Quality Manager

Quality Manager

The Quality Manager leads the quality assurance function for the facility, directing all activities and staff involved in implementing, maintaining, and continuously improving the quality management system. This role develops and executes quality strategies to ensure products consistently meet or exceed customer and regulatory specifications, while driving defect reduction, process improvement, and customer satisfaction across the organization.

Responsibilities

• Direct all quality assurance activities for the facility and ensure maintenance of required quality certifications.
• Maintain and manage internal audit functions to meet applicable quality standards and all customer-specific requirements.
• Coordinate quality system activities with manufacturing, engineering, purchasing, sales, marketing, technical services, and suppliers to ensure alignment and compliance.
• Facilitate supplier development activities to ensure suppliers comply with industry and customer standards.
• Promote and coordinate actions focused on improving customer satisfaction and overall quality performance.
• Act as the primary liaison between the facility and customers on quality-related issues and customer satisfaction concerns.
• Analyze defect data, identify trends, and facilitate root cause identification to address quality issues effectively.
• Prioritize and lead corrective action programs to maximize the rate of process and product improvement.
• Support staff in the Pre-Production Part Approval Process (PPAP), including preparation and submission of required documentation.
• Provide guidance to staff on Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) and manufacturing feasibility evaluations.
• Review overall customer ratings on a monthly basis, including correcting rating errors and driving improvements to achieve preferred or green supplier status.
• Review all customer-specific and regulatory requirements on an ongoing basis to ensure full compliance.
• Lead, direct, monitor, and coach quality assurance department employees to achieve high performance and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate as an active member of the facility management team to accomplish shared operational and strategic objectives.
• Perform other quality-related projects and tasks as assigned by leadership.

Essential Skills

• At least 5 years of progressive quality experience in the automotive industry, including experience working with regulatory agencies.
• At least 5 years of work experience in a supervisory position, with demonstrated ability to lead, coach, and develop a team.
• Strong quality assurance and quality control expertise, including implementation and maintenance of quality management systems.
• Proven experience with root cause analysis and structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Hands-on experience with Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP), Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), and Pre-Production Part Approval Process (PPAP).
• Experience with internal auditing and quality audits, including maintaining compliance with applicable standards and customer requirements.
• Experience in manufacturing environments, with the ability to integrate quality processes into production operations.
• Strong communication skills to effectively support and direct internal teams and external customers on quality matters.
• Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to provide overall direction for the quality assurance process and drive continuous improvement.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent education, or a combination of education and extensive relevant experience, with experience considered most important.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience managing or coordinating supplier development activities to ensure compliance with industry and customer standards.
• Ability to analyze defect data, identify trends, and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Familiarity with automotive customer rating systems and performance metrics, including experience improving supplier status.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple quality projects and initiatives simultaneously.
• Comfort working cross-functionally with manufacturing, engineering, purchasing, sales, marketing, and technical services.
• Coaching and mentoring skills to develop quality team members and build a culture of excellence.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, production-driven environment.
• Proficiency with documentation and reporting related to quality systems, audits, and customer requirements.

Why Work Here?

Employees benefit from a comprehensive total rewards package and a culture that supports growth, recognition, and work-life balance. Benefits begin on the first day of employment, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, along with company-paid short-term disability. Team members enjoy 13 paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year's, and accrue paid time off that becomes available for use after 90 days. Weekly overtime opportunities are available, and employees can participate in quarterly attendance and plant metrics bonus programs, as well as a 401(k) plan with company match. The organization offers significant growth opportunities, including pathways to earn more over time, and provides a structured attendance system with clear expectations in the first 90 days.

Work Environment

The role is based in a manufacturing facility with a loud and dirty environment, requiring comfort working in a hands-on production setting. The position involves regular interaction with production areas, quality labs, and other operational functions, using standard quality and manufacturing technologies and equipment. A lunchroom is available on-site for employee use, and team members receive a 20-minute paid lunch period. The environment is dynamic and fast-paced, with frequent collaboration across departments and a strong focus on safety, quality, and operational performance.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Belvidere, IL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $70000.00 - $80000.00/yr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Quarterly Attendance and Plant Metrics Bonus Programs 13 Paid Holidays-including week between Christmas and New Years 401K + Company Match Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits begin Day 1 Company paid Short Term Disability Coverage

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Belvidere, IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 11, 2026.