Quality Assurance Manager

Steel & O'Brien Manufacturing Inc.; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Steel & O'Brien Manufacturing Inc. seeks a hands-on Quality Manager to lead quality operations across two nearby West Chester facilities. This plant-based role focuses on root causes, corrective actions, coaching a small QA team, and partnering with Operations to prevent issues.

The ideal candidate will drive ISO 9001 compliance, lead internal/external audits, and mentor Quality Engineers and Technicians on robust quality systems and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical field related to quality management or equivalent leadership experience.
• Experience leading plant-floor quality, corrective actions, and ISO 9001.
• Proven ability to drive containment, root-cause analysis, corrective action, and closure.
• Experience leading Quality Engineers, Technicians, or cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead quality operations across two facilities, ensuring standardized systems and training.
• Maintain ISO 9001; manage audits and corrective actions as the ISO Management Representative.
• Coach and direct a team of Quality Engineers and Technicians.
• Partner with Operations and Engineering to build quality in products and processes.
• Develop, implement, and improve quality procedures, work instructions, and SOPs.
• Lead root cause investigations using 8D, 5 Why, Fishbone, and CAPA methods.
• Drive corrective and preventive actions to eliminate recurring issues.
• Monitor quality metrics, trends, and KPIs through audits and inspections.
• Support supplier quality improvements, process validations, and new product introductions.
• Review nonconforming material and ensure audit-ready quality records.

Skills

Quality leadership

Root cause analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Process improvement

Auditing

Training and coaching

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Quality, Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, or related field

Job description

Lead Quality. Drive Continuous Improvement. Make an Impact.

We're looking for a hands-on Quality Manager to lead quality operations across two nearby West Chester manufacturing facilities. This is a plant-based leadership role where you'll spend significant time on the production floor, driving root cause investigations, implementing corrective actions, coaching a small quality team, and partnering with Operations to improve processes and prevent recurring issues.

If you're an action-oriented quality leader who thrives in manufacturing, enjoys solving complex problems, and is passionate about continuous improvement, we'd love to hear from you.

What You'll Do

• Lead quality operations across two manufacturing/distribution facilities, ensuring standardized quality systems, documentation, training, and inspection processes.


• Maintain the ISO 9001 Quality Management System, serving as the ISO Management Representative and leading internal/external audits and corrective actions.


• Provide leadership, coaching, and technical direction to a team of Quality Engineers and Technicians.


• Partner with Operations, Manufacturing Engineering, Supply Chain, and Production to build quality into products and processes.


• Develop and continuously improve quality procedures, inspection methods, work instructions, and standard operating procedures.


• Create and deliver quality training programs to ensure standardized processes and employee compliance.


• Lead root cause investigations involving customer complaints, supplier issues, internal defects, scrap, and nonconforming material using 8D, 5 Why, Fishbone, and CAPA methodologies.


• Implement sustainable corrective and preventive actions that eliminate recurring quality issues.


• Conduct process, layered, and product audits while monitoring quality metrics, trends, and KPIs.


• Lead supplier quality improvement initiatives, engineering change support, process validations, equipment qualifications, and new product introductions.


• Review and disposition nonconforming material, implement containment plans, and ensure calibration systems, inspection equipment, and quality records remain audit-ready.


• Support the quality hold and escalation process while promoting accountability and continuous improvement across both facilities.

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor's degree in Quality, Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, or a related technical field (or equivalent manufacturing quality leadership experience).


• 5+ years of progressive quality leadership experience in an industrial manufacturing environment; 7+ years preferred.


• Demonstrated experience leading plant-floor quality, corrective actions, and ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems.


• Experience leading Quality Engineers, Technicians, or cross-functional quality teams.


• Proven ability to drive issues through containment, root cause analysis, corrective action, and verified closure.


• Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills with the ability to influence cross-functional teams and manage multiple priorities.


• Ability to respectfully challenge existing processes, build accountability, and drive continuous improvement.


• ASQ and/or Lean Six Sigma certification preferred.


• Experience in metal fabrication, machining, welding, assembly, sanitary products, or data center manufacturing is a plus.

Why Join Us?

• Lead quality strategy across two growing manufacturing facilities.


• Make a direct impact on manufacturing performance and customer satisfaction.


• Partner with cross-functional teams to drive meaningful operational improvements.


• Mentor and develop a skilled quality team while advancing a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.

Working Conditions

• Fast-paced manufacturing environment.


• Requires standing, walking, and lifting for extended periods.


• May involve exposure to noise and varying temperatures.


• Occasional lifting up to 50 lbs.

Our Culture

At FCH, we foster a collaborative, respectful, and results-driven workplace where teamwork and continuous improvement are part of everything we do. We value Integrity, Trust, Creativity & Courage, Teamwork, and Excellence, and empower our employees to make a meaningful impact every day.

ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS

Attendance on a regular, consistent basis is mandatory.

ACCOMODATIONS

Essential functions of this position may include but are not limited to lifting, reaching, bending, stooping, twisting, kneeling, crouching, carrying objects, ascending/descending stairs and commuting to work location. If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential job functions under the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) or other state or federal law, you may request the accommodation below.