Quality Assurance Manager / Director of Quality

Position Summary
Provide strategic, operational, and day-to-day leadership for the Quality Assurance function across multiple manufacturing facilities. Develop, implement, and drive quality systems, philosophies, and performance metrics that support world-class quality standards while improving productivity, efficiency, and profitability.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the organization's quality strategy and long-term vision in partnership with executive leadership.
• Lead, manage, and prioritize quality department activities to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance product quality throughout the organization.
• Train internal auditors, quality personnel, and production employees on quality systems and procedures, promoting quality ownership at the point of production.
• Collaborate with Engineering and Manufacturing teams to establish and improve methods, procedures, testing requirements, and quality controls.
• Develop, maintain, and continuously improve quality procedures, work instructions, policies, and documentation to support industry certifications and compliance requirements.
• Serve as the management representative for quality certifications and related compliance programs.
• Lead external certification audits, customer quality audits, and internal audit programs.
• Develop and drive continuous improvement initiatives throughout the organization.
• Respond promptly to corrective and preventive action requests and work cross-functionally to ensure effective implementation and resolution.
• Maintain an effective calibration program for quality measurement and testing equipment.
• Identify quality department staffing, training, and capital equipment needs and provide recommendations to executive management.
• Develop, maintain, and improve quality standards for products, equipment, inspection methods, testing procedures, and evaluation processes.
• Balance quality requirements with operational efficiency and overall business objectives.
• Partner with leadership, employees, customers, and suppliers to foster a collaborative, solutions-oriented work environment.
• Prepare and present regular reports on quality performance, trends, initiatives, challenges, and recommended improvements.
• Create, review, update, and maintain policies, procedures, and work instructions in coordination with management.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Directly supervise quality personnel and ensure compliance with quality standards and procedures across all operations.
• Manage departmental staffing, workload distribution, performance management, employee development, and training.
• Conduct hiring, onboarding, coaching, performance evaluations, disciplinary actions, and succession planning as needed.
• Ensure quality resources are aligned with production demands and organizational objectives.
• Carry out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with company policies and applicable federal, state, and local regulations.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Quality, Engineering, Manufacturing Technology, or a related technical field.
• Minimum of 7 to 10 years of progressive quality leadership experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong working knowledge of ISO 9001, AS9100, and/or similar quality management systems.
• Experience supporting continuous improvement initiatives, Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and quality system development.
• Manufacturing experience involving precision fabrication, welding, machining, assembly, or related processes preferred.
• Proven ability to lead teams, manage customer relationships, and achieve results in a deadline-driven environment.
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office applications and quality data management systems.
• Experience developing quality metrics, dashboards, and performance reporting tools preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Strategic thinker with strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• High level of initiative, accountability, and results orientation.
• Strong customer service mindset and ability to build relationships at all organizational levels.
• Adaptable, resilient, and comfortable working in a dynamic environment with changing priorities.
• Passion for continuous improvement, operational excellence, and employee development.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to walk throughout manufacturing and production areas on a daily basis.
• Ability to communicate effectively with employees, customers, and vendors.
• Ability to sit, type, and work at a computer for extended periods.
• Ability to occasionally lift, reach, bend, and move throughout facility operations as required.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

While working in manufacturing or production areas, employees are required to wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including:

• Safety glasses with side shields.
• Closed-toe, non-slip footwear.
• Any additional PPE required by specific work areas or safety regulations.

This position may require periodic travel between facilities and participation in customer, supplier, and certification audits.