Associate Director of Quality

MDS Staffing; Anoka (MN); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

MDS Staffing seeks an Associate Director of Quality to oversee quality operations across Minnesota sites. You will guide a team of over 70 professionals, shaping supplier quality strategies and ensuring compliance with ISO 9001.

You will partner with executives and customers, manage the evolution of the Quality Management System, and drive Lean Six Sigma initiatives to improve efficiency and outcomes.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in manufacturing quality systems.
• 5+ years leading multi-site quality functions.
• Experience with ISO 9001 and supplier quality management.
• Global supplier base management experience.
• Strong data-driven decision making.

Responsibilities

• Lead supplier quality strategies, audit supplier processes, and resolve quality issues efficiently.
• Direct receiving inspection and incoming quality control operations; implement risk-based strategies.
• Act as primary liaison with executives and customers to align expectations and performance.
• Oversee evolution of Quality Management Systems, such as ISO 9001, to ensure consistent quality standards.
• Facilitate structured problem-solving to address supplier and production challenges.
• Manage Advanced Product Quality Planning and Production Part Approval in global sourcing.
• Drive continuous improvement using Lean Six Sigma to optimize efficiency.
• Mentor and develop a 70+ person quality team across multiple sites.

Skills

Leadership

Lean Six Sigma

SPC

Problem-solving

Executive liaison

Education

Bachelor of Science in a relevant field

MBA or MS preferred

Tools

Intelex

TrackWise

Job description

Join us as an influential leader in quality management, overseeing critical operations across multiple sites in Minnesota. As the Associate Director of Quality, you will guide and inspire a team of over 70 quality professionals, ensuring compliance and excellence in quality systems to support business growth.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the development of supplier quality strategies, audit supplier processes, and resolve quality issues efficiently.
• Direct receiving inspection and incoming quality control operations, implementing risk-based strategies to enhance material verification processes.
• Act as the primary liaison with executives and customers, ensuring alignment between customer expectations and supplier performance.
• Oversee the evolution of Quality Management Systems, such as ISO 9001, to ensure consistent quality standards.
• Facilitate high-impact problem-solving through structured methodologies to address supplier and technical challenges.
• Manage Advanced Product Quality Planning and Production Part Approval Processes in global sourcing to integrate quality in new product introductions.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Six Sigma principles to optimize internal and external efficiencies.
• Mentor and develop a high-performing team, fostering a culture of accountability and growth.

Qualifications:

• Education: A Bachelor of Science degree is required; a Master’s degree or MBA is preferred.
• Certifications: ASQ-CQM/OE, CQE, or CQA certifications are highly valued.
• Experience: A minimum of 10 years in manufacturing quality systems with experience in managing global supply bases.
• Leadership: At least 5 years of leadership experience in multi-site quality functions or large-scale supplier quality organizations.
• Methodology: Expertise in Lean principles and Statistical Process Control for supplier monitoring.
• Systems Mastery: Proficient with ISO Management systems and quality software like Intelex or Trackwise.
• Strategic Approach: Ability to convert complex quality data into actionable insights for business strategy.

Take this opportunity to lead and innovate in a dynamic environment, driving quality excellence across multiple sites.