QA Manager

ALS Group USA, Corp; Kelso (WA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

ALS Group USA, Corp seeks a Quality Assurance Manager to lead and continuously improve the laboratory's quality management system.

The role directs quality systems, audits, and regulatory compliance, oversees documentation, training records, and external assessments while developing vendor performance and maintaining accreditation status. Strong leadership and extensive lab quality experience are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a scientific discipline (chemistry, microbiology or biology preferred).
• 7+ years of working experience in a commercial laboratory; 5+ years in quality function (ISO 17025 or similar).
• 2+ years of leadership or management experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Direct management and improvement of the laboratory quality systems.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and ALS standards.
• Plan and oversee the annual internal audit schedule.
• Oversee maintenance of accreditation status for applicable programs.
• Maintain the site quality manual and document control system.
• Plan and oversee the annual proficiency testing program; resolve failures.
• Schedule and participate in external audits and assessments as required.
• Ensure retrievable records of training, assessments and audits.
• Oversee timely resolution of nonconformances, CAPAs, and client complaints.
• Develop and maintain the approved vendor list.
• Manage site quality personnel and participate in performance evaluations.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Quality management

Leadership

Regulatory compliance

Audit planning

Documentation control

Communication

Problem solving

Training records

Vendor management

Team management

Education

Bachelor's degree in a scientific discipline

Tools

Microsoft Office

MS Office

Job description

Primary Objective:

The Quality Assurance Manager is responsible for executing, maintaining, and continuously improving the laboratory's quality management system.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Direct management and improvement of the laboratory quality systems.
• Ensuring the quality management systems remain compliant to all applicable regulatory requirement and ALS standardization improvements.
• Planning and oversight of the annual internal audit schedule.
• Oversight of the maintenance of active accreditation status for all applicable programs.
• Maintenance of site document and the document control system including the site Quality Manual and other site procedures.
• Planning and oversight of the annual proficiency testing (PT) program including the timely resolution of any failures.
• Scheduling and participating in external audits and assessments as required by regulatory bodies and/or Clients.
• Ensure that good, easily retrievable records are maintained of the training, assessment and audits.
• Oversight of the timely resolution of nonconformances, corrective actions and client complaints.
• Develop and maintain the approved vendor list.
• Manage site quality personnel and participate in performance evaluations.
• Other duties as assigned.

Core Competencies:

• Demonstrated knowledge of the requirements of applicable national and international standards and guidelines
• Knowledge of site/state specific regulatory requirements will be an asset.
• Must have strong organizational, communication and leadership skills, and be able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Able to establish and maintain a positive rapport with internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to problem solve and pay close attention to detail.
• Excellent verbal communication skills.
• Must have a working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
• Proficient written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Proficient computer skills, specifically Microsoft Office.
• Problem solving skills.
• Promotes a productive and professional work environment.
• Must be able to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Adheres to safety policies and practices.

Position Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in a scientific discipline (preferably chemistry, microbiology, or biology).
• Minimum of seven (7) years working experience in a commercial laboratory Minimum of five (5) years of experience in a quality function, preferably in a TNI, ISO 17025, or similar accredited environment.
• Minimum of two (2) years of leadership or management experience preferred.

Other Requirements:

• Perform other duties as assigned by the National Quality, Technical & Innovation Director, Regional Quality Manager, or Laboratory Director.
• Must be able to stand, bend, push, pull, stoop and crouch up to 50% of the time while performing the duties of this position.
• Must be able to work on computer while sitting for up to 8 hours per day.
• Manual dexterity to perform intricate and/or repetitive tasks.
• Wear personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety glasses, gloves, etc. when required.
• Ability to travel as needed.
• NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive.
• Employees may be required to perform other job-related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Working at ALS

The ALS team is a diverse and dedicated community united by our passion to make a difference in the world. Our values are important to us, and shape how we work, how we treat each other and how we recognise excellence. At ALS, you’ll be supported to develop new skills and reach your full potential. We invest in our people with programs and opportunities that help you build a diverse career with us. We want everyone to have a safe, flexible and rewarding career that makes a positive impact on our people, the planet and our communities. Everyone Matters.

ALS is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment where the strengths and perspectives of each employee are both recognised and valued.

Qualified candidates will be considered without regard to race, colour, religion, national origin, military or veteran status, gender, age, disabilities, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy and pregnancy‑related conditions, genetic information and any other characteristics protected by the law.

We invite resumes from all interested parties, including women, members of minority groups, and persons living with disabilities. ALS also welcomes applications from people with all levels of ability.

Reasonable adjustments to support candidates throughout the recruitment process are available upon request.

Eligibility

To be eligible to work at ALS you must be a Citizen or Permanent Resident of the country you are applying for, or either hold or be able to obtain, a valid working visa.