Quality Assurance Manager

Our client is looking for a Quality Assurance Manager who will be promotable to the role of Quality Director. The Quality Assurance Manager will lead quality efforts and oversee a team of 6. This position is a strategic partner to sales and operations, ensuring that quality is an integral part of all business decisions. Career growth and rewarding challenges are available for this role. The Quality Assurance Manager will report to the Quality Director. Company – A manufacturer of vehicle components and accessories Founded over 70 years ago Multiple manufacturing plants in the Midwest Headquartered in Wisconsin with over 500 employees Business causal and team-oriented environment Benefits: Health, Dental and Vision Insurance Free on-site clinic Prescription coverage Disability Insurance Flex spending, health reimbursement and wellness incentive programs Vacation, holidays and PTO 401k with company match Tuition Reimbursement What they will be doing: Develop and implement a comprehensive quality strategy that aligns with the company’s goals and objectives. Collaborate with senior leadership to integrate quality into the overall business strategy. Oversee the IATF quality assurance processes across all manufacturing sites, ensuring consistency, reliability, and compliance with industry standards. Develop and maintain quality assurance policies and procedures to meet or exceed customer expectations. Implement continuous improvement initiatives to reduce defects, improve efficiency, and enhance overall product quality. Travel to customer sites and manufacturing locations to understand quality concerns firsthand and provide solutions, 10% . Lead quality discussions with customers, proactively addressing issues before they become critical. Collaborate with sales and operations teams to ensure quality requirements are clearly defined and met in all customer engagements. Provide guidance and support to manufacturing teams to implement best practices in quality management. Develop and manage key quality metrics, providing regular reports to the president and senior leadership team. Analyze quality data to identify trends, areas for improvement, and opportunities for innovation. Ensure that all quality issues are tracked, analyzed, and resolved in a timely manner. Lead the company through any necessary quality audits or certifications, ensuring full compliance. What they are looking for: · Preferred bachelor’s degree in quality management, engineering, business or a related field is required, but will consider candidate with associate’s degree who commit to earning a bachelor’s degree. 5 years of experience in a quality role in manufacturing using high quality standards (IATF or AS9100 or ISO 9100) with at least 2 years in a leadership role. Must have a proven track record of leading quality improvements in a manufacturing environment. Strong understanding of quality management systems, continuous improvement methodologies quality tools such as PFMEA, PPAP and SPC are required. AIAG Supplier Certification is required within the 1st year of employment. IATF16949 Lead Auditor Certification is required or completed within the 1st year of employment. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and lead cross-functional teams. Open to travel 10% to manufacturing sites and customer locations.