Manufacturing Quality Assurance Supervisor — Trailer Production

Requisition: 3649 | Location: 2006 Kentville Rd, Kewanee, Illinois 61443

A day in this role

You start your shift on the plant floor, walking the semi‑trailer line with fresh audit checklists. A nonconformance is flagged; you initiate a crisp “Stop” and coach the team through a clear “Problem description,” a rapid “Sort,” and timely “feedback” to the causal area. By midday, you’re reviewing SPC trends to boost gate effectiveness (“Gate” checklists that strengthen “Stop” capability) and translating acceptance standards into practical inspection criteria. In the afternoon, you partner with suppliers on part quality, close the loop on a customer complaint, and prepare executive-ready reports summarizing audit plans, findings, and recommended actions. You finish by aligning with production leaders so reliability rises while cost and rework fall.

What you’ll lead

• Plan and execute internal audits across production, processes, and manufacturing quality control; perform risk assessments and verify compliance to in‑house and external standards.
• Champion Built‑In‑Quality: apply “Stop,” “Problem description,” “Sort,” actionable “feedback,” and rigorous “Root cause and Corrective action.”
• Leverage data analysis to distinguish defect escape symptoms from true causes; convert manufacturing build acceptance standards into effective “Gate” checklists with strong “Stop” capability.
• Develop, analyze, and interpret statistical data and product specs to assess present standards and set reliability targets for finished trailers and sub‑assemblies.
• Set quality control objectives aligned to corporate goals; create and implement inspection procedures; direct inspection/testing teams to maintain control over materials, facilities, and finished trailers.
• Communicate quality philosophy to key stakeholders; integrate quality objectives with production in collaboration with plant leadership to maximize reliability and minimize cost.
• Apply total quality management tools to departmental analytics and reporting.
• Partner with vendors to secure quality of purchased components.
• Investigate and resolve customer quality complaints.
• Compile quality reports and audit plans; present results and make recommendations to management.
• Lead a team in line with company policies and applicable laws: train, plan/assign work, recognize performance, coach/discipline, and resolve issues.
• Build, communicate, and maintain a quality plan that aligns company systems and policies to quality system requirements.
• Drive strategic quality improvements across processes, training, and technology.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related discipline.
• 4–5 years of experience in Engineering, Manufacturing, or Quality (or an equivalent blend of education and experience).
• Customer‑centric mindset with strong ownership of decisions and outcomes.
• Commitment to continuous personal and professional development.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook).
• Willing to travel as needed (minimal).

Work environment and physical/mental demands

• Split between office and plant settings.
• Includes keyboarding as well as periods of lifting, standing, bending, and walking.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

About Great Dane

Since 1900, Great Dane has led with durable trailers, innovative truck bodies, and service that helps customers and employees thrive. We build products that last—and relationships that last even longer.

Why join us

As a nationwide manufacturer of dry‑freight vans, reefers, and flatbeds—with 10 plants and 20 service centers—we invest in the people who make us great. Our culture of Champions is grounded in safety, leadership, integrity, quality, and passion, with real opportunities to learn, grow, collaborate, and succeed.

Benefits

• Competitive pay
• Comprehensive benefits (medical, dental, vision) with employer contributions
• Retirement programs: Pension and 401(k) with employer match
• Tuition reimbursement
• Paid holidays and vacation
• And more

Compensation

The expected salary range for this role is $52,946 - $79,419 per year. Ultimately, exact pay will reflect your skills, experience, and other job‑related factors.

Equal Opportunity

Great Dane is an Equal Opportunity Employer***