Quality Manager

Position Summary:

The Quality Manager (QM) manages all quality functions for the manufacturing organization.  The QM reports directly to the Sr. Director of Operations and implements and manages the company quality vision, strategy, and goals to ensure the quality objectives are met.  They must have excellent communication skills with both internal and external organizations and customers.  The QM must have a tenacious attitude for achieving excellence in customer satisfaction, process and product quality and reliability.

The Quality Manager must be able to effectively advise on management of process performance issues in the plant.  Good personal interactive skills are essential for the training and coaching of plant hourly and management teams is critical.  Analytical skills must be highly developed with the ability to objectively evaluate data and perform statistical analysis.  They must have the ability to interact with corporate engineering and customers concerning quality process capability.  Technical writing skills provide an advantage in report development and team progress documentation.

PRIMARY DUTIES:

• Manages the overall performance of the quality department team.  Responsible for hiring, retaining, motivating, and training the team to ensure the team performs at its highest level.
• Follows corporate guidelines for quality related business metrics such as return rates, product reliability data warranty data, and product defect rates.
• Manages customer complaint response process.
• Manages HFI (Hold for Inspection) process in the plant.
• Manages the overall scope of any corporate quality compliance / certification program such as SQF food safety and quality.
• Monitors and reports high level quality and compliance data on an ongoing basis relative to product, component, customer, and supplier quality.
• Manages supplier audit programs and dock-to-stock process.
• Manages and monitors internal CAR process within the company.
• Manages and responds to quality issues with related groups such as engineering and customer support.
• Identified and plans for required data collection systems.  Implements systems and system changes as required.
• Writes quality procedures as required.
• Manages the development and implementation of any customer required quality assurance plans or data.
• Responds to customer required quality questions or surveys and manages customer and supplier satisfaction assessments through surveys, interviews, and meetings.

TECHNICAL SUPPORT TO MANAGEMENT TEAM

• Provide statistical analysis and reporting of plant manufacturing performance to identify trends, evaluate process effectiveness, and support data-driven decision-making.
• Analyze operational and quality performance data to assist management in prioritizing resources, equipment maintenance, repairs, and process improvement initiatives.
• Participate in customer, supplier, regulatory, and third-party audits, providing supporting documentation, process performance analysis, and corrective action recommendations.
• Ensure compliance with applicable product safety, food safety, regulatory, and customer requirements.
• Oversee the implementation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of food safety programs, including Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI)-recognized standards.
• Train and coach production personnel in the application of Statistical Process Control (SPC) techniques to monitor processes, identify variations, and maintain product quality.
• Conduct gauge and process capability analyses to evaluate manufacturing performance, measurement system reliability, and opportunities for improvement.
• Establish, monitor, and support gauge calibration and maintenance programs to ensure measurement accuracy and compliance with quality standards.
• Lead and support the development, implementation, and ongoing review of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and associated employee training programs.
• Collaborate with Quality Technicians and other technical personnel to implement, maintain, and improve quality monitoring systems, software, and related network applications.
• Facilitate cross-functional team meetings, promote effective communication, and encourage collaboration to achieve operational and quality objectives.
• Manage and coordinate plant process certification activities, ensuring compliance with established standards and customer requirements.
• Oversee the maintenance, accuracy, and integrity of quality management systems, records, and supporting documentation.
• Actively participate in plant leadership meetings, steering committees, and continuous improvement initiatives, providing quality-related insights and recommendations.
• Lead or participate in SOP development teams to ensure procedures are standardized, current, and aligned with operational requirements.
• Oversee document control processes, ensuring quality-related policies, procedures, specifications, and records are properly maintained, reviewed, and updated.
• Conduct and support plant and process performance audits to assess compliance, identify improvement opportunities, and ensure corrective actions are effectively implemented.
• Partner with plant leadership to promote a culture of quality, accountability, product safety, and continuous improvement throughout the organization.

SAFETY, HOUSEKEEPING & TEAMWORK

• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work area at all times.
• Participate and lead internal audits or meetings as required.
• Support continuous improvement efforts within the organization.
• Serve as a primary resource for new and existing team members, providing guidance, answering questions and reinforcing safe work practices.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Demonstrated experience in quality assurance and quality management, preferably in a manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of food safety standards, quality systems, and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook) and experience working with MRP/ERP systems.
• Strong understanding of gauge capability studies, process capability analysis, and statistical process control (SPC).
• Experience applying advanced statistical tools and analytical techniques to evaluate processes, identify trends, and drive continuous improvement.
• Proficiency with statistical analysis software, such as SAS JMP or equivalent applications.
• Strong project management skills, including the ability to plan, coordinate, execute, and monitor multiple initiatives.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate across departments and organizational levels.
• Demonstrated leadership skills, including the ability to plan, organize, motivate, and guide teams toward achieving quality and operational objectives.
• Strong analytical, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills, with a proactive approach to identifying issues and developing effective, sustainable solutions.
• Exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated record of reliability, professionalism, and consistent work performance.
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Education, Training & Experience:

• Bachelor of Science degree in Quality Management, Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related technical discipline.
• Minimum of five (5) to seven (7) years of progressive experience in quality assurance or quality management within a manufacturing environment, including both operational and leadership responsibilities.
• Formal training and demonstrated knowledge of Statistical Process Control (SPC), quality control methodologies, and quality management systems.
• Experience in the metal packaging industry or a related manufacturing environment preferred.
• Demonstrated experience implementing, maintaining, and overseeing food safety and quality assurance programs, including Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), and Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI)-recognized standards.
• Experience supporting regulatory compliance, internal and external audits, corrective and preventive actions, and continuous improvement initiatives preferred.

Relationships:

Customers

Operation Supervisors and Managers

All employees 

Supervises:                     

Quality Auditor

Quality Technicians

Supervised By:                              

Dr. Director of Operations