QUALITY ASSURANCE MANAGER

Position Number: 22077670
County: Pulaski
Posting End Date: 10/8/2026
Anticipated Starting Salary: $69,395.04
Location: DOC Headquarters - North Little Rock

Preferred Qualifications:

Masters Degree

Proficient in Microsoft Excel

The mission of the Department of Corrections is to be a public safety resource for Arkansas families by providing professional management solutions and evidence-based rehabilitative initiatives for offenders.

All DOC positions are designated as Safety Sensitive Positions and are subject to random drug testing pursuant to the Secretarial Directive governing Personnel Drug Testing. Medical marijuana usage, as defined in Amendment 93 of the Arkansas Constitution, prohibits Personnel in a Safety-Sensitive Position from the use of medical marijuana even if they are qualifying patient under the amendment and/or hold a registry identification card. Department Personnel are prohibited from the use or possession of a medicinal marijuana card pursuant to this policy and state law.

Position Information

Job Series: Program Operations – Quality Assurance

Classification: Quality Assurance Manager

Class Code: PQA02C

Pay Grade: SGS09

Salary Range: $69,395 – $102,705

Job Summary

The Quality Assurance Manager is the strategic leader responsible for overseeing and elevating an organization’s quality management systems. This role involves defining, implementing, and monitoring quality standards to ensure products or services meet internal benchmarks, industry regulations, and customer expectations. Acting as both a process improvement advocate and a compliance expert, the Quality Assurance Manager guides cross-functional teams through regular audits, evaluations, and corrective initiatives to sustain operational excellence and drive continuous improvement. This leadership classification requires a proactive approach, advanced analytical skills, and an in-depth understanding of both regulatory requirements and industry best practices.

Primary Responsibilities

Design, standardize, and continuously improve quality assurance protocols, policies, and processes across the organization. Ensure the quality management system aligns with industry standards (e.g., International Organization for Standardization, Good Manufacturing Practice, Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points, etc.) and regulatory requirements. Lead comprehensive internal and external quality audits, inspections, and evaluations to identify potential gaps. Coordinate corrective and preventive actions based on audit findings to reduce risks and improve quality performance. Manage, mentor, and develop the quality assurance team to build expertise and ensure strong adherence to quality protocols. Collaborate with production, engineering, product development, and supply chain teams to resolve quality issues and reinforce quality improvement initiatives. Implement metrics, dashboards, and performance indicators to track quality data and drive data-informed decision-making. Perform root cause analyses and implement sustainable improvements to reduce defects, enhance product quality, and increase operational efficiency. Work closely with suppliers and vendors to assure that raw materials and components meet established quality standards. Serve as the primary point of contact for regulatory agencies, customer audits, and quality-related inquiries. Oversee detailed documentation of quality processes, audit reports, and corrective action plans. Report quality performance trends and issues to senior management, offering actionable insights and strategic recommendations.

Knowledge and Skills

Proficiency in using statistical analysis tools and quality management software to interpret and manipulate quality data. A detail-oriented mindset combined with strong problem-solving abilities to identify root causes and implement effective solutions. Exceptional leadership skills with a proven ability to inspire and guide a multidisciplinary team. Strong written and verbal communication skills to effectively liaise with all levels of the organization, regulatory bodies, and external partners. Deep understanding of applicable regulations, quality standards, and industry best practices to ensure continuous compliance. The ability to stay updated on evolving standards and innovations in quality management. Skilled in managing multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring deadlines are met, and quality improvements are systematically tracked and achieved.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Industrial Technology, Quality Assurance, Engineering, or a related field.

Minimum of 4 years of progressively responsible experience in quality assurance or quality control environments.

Demonstrable experience in leading quality programs, managing high-level audits, and driving process improvement initiatives; prior experience in a supervisory or senior role.

Experience working in environments such as manufacturing, healthcare, or service industries, where regulatory compliance and quality standards are critical, may be required.

Experience in highly regulated industries or in organizations with complex manufacturing or service delivery processes may be required.

Licensure/Certifications

N/A OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.

The State of Arkansas is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.