The Quality Manager is responsible for developing, implementing, and leading the Quality Management System (QMS) across one or more manufacturing facilities specializing in foam products, adhesive laminations, and pressure-sensitive tape converting. This role ensures products consistently meet internal specifications, customer requirements, and regulatory standards while driving continuous improvement, strong consumer engagement, and a culture of quality excellence.
Key Responsibilities
Quality Management & Compliance
- Develop, implement, and maintain the Quality Management System (QMS) in compliance with ISO 9001 and customer‑specific requirements.
- Own and administer QMS software platforms; experience with Isolocity is a strong asset.
- Ensure effective document control, change management, training records, CAPA, audits, and management review processes within the QMS.
- Ensure compliance with internal quality standards, regulatory requirements, and contractual obligations.
- Lead internal, customer, and supplier audits; prepare documentation, corrective actions, and management review reports.
Manufacturing Quality Oversight
- Oversee quality activities across foam cutting, laminating, slitting, die‑cutting, adhesive coating, and tape converting processes.
- Establish and monitor incoming, in‑process, and final inspection methods for raw materials, WIP, and finished goods.
- Ensure incoming materials (foam, adhesives, films, liners, tapes) meet specifications through robust supplier quality management.
- Maintain calibration systems to ensure inspection and measurement equipment accuracy.
Consumer & Customer Engagement
- Act as the primary quality interface for customers, addressing quality concerns, complaints, and continuous improvement opportunities.
- Lead customer‑facing root cause investigations and corrective action responses.
- Partner with Sales and Program teams to support customer audits, launches, and ongoing quality performance reviews.
- Drive customer satisfaction through proactive quality communication and issue prevention.
Non‑Conformance & Corrective Action
- Lead root cause analysis (RCA) and corrective and preventive action (CAPA) activities related to product defects, process deviations, and customer complaints.
- Analyze scrap, rework, and defect trends; implement preventive actions to reduce quality escapes.
- Partner with Production, Engineering, and Supply Chain to resolve quality issues and implement sustainable solutions.
Continuous Improvement
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, and structured problem‑solving methodologies.
- Develop and track quality KPIs such as scrap rate, first‑pass yield, customer returns, and audit performance across multiple plants.
- Support new product introductions (NPI), process validations, and trial runs to ensure quality readiness.
Leadership & Multi‑Plant Responsibility
- Provide quality leadership and governance across multiple manufacturing locations.
- Lead, coach, and develop Quality Managers, Quality Technicians, and quality staff.
- Standardize quality processes, metrics, and best practices across all sites.
- Promote a culture of quality ownership, accountability, and continuous improvement at every level of the organization.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, or a related field.
- Minimum 3‑5 years of progressive quality experience in a manufacturing environment, including leadership responsibility.
- Direct experience with foam materials, pressure‑sensitive adhesives, tapes, films, and flexible substrates.
- Strong knowledge of ISO 9001, audit processes, CAPA, and electronic QMS platforms.
- Proven experience with root cause analysis, SPC, and continuous improvement tools.
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and customer requirements.
Preferred Qualifications
- Hands‑on experience using Isolocity or similar QMS software platforms.
- Experience with Microsoft Dynamics 365 (D365) ERP is a strong asset.
- Experience supporting automotive, industrial, medical, or electronics customers.
- Background in lamination, coating, and converting processes.
- Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems and quality data reporting tools.
Key Competencies
- Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
- Hands‑on, shop‑floor leadership approach.
- Excellent customer‑facing and cross‑functional communication skills.
- High attention to detail with a practical, results‑driven mindset.
- Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, high‑mix, multi‑plant manufacturing environment.