Quality Manager

Company Description - IFT Worldwide is a provider of metallurgical consulting and advanced process applications across diverse markets where high-performance metal finishing is essential. The company operates a processing facility certified to leading global quality and environmental standards, including QS-9000, ISO 9002, AS 9000, Nadcap, and ISO 14001 Environmental Management System. Through a commitment to Total Quality Management, IFT builds strong, collaborative relationships with customers and helps simplify supply chain management. The company specializes in electroless nickel plating, phosphates, chromate conversion coating, dry-film lubricants, and specialty paints, delivering metal finishing solutions that go beyond surface appearance. Professionals joining IFT will be part of a quality-driven organization focused on precision, reliability, and continuous improvement. Position Summary - The Quality Manager is responsible for leading the Indianapolis Quality team while serving as a working manager who actively supports daily operations, resolves technical and quality issues, and drives continuous improvement throughout the facility. This position is expected to lead from the floor by providing direction, coaching, and hands-on support to Quality Engineers, Quality Technicians, Planning personnel, and Production. The Quality Manager must be visible, engaged, and willing to work alongside the team to ensure customer requirements, regulatory requirements, and IFT Worldwide quality standards are consistently achieved. Because the Indianapolis facility operates approximately 2½ hours from Corporate Quality leadership, this position requires a professional who can confidently make sound decisions, prioritize competing demands, and lead the organization with minimal day-to-day supervision while remaining aligned with IFT Worldwide's Quality Management System and leadership expectations. The Quality Manager is responsible for maintaining compliance with AS9100, ISO 9001, IATF 16949 (where applicable), customer-specific requirements, and regulatory standards while partnering closely with Operations, Planning, Engineering, Customer Service, and Production to improve quality, delivery, and customer satisfaction. The successful candidate must be a strong leader, coach, and technical problem solver who builds credibility through action, develops people, drives accountability, and is comfortable rolling up their sleeves to support audits, customer issues, corrective actions, inspections, process improvements, and production challenges whenever needed. During the first 180 days, the Quality Manager will complete a structured development program designed to build a comprehensive understanding of IFT Worldwide's customers, special processes, Quality Management System, operational workflow, and leadership expectations. Successful completion of this program is essential to becoming an effective long-term leader for the Indianapolis operation. QUALITY MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES Lead and develop the Indianapolis Quality team. Maintain compliance with AS9100, ISO 9001, IATF 16949, and customer-specific requirements. Lead customer complaints, SCARs, RMAs, and corrective actions. Ensure audit readiness and lead internal, external, and customer audits. Oversee Planning quality and work package accuracy. Lead MRB activities and disposition of nonconforming material. Monitor and improve KPIs including CoPQ, FPY, OTD, Scrap, Rework and Corrective Actions. Drive continuous improvement and standardization. Partner with Operations, Planning, Engineering, Customer Service and Production. Authority and Accountability Stop production when quality requirements are not met. Direct the Indianapolis Quality team. Escalate quality and compliance risks. Recommend staffing, process and system improvements. Performance Expectations Customer satisfaction and scorecard improvement. Achievement of Quality KPI targets. Audit performance and corrective action effectiveness. Reduction in scrap, rework and CoPQ. Improved FPY and OTD support. Qualifications Required 5+ years of Quality leadership experience. Experience in aerospace, automotive, defense, or special processing. Working knowledge of AS9100, ISO 9001, IATF 16949, PFMEA, PPAP/APQP, and Root Cause Analysis. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills. Preferred CQE or equivalent certification. Metal finishing or special processing experience. Customer Focus Accountability Risk-Based Thinking Problem Solving Cross-Functional Leadership Coaching & Development Prolonged periods of remaining stationary at a desk and working on a computer Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times #J-18808-Ljbffr