Quality Manager

• Direct Placement
• $100k-$125k based on experience
• Comprehensive benefits package

The Quality Manager is responsible for establishing, leading, and continuously improving the quality management system at a new greenfield manufacturing site specializing in high-precision machining and assembly. Overseeing a team of 8-10 direct reports across quality engineering, quality control, and supplier quality, this role ensures the site achieves and maintains ISO certification while driving quality excellence during the production ramp-up over the next 12 months. The Quality Manager will implement robust processes, including PPAP and supplier audits, to minimize defects, reduce costs, and ensure customer satisfaction, while supporting the transfer of equipment and processes from an existing company site.

Essential Functions:

• Develop and lead the site's quality assurance and control systems, ensuring compliance with ISO standards and company quality policies during the startup phase and beyond.
• Manage a team of 8-10 quality professionals, including quality engineers, quality control inspectors, and supplier quality specialists, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
• Oversee the implementation of Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) and conduct supplier audits to qualify and monitor suppliers, ensuring consistent material and component quality.
• Lead internal and external quality audits, identifying corrective and preventive actions to enhance process reliability and product quality.
• Drive quality control initiatives, including FMEA (Failure Modes and Effects Analysis), process reviews, and KPI monitoring (e.g., defect rates, rejects, customer feedback), to reduce operating costs and warranty claims.
• Collaborate with the Manufacturing Engineering Manager and Operations Manager to define and validate manufacturing processes during equipment/process transfers, ensuring repeatability and adherence to quality standards.
• Manage supplier quality performance, working closely with the supply chain team to resolve issues and implement preventative measures.
• Represent the site during customer visits, audits, and quality-related discussions, acting as the voice of the customer to align internal operations with external expectations.
• Prepare and present monthly quality reports and KPIs to global leadership, identifying improvement opportunities and championing site-wide quality projects.
• Assess training needs and deliver quality system training (e.g., ISO, PPAP, root cause analysis) to ensure team competency and documentation compliance.
• Ensure adherence to safety policies and local regulations within areas of responsibility.

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality Management, or a related field; advanced degree or certification (e.g., CQE, CQM) is a plus.
• 10+ years of experience in manufacturing quality management
• 5+ years leading a quality team.
• Proven expertise in ISO 9001 certification processes, PPAP, supplier qualification, and audit execution in a high-precision manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of quality tools and methodologies, including Lean Six Sigma (Green or Black Belt preferred), FMEA, and statistical process control (SPC).

• Experience with greenfield site startups or process transfers is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated ability to manage supplier relationships and drive supplier quality improvements.
• Excellent leadership and team development skills, with a track record of building high-performing quality teams.
• Proficiency in data analysis and reporting, with intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint) or similar tools.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, capable of engaging with customers, suppliers, and cross-functional teams under pressure.
• Flexibility to adapt to a fast-paced startup environment, with a proactive and solutions-oriented mindset.
• Willingness to travel occasionally (up to 20% initially) to suppliers or the existing company site during the transition phase.