Apogee Enterprises, Inc. (NASDAQ: APOG), was founded in 1949 and is headquartered in Minneapolis, MN. Apogee is a growing, profitable company with annual revenues approaching $1.5 billion. We provide distinctive metal and glass solutions for enclosing commercial buildings, and glass and acrylic solutions for picture framing and display applications. To learn more visit: www.apog.com.
The Apogee Performance Surfaces segment has grown from $100M to $200M in revenue through a recent acquisition. Our brands in the Performance Surfaces portfolio develop and manufacture high-performance coated materials for a variety of applications, including wall décor, museums, graphic design, architectural interiors, digital display, and industrial flooring markets. We are the global leader in anti-reflective, conservation grade electrostatic dissipative, high-definition, and abrasion resistance coatings, that provide protection, innovative designs, and exceptional durability.
Position Summary
The Director of Quality – Manufacturing (Customer Focus) is responsible for driving product and process excellence across the organization with a strong emphasis on meeting customer expectations and enhancing satisfaction. This role leads quality assurance and control efforts in a manufacturing setting while ensuring that customer feedback, complaints, and quality requirements are systematically addressed and used to drive continuous improvement. This leader will be a key advocate for the voice of the customer throughout the product lifecycle.
Responsibilities
Lead the development and execution of a customer-focused quality strategy across manufacturing operations.
Build and lead a high-performing quality team across multiple sites; coach, mentor, and develop local quality managers and engineers.
Foster a culture of accountability, transparency, and customer-centric quality throughout the organization.
Serve as the primary liaison between the quality team and customers to resolve quality issues and ensure compliance with their specifications and expectations.
Analyze customer complaints, returns, and satisfaction surveys to drive root cause analysis and continuous improvement initiatives.
Develop and manage quality metrics that reflect both internal performance and customer experience (e.g., PPM, OTIF, NCR trends, customer scorecards).
Lead Quality Reviews, Bowler chart reviews, and collaborate on product and process audits.
Oversee audits and quality reviews with key customers and manage responses to corrective action requests (CARs).
Work closely with Sales, Customer Service, Engineering, and Production to ensure product quality meets or exceeds customer requirements.
Drive supplier quality programs to ensure purchased components meet quality and customer standards.
Implement and maintain compliance with relevant quality certifications (e.g., ISO 9001, IATF 16949, AS9100).
Identify systemic risks and develop mitigation plans to protect brand integrity and operational consistency.
Champion data-driven decision-making using statistical analysis, SPC, Six Sigma, and/or Lean methodologies.
Use Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies to enhance product quality and reduce customer complaints.
Evaluate and recommend new quality tools, automation, and digital platforms for modernizing quality operations.
Personal Attributes and Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related technical field (Master’s degree a plus).
10+ years of experience in a manufacturing quality leadership role, with a strong track record of customer engagement.
Deep understanding of customer quality requirements in manufacturing environments.
Knowledge of quality systems and standards (e.g., ISO 9001, IATF 16949, AS9100).
Experience with customer audits, scorecards, and continuous improvement based on customer feedback.
Six Sigma certification (Black Belt preferred), CQE, or similar quality credentials.
Strong leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills with a collaborative mindset.
Proven experience working directly with customers to resolve complex quality issues.
Work Environment
Office and manufacturing floor setting.
Travel for customer site visits, audits, or issue resolution.
Salary Range: $140,000 - $160,000
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Our Benefits
We care about and invest in our employees. We are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support their well-being and foster professional development. Here is a glimpse of what you can look forward to if you join our team.
Competitive Benefits Package for employees and their dependents (Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability)
Incentive Plans
401(k) with employer contribution and match
Employee Stock Purchase Plan with employer match
Paid Time Off (Vacation and Sick Time)
Paid Holidays
Tuition Reimbursement Program
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Wellness Program
Training and Career Progression
Apogee and our brands are an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Top Skills
What We Do
By definition, Apogee means "highest point." It's no coincidence that it's also the name of our company. For over 70 years it is a name that has inspired and driven us to achieve a higher level of excellence in all we do. We are not satisfied with the status quo. We aim higher, think bigger, and endeavor to create even more value for every Apogee stakeholder. We strive to create peak value.
Apogee is a leader in architectural products and services. Our glass and aluminum window, storefront and curtainwall systems make buildings look great, reduce energy consumption, and protect occupants and property. Our highly skilled team designs glass and metal building façades, completes massive orders for skyscrapers on time, and manages complex window, curtainwall and storefront installation projects.
We are also a leader in the protection and conservation of all things framed and displayed. Our Tru Vue business provides high-performance glass and acrylic products for the custom framing, fine art, and technical glass markets.
