Quality Control Manager (Alajuela, Costa Rica)

Life Unlimited. At Smith+Nephew we design and manufacture technology that takes the limits off living. 

Are you ready to take the next step in your career? 

The Quality Control Manager is responsible for overseeing all quality control activities to ensure compliance with internal standards, regulatory requirements, and customer specifications. This role ensures that products meet the highest quality standards and drives continuous improvement initiatives across the organization.

This position is an M1 level 

What will you be doing? 

Manage Quality Control personnel: Oversee staffing, training, performance evaluation, motivation, and development to ensure effective leadership.

Administer Non-Conforming Product Process: Ensure timely segregation, containment, and proper disposition of non-conforming or discrepant materials; support Material Review Board (MRB) activities.

Coordinate product inspections and rework activities: Supervise inspection processes, in-process controls, and execution of rework, sorting, and reprocessing tasks.

Support identification and traceability of non-conforming materials: Ensure proper containment and traceability before releasing products to distribution centers.

Report and escalate quality issues: Communicate process variations and quality concerns promptly to relevant stakeholders.

Prepare and monitor quality metrics: Track and report key indicators such as internal non-conformities and quality alerts.

Provide quality support to production and other areas: Conduct daily audits, Gemba walks, Kaizen events, and continuous improvement initiatives to maintain operational excellence.

What will you need to be successful?  

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related field.

Certifications (Preferred):

• Certified Quality Engineer (CQE – ASQ).

• Green Belt or Black Belt in Lean Six Sigma.

Experience:

• Minimum 3 years of experience in the medical device industry.

• At least 3 years of experience in quality-related roles.

• Minimum 2 years of experience supervising personnel.

Language:

• Intermediate English (reading and writing at 80% or higher).

Knowledge:

• Basic knowledge of SAP.

• Intermediate/advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office (especially Excel).

• Ability to interpret technical drawings and sampling techniques.

• Familiarity with manufacturing documentation and quality tools.

Competencies:

• Strong organizational skills and ability to work under pressure.

• Effective communication, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills.

• Teamwork and leadership capabilities.

• Detail-oriented, results-driven, and proactive.

• Integrity and planning skills.

You. Unlimited

We believe in creating the greatest good for society. Our strongest investments are in our people and the patients we serve. 

Inclusion + Belonging - Committed to Welcoming, Celebrating and Thriving. Learn more about our Employee Inclusion Groups on our website https://www.smith-nephew.com/ 

• Your future:  stock purchase program, referral bonus, subsidy in transport and food, recognition program.

• Work/Life Balance: Extra days off, birthday off, voluntary hours.

• Your Wellbeing: company doctor, medical insurance, gym, health campaigns, employee assistance program, parental leave. 

• Flexibility: Hybrid work model (for more professional roles), flexible schedules.

• Training: Training program, unlimited learning.

• Extra perks: employees association, and more…

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