Quality Assurance Team Lead

A growing, privately held industrial manufacturer is seeking a Quality Assurance Team Lead to lead plant-level quality execution in a highly regulated production environment. This is a key leadership role responsible for ensuring compliance, driving performance, and embedding a culture of accountability and continuous improvement across operations. This position offers the opportunity to make a measurable impact in a business that prioritizes operational excellence, safety, and product integrity. Key Responsibilities: Quality Systems & Compliance Execute corporate quality standards and regulatory requirements across the plant Maintain strict document control and revision discipline Ensure full compliance with industry and customer specifications Conduct internal audits and validate adherence to standards Audit & Certification Readiness Maintain continuous readiness for regulatory and customer audits Lead audit preparation and support activities Ensure timely closure of audit findings Maintain all required certifications and records without lapse Quality Performance Ownership Own and drive plant-level KPIs including: Scrap and rework Cost of Poor Quality (COPQ) First Pass Yield Customer complaints and returns Present performance metrics to plant and executive leadership Identify and escalate systemic risks proactively Lead structured root cause investigations Ensure rapid containment and long-term corrective actions Drive accountability for eliminating repeat issues Enforce disciplined problem-solving methodologies Customer Quality Interface Act as the primary contact for customer quality concerns Lead investigations and ensure timely resolution Monitor trends in defects, warranty, and quality escapes Operational Partnership Collaborate closely with plant leadership and production teams Ensure quality is embedded within manufacturing processes Support new product introduction and process changes Drive initiatives to reduce scrap and improve process capability Support error-proofing, automation, and standardization efforts Identify and eliminate recurring defects and inefficiencies Lead and develop quality personnel (technicians, engineers, etc.) Establish clear expectations, accountability, and training plans Build a culture focused on discipline, ownership, and execution Skills/Experience Requirements: 3+ years of experience in manufacturing quality leadership Background in a regulated manufacturing environment Strong experience with audits, compliance, and quality systems Demonstrated expertise in root cause analysis and corrective actions Data-driven mindset with strong analytical capabilities Proven leadership and team development experience Experience with rail, automotive, or heavy industrial environments is a plus #J-18808-Ljbffr