Quality Assurance Manager

Optima Organizational Solutions; Longview (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Optima Organizational Solutions is seeking a hands-on Quality Manager for our Longview, TX manufacturing operations. You will lead the quality organization on the production floor, drive prevention-based quality improvements, and partner with Operations and Engineering to deliver durable performance.

The ideal candidate has a track record of improving quality KPIs in high-volume manufacturing, and will develop teams of supervisors, engineers, technicians, and inspectors to sustain world-class

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, Operations or related field required.
• Progressive quality leadership experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience as a Quality Manager or equivalent plant-leadership role.
• Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead all plant quality activities, systems, processes, and personnel.
• Develop and execute the plant quality strategy aligned with operations.
• Establish a prevention-focused quality culture and prevent defects.
• Improve first-pass yield and reduce defects, scrap, and warranty exposure.
• Lead problem-solving using 8D, 5 Why, Fishbone, DMAIC and Lean tools.
• Monitor and improve quality KPIs; translate data into corrective actions.
• Drive CAPAs to ensure permanent issue resolution.
• Strengthen process controls, standardized work, and inspection methods.
• Lead internal quality reviews and audits (customer, regulatory, quality system).
• Collaborate with Engineering on product/process changes and new-product introduction.
• Coordinate with Supply Chain on supplier quality issues.
• Develop relationships with customers and manage quality concerns.
• Recruit and develop a high-performing quality organization.
• Role as active member of plant leadership beyond quality.

Skills

Quality leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Data-driven decisions

Root-cause analysis

Problem-solving

Lean/Six Sigma

Communication skills

Operational excellence

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, Operations

Tools

Quality management systems (QMS)

8D/5 Why/Fishbone

Statistical tools (Excel/Minitab)

Job description

We are currently supporting one of the fastest-growing HVAC manufacturers in North America, to identify an exceptional Quality Manager to support their Longview TX manufacturing operations.

Position Overview

This position will play a critical role in strengthening the plant's quality culture, improving manufacturing performance, developing the Quality organization, and ensuring that products consistently meet customer, engineering, and regulatory requirements. The ideal candidate is a hands-on manufacturing quality leader who is comfortable working directly on the production floor, developing teams, solving complex problems, and partnering closely with Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain, and other functions to drive sustainable improvement.

We are particularly interested in candidates who have developed their careers in high-volume, highly-disciplined manufacturing environments, including automotive Tier 1, HVAC, industrial equipment, appliances, heavy manufacturing, or similarly demanding industries.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all plant Quality activities, systems, processes, and personnel.
• Develop and execute the plant Quality strategy in alignment with operational and business objectives.
• Establish a strong quality-at-the-source culture, emphasizing prevention rather than inspection.
• Partner closely with Operations and Manufacturing Engineering to improve first-pass yield, reduce defects, scrap, rework, warranty exposure, and Cost of Poor Quality.
• Lead structured problem-solving and root-cause activities using methodologies such as 8D, 5 Why, Fishbone, DMAIC, and other Lean/Six Sigma tools.
• Establish, monitor, and improve key Quality KPIs and translate performance data into effective corrective actions.
• Drive corrective and preventive actions to ensure issues are permanently resolved.
• Strengthen process controls, standardized work, inspection methods, control plans, and manufacturing discipline.
• Lead internal quality reviews and support customer, regulatory, and quality-system audits.
• Work cross-functionally with Engineering on product and process changes, new-product introduction, manufacturability, and continuous improvement.
• Partner with Supply Chain and Supplier Quality resources to address supplier-related quality issues.
• Develop strong relationships with internal and external customers and ensure timely resolution of quality concerns.
• Recruit, coach, develop, and retain a high-performing Quality organization.
• Build quality ownership throughout the plant by developing supervisors, engineers, technicians, inspectors, and production employees.
• Serve as an active member of the plant leadership team and contribute beyond the traditional boundaries of the Quality function.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, Operations, or a related technical discipline preferred.
• Progressive Quality leadership experience within a manufacturing environment.
• Previous experience as a Quality Manager, Senior Quality Manager, Quality Engineering Manager, or comparable plant-level leadership role.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing quality systems, process controls, root-cause analysis, corrective actions, and continuous improvement.
• Demonstrated experience improving measurable plant Quality KPIs.
• Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma/problem-solving methodologies.
• Experience leading and developing Quality professionals and hourly/technical personnel.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to make fact-based decisions using manufacturing data.
• Proven ability to partner effectively with Operations and Engineering rather than operating Quality as a stand-alone function.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills.
• Ability to operate successfully in a fast-paced manufacturing environment with high expectations for execution and accountability.

Preferred Background

• Candidates coming from Tier 1 automotive manufacturing or other mature manufacturing organizations with highly developed Quality and Lean systems will be strongly considered.
• Experience with processes such as fabrication, sheet metal, welding, assembly, paint/coating, machining, or complex engineered products is particularly valuable.
• Professional certifications such as Six Sigma Green/Black Belt, ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence (CMQ/OE), or similar credentials are desirable.