Quality Manager

Are you inspired by challenging the status quo? Do you thrive in collaborative environments that drive results? If so, Gates could be for you.

Gates is a leading manufacturer of application-specific fluid power and power transmission solutions. We push the boundaries of material science to engineer solutions that continually exceed customer expectations.

Let's simplify it, think belts and hoses. Found in motorcycles, conveyor belts, cars, tractors, blenders, vacuum cleaners, bicycles, & 3D printers just to name a few. Because why not do it all?

WHAT TO EXPECT

As an innovation leader, we look for ambitious, forward thinking, open-minded and well-rounded individuals to join our global team. Located in our Brandon, SD- Sioux Falls Metro plant, you will be a Quality Manager.

As the Quality Manager, this position provides leadership and direction for quality management across all phases of the manufacturing process, from raw materials to finished products. The role is responsible for guiding the site's quality initiatives, ensuring product compliance, resolving customer and supplier quality concerns, and driving continuous improvement through root cause analysis and corrective actions.

As a key quality leader, this position works closely with plant leadership, cross-functional teams, customers, and suppliers to establish quality standards, strengthen processes, and improve overall performance.

Key responsibilities (to name a few):

• Lead and execute quality improvement initiatives across manufacturing operations to improve product quality, reduce defects, and meet key performance goals.
• Oversee investigations and resolution of customer, warranty, and supplier quality issues using root cause analysis and corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
• Partner with new product development and cross-functional teams to support Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP), minimize quality risks, and ensure successful product launches.
• Manage the Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) to ensure accurate and timely product qualifications.
• Lead internal quality audits and Layered Process Audits (LPA) to ensure compliance and identify improvement opportunities.
• Collaborate with suppliers to resolve quality concerns, improve incoming material inspections, and strengthen supplier performance.
• Identify gaps in quality control processes and implement improvements to reduce defects, waste, and the Cost of Poor Quality.
• Maintain and continuously improve the site's Quality Management System (QMS), ensuring compliance with applicable standards, including ISO 9001, IATF 16949, and API Q1.
• Oversee quality-related change management activities to ensure changes are properly implemented, validated, and effective.
• Provide direct leadership, coaching, and development to Quality Technicians and Quality Auditors, including performance management and succession planning.
• Partner with plant leadership, operations, corporate quality, and cross-functional teams to drive quality performance and achieve business objectives.

ABOUT YOU

• Bachelor's degree required; Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field preferred
• 5 + years of experience in quality assurance manufacturing environment with 3 years of leadership or supervisory experience.
• Strong knowledge of automotive quality core tools, including APQP, PPAP, SPC, and MSA.
• Experience with quality problem-solving methodologies, including 5-Why, Fishbone Diagrams, Design of Experiments (DOE), and 8D.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to coach, develop, and motivate teams to achieve results.
• Results-oriented with strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with quality management and statistical analysis software, such as Minitab and SPC applications, preferred.
• Professional certifications, including Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), Certified Quality Manager (CQM), Certified Quality Auditor (CQA), or Six Sigma Black Belt - preferred
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without current or future company sponsorship.

BENEFITS

• Full-Time
• Medical, Dental, Vision insurance and other voluntary benefit options:
  • Benefits begin on the first day of the month immediately following your date of hire
• Eligible for 3 weeks of paid vacation, additionally 8 sick days
• 11 paid holidays
• 401(k): company matching up to 6%
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Discounts
• Relocation support is available for qualified candidates open to relocating to Brandon, SD -Sioux Falls, SD Metropolitan / surrounding area.

WHY GATES?

Founded in 1911 in Denver, Colorado, Gates is publicly traded on the NYSE. While we might operate in a vast amount of time zones we operate as 'One Gates' and have a common goal of pushing the boundaries of materials science. We invest in our people, bringing real-world experience that enables us to solve our customers' diverse challenges of today and anticipate those of tomorrow.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Gates is an Equal Opportunity and is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job-related reasons regardless of race, sex, color, religion, age, disability, pregnancy, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, genetic information, marital status, or any other consideration defined by law.