Quality & Continuous Improvement Manager

Position Summary

The Quality & Continuous Improvement Manager is responsible for leading the organization’s quality assurance systems and driving operational excellence through structured continuous improvement initiatives. This role ensures product quality, regulatory compliance, and process efficiency while fostering a culture of accountability, root cause problem-solving, and waste elimination across the operation.

Key Responsibilities

Quality Management

- Lead and maintain the Quality Management System (QMS) in alignment with applicable standards (e.g., ISO 9001).

- Oversee inspection processes (incoming, in-process, and final) to ensure conformance to specifications.

- Manage nonconformance reporting (NCR), corrective and preventive actions (CAPA), and customer complaints.

- Analyze quality data (scrap, rework, defects) and drive systemic improvements.

- Serve as the primary interface for customer and third-party audits.

Continuous Improvement

- Develop and execute a structured continuous improvement roadmap aligned with business objectives.

- Lead Lean, Six Sigma, and Kaizen initiatives to improve productivity, flow, and cost performance.

- Identify and eliminate waste (transportation, inventory, motion, waiting, overproduction, overprocessing, defects).

- Facilitate value stream mapping and process optimization efforts across manufacturing operations.

- Track and report CI project outcomes (cost savings, cycle time reduction, OEE improvement).

- Lead 6S Housekeeping efforts for the facility.

Operational Excellence

- Partner with production, engineering, supply chain, and shipping to improve process capabilities.

- Drive standard work development and sustainment.

- Support new product introduction (NPI) with robust quality planning (APQP, PFMEA, Control Plans).

Leadership and Culture

- Build and lead a high-performing Quality/CI team

- Train and coach supervisors and operators on quality standards and problem-solving methodologies.

- Promote a culture of accountability, data-driven decision making, and continuous improvement.

- Act as a change agent in a unionized or hourly workforce environment where applicable.

Qualifications

- Education and Experience

- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, or related field (or equivalent experience).

- 7–10+ years in quality and/or continuous improvement roles in manufacturing.

- Experience in metal fabrication, machining, welding, or similar processes strongly preferred.

- Technical Skills

- Strong working knowledge of:

- Lean Manufacturing Principles

- Six Sigma methodologies (Green Belt / Black Belt preferred)

- Root cause analysis tools (5 Whys, Fishbone, A3, 8D)

- Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems and quality management software.

- Ability to interpret engineering drawings and technical specifications.

- Leadership and Behavioral Competencies

- Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.

- Ability to influence across functions without direct authority.

- High level of accountability and ownership.

- Effective communicator with both shop floor and executive leadership.

- Pragmatic, hands-on approach—comfortable being on the floor driving change.