Associate Director of Quality

MDS Staffing; Anoka (MN); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

MDS Staffing is seeking an Associate Director of Quality to lead quality across Minnesota sites. You will guide a team of 70+ professionals and drive supplier quality, process control, and continuous improvement.

You will ensure ISO 9001 compliance, implement risk-based inspection, and align customer expectations with supplier performance. This role demands a strategic, data-driven leader with global sourcing experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree required; Master’s degree or MBA preferred.
• ASQ-CQM/OE, CQE, or CQA certifications valued.
• At least 10 years in manufacturing quality systems with global supplier experience.
• Minimum 5 years of leadership in multi-site quality functions or large supplier quality orgs.
• Expertise in Lean principles and Statistical Process Control for supplier monitoring.
• Proficient with ISO management systems and Intelex or TrackWise software.
• Ability to translate complex quality data into strategic business insights.

Responsibilities

• Lead supplier quality strategies, audit supplier processes, and resolve issues efficiently.
• Direct receiving inspection and incoming quality control, improving verification.
• Serve as liaison with executives and customers to align expectations and performance.
• Oversee ISO 9001 quality management system evolution to maintain standards.
• Facilitate problem solving using structured methods for supplier and technical challenges.
• Manage APQP and PPAP in global sourcing to integrate quality in new launches.
• Drive Lean Six Sigma driven continuous improvement across internal and external processes.
• Mentor a 70+ person quality team to foster accountability and growth.

Skills

Leadership

Lean Six Sigma

Quality Systems

Supplier Quality

ISO 9001

Education

Bachelor of Science

Master's degree / MBA

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.