tools (SPC, Pareto, 5‑Why, Ishikawa).
• Ensure calibration of measurement instruments and compliance with metrology standards.
• Develop and maintain quality performance metrics (KPIs) to reduce the cost of poor quality.
• Lead and manage the Quality Assurance department, including exempt, non‑exempt, and hourly personnel.
• Provide coaching, direction, and development for the team, promoting accountability and engagement.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and employee involvement.
• Serve as a key member of the Plant Operating Management Team, contributing to strategic plans and operational decisions.
• Act as the primary point of contact for customer quality issues, complaints, and audits.
• Resolve issues requiring interpretation of quality standards in ambiguous or controversial situations.
• Work cross‑functionally with production, engineering, supply chain, and corporate quality to support business and customer requirements.
• Promote and lead Lean and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance product quality, reduce defects, and eliminate waste.
• Drive CAPA, FMEA, and problem‑solving activities to ensure sustained improvements.
• Support cross‑functional Kaizen events and improvement projects.
• Develop and conduct training programs on quality procedures, inspection techniques, auditing, and QMS requirements.
• Train employees in Lean, SPC, and other quality tools to strengthen plant‑wide quality awareness.
• Operate with a high degree of autonomy and professional judgment, making data‑driven decisions regarding quality issues, supplier concerns, and customer escalations.
• Handle complex or controversial situations requiring diplomacy and clear communication.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, or equivalent experience.
• 8+ years of quality experience in manufacturing, including 3+ years in a supervisory or management role.
• Experience working in welding, machining, fabrication, or similar heavy manufacturing environments strongly preferred.

• Knowledge of ISO 9000/9001 QMS requirements and maintaining certifications.
• Strong proficiency in SPC, statistical analysis, and root cause tools.
• Experience with audits, CAPA, FMEAs, control plans, and process validation.
• Ability to interpret mechanical blueprints, electrical diagrams, and technical specifications.
• Familiarity with ERP/MES systems and digital quality tools.

• Proven leadership skills with the ability to motivate, develop, and guide diverse teams.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem‑solving abilities.
• Ability to work independently, handle ambiguity, and make sound decisions.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and strategic thinking skills.

• Work performed in both office and manufacturing floor…