Quality Assurance Manager

Quality Manager

Responsible for leading and managing all quality-related activities at the manufacturing site. Ensures that products meet customer requirements, regulatory standards, and internal quality expectations while driving continuous improvement and fostering a strong quality culture across the organization.

Quality Management System (QMS)

• Develop, implement, maintain, and continuously improve the site Quality Management System in accordance with applicable standards (e.g., ISO 9001, IATF 16949, GMP).
• Ensure effective document control and record management.
• Lead quality-related management reviews.

Compliance & Audits

• Ensure compliance with customer, regulatory, and statutory quality requirements.
• Plan and lead internal audits and support customer and third-party audits.
• Act as the primary contact for auditors and regulatory bodies.
• Ensure timely closure of audit findings and corrective actions.

Product & Process Quality

• Oversee incoming, in-process, and final product quality activities.
• Ensure inspection, testing, and validation requirements are defined and followed.
• Support new product introduction and process changes through risk assessments (e.g., FMEA).
• Monitor process capability and quality performance metrics.

Non-Conformance & Customer Complaints

• Manage non-conforming materials and products, including disposition and containment.
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective/preventive actions (CAPA).
• Investigate customer complaints and ensure effective resolution.

Continuous Improvement

• Drive initiatives to reduce defects, scrap, rework, and cost of poor quality.
• Apply quality tools and methodologies such as SPC, 8D, Pareto analysis, and Six Sigma.
• Promote a preventive and risk-based approach to quality.

Leadership & Training

• Lead, coach, and develop the site Quality team.
• Define quality competency requirements and ensure appropriate training across the site.
• Promote awareness of quality requirements and customer expectations.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Production, Engineering, Supply Chain, and other functions to embed quality in all processes.
• Support supplier quality management, including supplier evaluations and performance monitoring.
• Ensure plant trials are documented, and outcome is consistent with customer needs

Decision Making Authority

• Authority to stop production or shipment if quality or compliance is at risk.
• Approval authority for quality-related procedures, deviations, and product release (as applicable).
• Decision-making authority on non-conforming product disposition.
• Specifies and recommends purchase of laboratory-related equipment
• Recommend changes in site specific quality testing

Competencies

• Three years of management experience using root cause analysis in a scientific environment
• 5 years of laboratory/mineral processing experience.
• Training in a technical field including chemistry, engineering, or mathematics
• General knowledge of federal and state regulations regarding safety
• Detailed knowledge of plant operations and mineral processing

Other Key Competencies:

• Demonstrates effective skills in planning, supervising, monitoring and accomplishing the goals of specific project requirements. Includes balancing the task requirements with relevant people issues within the constraints of schedules and budgets.
• Discriminates between important and unimportant details, recognizes inconsistencies between facts and draws correct inferences from information.
• Prepares clear, concise memos, letters and instructions which others can understand; verbally transmits ideas, instructions and information so they are clearly understood by others in formal or informal face-to-face situations.

Qualifications

Education

Required

Bachelors or better in Chemistry or related field.

Experience

Preferred

5 years:

Laboratory/mineral processing experience

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