Quality Assurance Manager

Quality Assurance ManagerPosition OverviewLead and oversee the company's quality assurance program for heavy industrial manufacturing operations. The Quality Assurance Manager will develop and maintain quality systems, ensure compliance with ISO 9001 standards, drive continuous improvement initiatives (including Six Sigma methodologies), manage audits, and lead a team responsible for product and process quality to meet customer and regulatory requirements.Key ResponsibilitiesDevelop, implement and maintain the Quality Management System (QMS) in accordance with ISO 9001 and relevant industry standards.Lead, coach and manage the QA team, including hiring, training, performance management and resource planning.Plan and conduct internal and supplier audits; coordinate external audits and manage corrective and preventive actions.Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Six Sigma tools and other quality methodologies to reduce scrap, rework and process variation.Establish and monitor key quality metrics and report trends to senior management.Oversee root cause analysis and containment for nonconformances, and ensure timely implementation and verification of corrective actions.Collaborate with engineering, production, purchasing and customer service to ensure quality requirements are included in product design, process controls and supplier specifications.Manage document control, inspection plans, control plans, FMEAs, and process validation activities.Support new product introductions by establishing quality requirements, inspection criteria and production readiness assessments.Maintain compliance with regulatory, customer and contractual quality requirements and handle customer quality concerns and escalations.QualificationsBachelors degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, or a related technical discipline; advanced degree preferred.5+ years experience in quality roles within heavy industrial manufacturing and at least 3 years in a supervisory or management capacity.Experience with water treatment equipment including vessels, piping, etc. is a plus Demonstrated experience implementing and maintaining ISO 9001-aligned QMS; ISO 9001 Lead Auditor certification preferred.Proven experience with Six Sigma methodologiesStrong knowledge of quality tools and techniques Experience managing internal and supplier audits and working with corrective and preventive action processes.Proficiency with quality and manufacturing software Excellent leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence cross-functional teams.Strong analytical skills and a data-driven approach to decision making, with a focus on continuous improvement and cost reduction.