Quality Manager

About Us: Echelon Supply and Service is a leading provider of premium industrial and hydraulic hose solutions for commercial and defense markets across North America. Since 1977, we've built our reputation on a customer-first approach, delivering quality products and exceptional support.

Headquartered in Liverpool, NY, we operate over ten locations in the U.S. and Canada, with recent expansion to the west coast. Our mission is to be North America's premier industrial and hydraulic hose supplier, empowering our customers' success through reliable, innovative products and outstanding service. Join us in shaping the future of industrial and hydraulic solutions!

Job Summary

Echelon Supply is seeking an experienced Quality Manager to lead our Quality Assurance department. This is a hands-on leadership role responsible for managing a team of quality inspectors, owning day-to-day inspection operations, and maintaining our ISO 9001:2015-compliant Quality Management System. The Quality Manager will serve as the primary interface with DCMA and government auditors, oversee returned product investigations and RGAs, and drive the metrics and continuous improvement initiatives that keep our quality program strong. If you have a passion for quality and thrive in a fast-paced defense contracting environment, we want to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and develop a team of quality inspectors, overseeing all daily inspection activities and serving as the escalation point for floor-level quality issues.
• Own department KPIs - track, analyze, and report quality metrics to leadership and drive corrective actions to meet targets.
• Lead returned product investigations and manage RGAs from receipt through root cause analysis, corrective action, and customer communication.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for DCMA, government agencies, and customers on all quality and audit-related matters.
• Maintain and improve the ISO 9001:2015 QMS, including internal audits, nonconformance management, and CAPA follow-through.
• Develop and implement quality processes to ensure products consistently meet customer, government, and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with upper management to set quality standards and conduct annual management reviews.

Qualifications

• Experience managing quality operations and a team of inspectors in a manufacturing or defense contracting environment.
• Working knowledge of DCMA requirements, government contract audits, and FAR/DFARS quality standards.
• Experience as an Internal Auditor within an ISO 9001:2015 environment; Lead Auditor certification a plus.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a track record of effective root cause analysis and corrective action.
• Excellent communication skills - able to engage confidently with shop floor teams, senior leadership, and government representatives alike.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite; strong technical writing and presentation skills.
• Self-starter who works well independently and as part of a team.

Physical Requirements

This is an active, floor-present role with some desk and office work required. Must be able to bend, stoop, sit, stand, reach, and lift items up to 50 lbs. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.

Echelon Supply and Service provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.