Job Title: Quality Manager
Company: Merrithew International
Reports to: VP of Operations
Location: 1271 Tapscott Road (on-site)
About Merrithew
Merrithew is the global leader in mind-body education and equipment. Founded in 1988, the company has trained more than 80,000 instructors and partners worldwide, developed six innovative education programs—STOTT PILATES, ZEN GA, Total Barre, Halo Training, Merrithew Fascial Movement, and CORE Athletic Conditioning & Performance Training—and has produced an extensive line of professional and at-home equipment and accessories for personal and professional use.
Join Merrithew in its mission to inspire people worldwide to lead healthier lives through premium education programs and cutting-edge equipment. With a focus on world-class education and industry-leading equipment, Merrithew is dedicated to promoting optimal fitness and wellness for all.
Position Summary
You will own the Quality Management System (QMS) for our multi‑discipline plant (welding, carpentry, upholstery, mechanical assembly, shipping & logistics) and champion a culture of zero‑defect, customer‑obsessed performance. Leveraging Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, and other world‑class practices, you will also provide functional leadership to Customer Service and Net Promoter Score (NPS) initiatives to ensure product excellence translates into customer loyalty.
Core Responsibilities
Develop & Implement Quality Programs and Policies
- Maintain the site QMS in accordance with ISO 9001 (and other relevant standards), setting clear quality objectives, test methods and control plans.
- Deploy PFMEA, APQP, and layered audit systems that proactively prevent defects across welding, woodworking, upholstery, and final assembly.
Monitor & Inspect Production Processes and Outputs
- Lead routine internal and external audits (GMP), in-process inspections, and finished-goods testing; manage non-conformance containment and disposition.
- Apply Statistical Process Control (SPC) and automated vision/measurement tools to keep processes in control.
Analyze Data & Report Quality Metrics
- Track FPY, Cpk, DPPM, CoPQ, and NPS trends; issue weekly dashboards and monthly executive reports.
- Use Six Sigma DMAIC projects to close performance gaps and verify sustained gains.
Manage and Develop QA Staff
- Hire, train, coach, and evaluate engineers, technicians, inspectors, and specialists; create individualized development plans and succession paths.
- Develop individual goals and follow performance management cycles for each team member, supporting their success.
- Champion a safety-first, 5S workplace and ensure the team models Lean problem-solving behaviors.
Collaborate Cross-Functionally
- Partner with Engineering on design-for-manufacturability (DFM) and FAI approvals.
- Work with Procurement on supplier quality and incoming materials validation; coordinate with Logistics to prevent transit damage.
- Embed Voice‑of‑Customer learnings into product and process revisions alongside customer service.
Address Customer Complaints & Drive Satisfaction
- Own the CAPA/8D process, perform root-cause analysis (Ishikawa, 5 Whys), and verify corrective-action effectiveness.
- Translate complaints and NPS insights into systemic improvements to increase loyalty and reduce warranty costs.
Ensure Compliance with Legal & Industry Standards
- Stay current on ASTM, UL/CE, environmental regulations, and safety directives; audit the plant for adherence and readiness.
- Maintain documentation and traceability needed for regulatory audits and product certifications.
- Knowledge of CE class I medical devices to MDR 2017/745 is an asset.
Improve Documentation & Change Control
- Govern electronic document control (work instructions, inspection plans, calibration records, SDSs) to guarantee accuracy and revision integrity.
- Recommend and implement workflow automations to shorten change‑approval cycles and eliminate paper waste.
Scout New Technologies & Methodologies
- Evaluate emerging QA tools—IIoT data lakes, AI-powered visual inspection, additive-manufacturing metrology—and lead ROI justifications for pilot adoption.
- Benchmark against world‑class manufacturers to keep our quality practices on the cutting edge.
Review & Procure Quality Measuring Equipment
- Specify sources and ensure calibration (ISO 17025) and gage R&R studies for calipers, gauges, CMMs, tensile testers, and welding inspection tools.
- Establish sampling and validation protocols for incoming raw materials to verify conformance to engineering drawings.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field.
- Minimum 7+ years in discrete manufacturing quality (metal fabrication, woodworking, or similar).
- At least 5+ years in a leadership role.
- Certified Six Sigma Green Belt (Black Belt preferred) with demonstrated Lean/Kaizen leadership.
- Strong statistical analysis skills with Minitab or similar; ERP/MES & QMS software proficiency.
- Hands-on familiarity with welding codes (AWS D1.1, CSA W-59), GD&T, upholstery standards, torque verification, and logistics packaging best practices.
Key Competencies
- Data-Driven Leadership—Converts metrics into action; comfortable presenting to executives and line operators alike.
- Customer Advocacy—Manages complaints with urgency and empathy, translating feedback into product excellence.
- Influence & Collaboration – Builds trust with cross-functional stakeholders; drives accountability without authority.
- Continuous Improvement Mindset—Sees waste everywhere and rallies teams toward elegant, scalable fixes.
- Adaptability— Thrives in a fast‑growing environment, reprioritizing quickly as customer or regulatory needs evolve.
Merrithew is committed to providing accessible employment practices that comply with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).
Merrithew is committed to providing a barrier-free access workplace. If you need accommodation at any stage of your application, or want more information on our accommodation policies, please contact us at careers@merrithew.com
Merrithew is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our organization respects and follows the letter and spirit of the Ontario Human Rights Code. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or any other protected ground.