Quality Manager

Akron, Ohio
RW Screw LLC
Quality Manager

Job Title: Quality Manager Job Status: Full-Time Employee, Exempt Salary Department: Quality Reports To: General Manager Summary/Objective The Quality Manager is responsible for overseeing and managing all aspects of quality assurance and quality control within the organization. This includes developing, implementing, and maintaining quality management systems, policies, and procedures to ensure compliance with quality standards and regulatory requirements – with particular emphasis on the precision and process control demands of a machining environment. The Quality Manager plays a key leadership role in setting quality objectives and targets, monitoring performance metrics, managing the quality team, and driving continuous improvement initiatives across the organization. Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Quality System Management: Develop, implement, and maintain the IATF 16949 / ISO 9001 quality management system to ensure full compliance with industry standards and customer requirements. Serve as the primary Management Representative for all quality system matters.
  • Maintain and continuously improve quality documentation, including quality manuals, procedures, work instructions, and records.
  • Ensure customer-specific requirements (CSRs) are identified, communicated, and incorporated into the quality system.
• Team Leadership & Development: Lead, mentor, and manage the Quality Assurance team, including Quality Engineers and Inspectors. Set clear performance expectations, conduct performance reviews, and develop team members’ skills and capabilities.
  • Foster a culture of accountability, quality ownership, and continuous improvement throughout the organization.
  • Develop and deliver quality training programs for all relevant personnel on quality standards, procedures, inspection methods, and IATF 16949 requirements.
• Quality Planning & Control Plans: Develop and maintain control plans, process flow diagrams, and inspection criteria for all machined components and assemblies. Ensure robust first-article, in-process, and final inspection programs are in place.
  • Lead the development and review of Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (PFMEA) documents to proactively identify and mitigate risk in machining and related processes.
  • Oversee Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) activities to ensure new parts and processes are fully qualified before production release.
• Measurement Systems & Gauging: Oversee the calibration and gage R&R programs. Ensure all measurement equipment – CMMs, micrometers, gauges, and inspection fixtures – is properly maintained, calibrated, and fit for purpose.
  • Ensure measurement system adequacy through regular MSA studies and corrective action where required.
• Continuous Improvement: Spearhead continuous improvement initiatives using methodologies such as Six Sigma, Lean, and Root Cause Analysis (RCA) to eliminate waste, reduce defects, and enhance process capability across machining operations.
  • Apply Statistical Process Control (SPC) and process capability analysis (Cpk / Ppk) to monitor and improve machining processes.
  • Utilize data-driven decision-making and structured problem-solving tools to drive measurable, sustainable quality improvements.
• Root Cause Analysis & Corrective Actions: Lead and oversee internal and external corrective and preventive action (CAPA) processes. Ensure root cause investigations are thorough, timely, and result in lasting resolutions.
  • Maintain the corrective action log and drive closure on all open actions within established timelines.
  • Proactively address recurring quality issues to minimize batch failures, rework, and escapes.
• KPI Monitoring & Reporting: Define, track, and report quality key performance indicators (KPIs) including scrap rate, rework rate, first-pass yield, PPM, OEE quality component, and cost of poor quality (COPQ).
  • Prepare and present quality performance findings and trends to senior management on a regular basis.
  • Support production teams through data analysis, KPI monitoring, and actionable reporting.
• Auditing: Develop and execute the internal audit schedule. Lead customer and third-party audits, including IATF 16949 and ISO 9001 surveillance and recertification audits.
  • Prepare audit documentation, responses, and corrective action plans. Ensure all quality procedures are followed and the company remains fully compliant.
• Customer Quality Management: Serve as the primary quality contact for customers. Manage customer complaints, warranty returns, and 8D / corrective action responses.
  • Directly manage customer visits and audits; lead the team in customer claims management and resolution.
• Supplier Quality Management: Work closely with Purchasing to establish and enforce quality requirements for external suppliers. Conduct supplier audits and track supplier quality performance (incoming PPM, SCAR).
  • Liaise with external vendors, contractors, and suppliers to ensure products and services meet the organization’s quality standards.
  • Drive supplier development initiatives to improve supply chain quality performance over time.
• New Product Launch (PPAP / APQP): Partner with Engineering, Sales, and Operations to successfully launch new programs. Lead the PPAP process and manage APQP activities to identify and mitigate quality risks up front.
  • Ensure new parts are fully qualified and approved before production release.
• Non-Conforming Material Control: Manage the non-conforming material review board (MRB) process. Ensure suspect and rejected material is properly identified, segregated, dispositioned, and documented.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with Engineering, Operations, Scheduling, and Customer Service as an effective member of the functional management team to proactively address quality risks and support business objectives.
  • Collaborate with Engineering and Manufacturing teams to develop strategies that improve product and process quality, as well as new business opportunities.
  • Provide proactive, fact-based communication to the senior management team, peers, and direct reports regarding quality performance, risks, and improvement opportunities.
  • Maintain positive and cooperative communications and collaboration with all levels of employees, customers, contractors, and vendors.

This description outlines the general nature and level of work expected for this position and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties or responsibilities. Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, or related field) or Business Administration preferred.
• Quality certification such as ASQ Certified Quality Manager (CQM) or Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) is preferred.
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in manufacturing quality operations, with at least 3 years in a quality management or supervisory role.
• Strong knowledge of IATF 16949 and ISO 9001 quality management systems, including experience leading certification and surveillance audits.
• Experience in a machining or metal manufacturing environment strongly preferred; familiarity with GD&T, CMM operation, surface finish requirements, and precision measurement techniques.
• Demonstrated experience with APQP, PPAP, FMEA, Control Plans, SPC, and MSA.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage a quality department, including performance management and professional development of direct reports.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with customers, suppliers, and all levels of the organization.
• Proficiency in Six Sigma methodologies; Green Belt certification required, Black Belt preferred.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems and quality management software.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a track record of driving measurable quality improvements.
• Collaborative management style with the ability to effectively engage with employees at all levels.
• Highly committed, self-motivated, and proactive with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced, and evolving manufacturing environment.
• Proficient with Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and other standard computer applications.

Compensation details: 0 Yearly Salary

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