Quality Manager

  JOB SUMMARY

The Quality Manager is responsible for leading the Quality Department to ensure that all products meet established standards of quality, safety, and regulatory compliance. This role develops, implements, and maintains quality systems, drives continuous improvement initiatives, and partners with cross-functional teams to ensure consistent production processes and customer satisfaction.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

· Lead and manage all quality assurance and quality control functions within the facility.

· Develop, implement, and maintain quality management systems, including compliance with applicable standards (e.g., ISO, FHWA, DOT requirements).

· Ensure accurate and timely recordkeeping, including but not limited to FHWA documentation, inspection records, application/release times, and product quality status.

· Establish, monitor, and audit critical manufacturing processes to ensure adherence to defined quality standards.

· Oversee the development and maintenance of work instructions, inspection criteria, and quality procedures.

· Collaborate with Production, Engineering, and Sales teams to resolve quality issues and improve processes.

· Lead root cause analysis and implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) for internal and external quality issues.

· Initiate and manage Corrective Action Reports (CARs) related to supplier and internal nonconformances.

· Communicate and implement quality alerts and CARs from other company locations, as applicable.

· Review engineering drawings, sales orders, and specifications to ensure alignment with quality requirements.

· Interface with customers, suppliers, and regulatory agencies on quality-related matters as directed by leadership.

· Oversee inspection processes, including in-process and final inspections, to ensure product conformance prior to shipment.

· Manage scrap and rework processes, including disposition decisions and cost-reduction initiatives.

· Lead internal and external audits and support continuous improvement initiatives across the facility.

· Track, analyze, and report quality metrics (KPIs) such as defect rates, rework, scrap, and customer complaints.

Supervisory Responsibilities

· Directly supervises Quality Inspectors and Quality Clerks (if applicable).

· Provides coaching, training, and performance management to quality team members.

· Establishes departmental goals and ensures alignment with plant objectives.

· Responsible for final quality approval and release of finished trailers.

  KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES:

· Strong knowledge of manufacturing quality systems, processes, and inspection methods.

· Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documents.

· Proficiency in root cause analysis and problem-solving methodologies (e.g., 5 Whys, Fishbone, etc.).

· Effective communication skills with the ability to engage employees at all levels of the organization.

· Strong leadership and team management capabilities.

· Detail-oriented with strong organizational and documentation skills.

· Ability to make sound decisions in a fast-paced production environment.

· Working knowledge of regulatory requirements related to trailer manufacturing (e.g., DOT/FHWA).

WORKING CONDITIONS

· Primarily works in a manufacturing environment (approximately 80–90%) with exposure to noise, moving equipment, and varying temperatures.

· Frequent walking of the production floor and interaction with employees.

· Occasional travel to supplier or customer locations as needed.

· Fast-paced environment with daily production and staff meetings.

EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION

· High school diploma or GED required; Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred.

· Minimum of 5 years of experience in manufacturing quality, preferably in trailer, heavy equipment, or metal fabrication industries.

· Previous leadership or supervisory experience strongly preferred.

· Experience with ISO or similar quality management systems preferred.