Job Summary
We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Quality Manager to oversee quality assurance and quality control operations at our manufacturing facility. This individual will be responsible for maintaining product quality, ensuring compliance with customer specifications and industry standards, leading continuous improvement initiatives, and developing quality processes that support efficient manufacturing operations.
The ideal candidate has experience in manufacturing & industrial environment. This role requires strong leadership, analytical problem-solving skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with production, maintenance, engineering, and customer service teams to drive quality performance.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage all quality assurance and quality control activities throughout the manufacturing process.
- Develop, implement, and maintain quality management systems, procedures, work instructions, and inspection standards.
- Monitor paper production processes to ensure products meet customer specifications for weight, thickness, strength, moisture content, dimensions, appearance, and other quality requirements.
- Establish and track key quality metrics, including defect rates, scrap, rework, customer complaints, and first-pass yield.
- Conduct internal quality audits, process inspections, root cause analyses, and corrective and preventive action (CAPA) investigations.
- Partner with production and operations teams to identify quality issues, implement corrective actions, and prevent recurring defects.
- Investigate customer complaints, nonconforming materials, and product failures, ensuring timely resolution and effective communication.
- Oversee quality testing, sampling, inspection procedures, and documentation to verify product consistency and performance.
- Ensure compliance with applicable industry standards, customer requirements, environmental guidelines, and company quality policies.
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, 5S, and other process improvement methodologies as appropriate.
- Develop and maintain quality documentation, inspection records, audit reports, control plans, and standard operating procedures.
- Manage the disposition of nonconforming products and materials, including rework, rejection, and corrective action recommendations.
- Train, coach, and develop quality personnel while promoting accountability and a culture of quality throughout the facility.
- Collaborate with suppliers and purchasing teams to address raw material quality issues involving pulp, recycled fiber, chemicals, coatings, and other production inputs.
- Support new product development, process changes, equipment improvements, and customer qualification activities.
- Present quality performance reports and improvement recommendations to plant leadership and senior management.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Quality Management, Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Technology, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience may be considered.
- 5+ years of experience in quality assurance or quality control within a manufacturing environment.
- Previous experience in paper manufacturing, pulp and paper processing, corrugated packaging, paper converting, or a related industry strongly preferred.
- Previous supervisory or management experience leading quality teams.
- Strong understanding of quality management systems, inspection methods, statistical process control (SPC), and root cause analysis.
- Experience with corrective and preventive actions, internal audits, nonconformance management, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Ability to interpret technical specifications, manufacturing procedures, test results, and quality documentation.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, and experience using quality management or manufacturing systems.
- Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work effectively with production employees, technical teams, suppliers, customers, and senior leadership.
- Ability to work on the manufacturing floor and respond to quality issues in a fast-paced production environment.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with ISO 9001 quality management systems and certification or audit preparation.
- Knowledge of paper testing methods and industry standards, including basis weight, caliper, tensile strength, burst strength, moisture, and other paper performance characteristics.
- Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, and statistical quality tools.
- Experience managing supplier quality, customer audits, and quality improvement projects.
- Quality-related certifications such as ASQ Certified Quality Manager, Certified Quality Engineer, or Six Sigma Green Belt/Black Belt.
Key Skills
- Quality Assurance and Quality Control
- Paper Manufacturing and Converting Processes
- Quality Management Systems (QMS)
- Root Cause Analysis and CAPA
- Statistical Process Control (SPC)
- Continuous Improvement
- ISO 9001 and Quality Auditing
- Customer Complaint Resolution
- Supplier Quality Management
- Team Leadership and Employee Development
- Production Process Optimization
- Quality Metrics and Reporting
Benefits Available:
Short/Long Term Medical Insurance
Dental Insurance
Term Life
Short Term Disability
Direct Deposit
Holiday Pay
Service Bonus
#BD1