Quality Assurance Manager

Summary

The Quality Assurance Manager role is responsible for leading and developing the quality function. This is a standalone position with no direct reports, and the incumbent personally performs the quality work described below while owning the function's strategy, metrics, and results. This position follows quality policy with the main objective of preventing nonconforming product from reaching customers. The quality manager must accurately maintain, effectively communicate, and drive improvement of the location's quality metrics. The role also ensures the timely communication of supplier corrective action requests (SCARs) and internal quality alerts.

 Roles & Responsibilities

• Exhibit effective communication, critical thinking and problem-solving skills while leading the quality function toward company goals and objectives.
• Utilize LEAN - Six Sigma tools to investigate and communicate the problem statement and root cause for customer, internal, and supplier concerns.
• Actively participate in developing and implementing quick solutions for our customers including the documentation of containment, corrective, and preventive actions.
• Manage the internal audit system and ensure timely completion of audits. Submit findings and corrective action requests within the quality management system (QMS) software.
• Process supplier corrective action requests (SCARs), maintain the critical raw material list, and work with purchasing to review the critical supplier list, schedule supplier visits/audits, and verify corrective actions.
• Build and automate quality metric dashboards, perform internal audits, and complete root cause investigations.
• Ensure quality equipment is current, maintained, and calibrated where necessary.
• Use statistical analysis to complete capability, verification, and validation assessments on internal and external processes and equipment.
• Measure cost of quality (good vs. bad) and drive a culture of quality focused on being more preventive than reactionary.
• Focus time and resources to increase first pass yield and reduce scrap.
• Analyze risk and prioritize tasks to ensure the critical to quality actions are completed on schedule.
• Build relationships and facilitate data communication between functional groups.
• Direct the work of outside laboratories, contractors, and temporary resources when additional capacity is required.
• Other duties as assigned

Job Requirements

Education and/or Experience 

• BS Engineering Degree [Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, or Industrial].
• 5-7 years of quality or operations experience, including experience owning a quality function or program independently.

Functional/Technical Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge of machining, assembly, production control and related manufacturing functions.
• Experience with ERP systems applied to a complex manufacturing and materials environment, firm grasp of planning and scheduling practices.
• Expert understanding of the product life cycle and underlying business planning requirements.
• Proven project management skills, with the ability to run concurrent quality projects without dedicated support.
• Knowledge and experience in Lean Manufacturing and Theory of Constraints as they relate to continuous improvement.
• Policies and Procedures - Proven ability to create and implement operational procedures.
• Communication Skills - The ability to write clearly, succinctly and understandably. The ability to effectively communicate, build a rapport and relate well to all kinds of people. Treats all people with respect, courtesy and consideration; respects differences in the attitudes and perspectives of others; listens, observes, and strives to gain understanding of others.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others and maintaining them over time.
• Influence Without Authority - The ability to drive quality standards and corrective actions through other departments without direct reporting relationships.
• Production and Processing - Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
• Administration and Management - Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
• Teamwork - The ability to work effectively and productively with others. Shares responsibility with team members for successes and failures; keeps team members informed regarding projects; behaves in a manner consistent with team values and mission; provides constructive feedback to team and its members; responds positively to feedback from team members; raises and/or confronts issues limiting team effectiveness.
• Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Judgment and Decision Making - Considers the relative costs, benefits, impact or consequences of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one. Ability to make decisions in a timely manner.
• Self-Direction - The ability to set priorities, manage a full workload, and deliver results independently with minimal day-to-day oversight.
• Safety - Practices safe work habits and encourages others to do the same. Identifies ways to improve the safety of the work environment. Knowledge of relevant policies and procedures to promote effective safety operations.
• Knowledge of computers and relevant software applications - Proficient in MS Word, Excel, MS Outlook, web browsers, and ERP systems.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift and/or move up to 20 lbs.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, stoop, crouch, climb and use hands to grip regularly.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Prolonged periods of sitting.
• Maintain professional appearance and grooming standards as outlined.

Benefits & Perks

• Health & Wellness: Medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus 24/7 virtual care and mental health support via Teladoc. Includes tax-advantaged HSA and FSA savings options.
• Financial Security: Company-paid Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, and $25,000 in Life/AD&D insurance at no cost to you.
• Retirement: 401(k) plan with company matching to help you build long-term wealth.
• Time Off: Accrued Paid Time Off (PTO), paid sick leave, and paid company holidays to support a healthy work-life balance.
• Supplemental Plans: Voluntary accident and critical illness insurance.
• Growth & Innovation: Professional development opportunities and the chance to work with industry-leading technology in a team-oriented environment.

Note: This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities or qualifications associated with the job.