Quality Assurance Supervisor (Manufacturing)

Laitram LLC; Harahan (LA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Laitram Machinery seeks a Quality Supervisor to lead the quality team and own the QMS. You will drive cross‑functional quality initiatives, mentor staff, and partner with production, engineering, procurement, and customers to resolve issues and improve processes.

The ideal candidate has 3+ years in quality leadership in manufacturing, deep knowledge of Lean/Six Sigma and CAPA, strong data analysis, and the ability to work autonomously in a fast‑paced environment.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience leading a quality assurance/control team in manufacturing.
• Deep familiarity with quality systems, Lean/Six Sigma, CAPA.
• Experience leading cross-functional projects and teams.
• Strong communication and data analysis skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and oversee the quality team to ensure daily effectiveness and growth.
• Develop, implement, and maintain the QMS in compliance with standards and regulations.
• Drive root cause analysis, CAPA, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate with production, engineering, materials, and customer service to resolve issues.
• Support and lead audits with customers, suppliers, and regulatory bodies.
• Analyze quality metrics and report findings to inform strategic decisions.

Skills

Quality leadership

Lean/Six Sigma

Root cause analysis

Data analysis

Communication

Autonomy

Education

Bachelor’s degree in related field

Tools

QMS

CAPA methodologies

Job description

The Quality Supervisor at Laitram Machinery will own the full spectrum of the Quality function—combining hands‑on leadership of the quality team with responsibility for maintaining and improving our Quality Management System (QMS), driving cross‑functional quality initiatives, and supporting strategic decision‑making. This role is key to shaping quality culture, driving both daily and long‑term improvements, and having a direct interface with senior leaders, production, procurement, engineering, customer service and customers. For over 70 years, Laitram Machinery has pioneered the manufacturing of high‑performance shrimp‑peeling equipment, and more recently, steam cookers, blanchers, nut pasteurizers, roasters, and sorters. All of our products are designed to increase efficiency, improve product quality and yield for processors worldwide. Laitram Machinery is one of four operating divisions of Laitram, L.L.C. and offers an unparalleled opportunity for those who want to work for an established, yet growing company in the private sector.

Key Responsifiers: (Key Responsibilities:)

• Lead, mentor, and oversee the quality team, ensuring daily effectiveness and ongoing professional growth.
• Champion the development, implementation, and maintenance of the QMS, ensuring compliance with standards and regulatory requirements.
• Drive root cause analysis, corrective and preventive actions, and continuous improvement initiatives across the organization.
• Collaborate with production, engineering, materials management, and customer service to resolve quality issues and enhance processes.
• Support and lead internal and customer audits; act as a primary representative for quality matters with customers, suppliers, and regulatory bodies.
• Analyze and report quality metrics—defect rates, yield, customer complaints—using data to inform strategic and operational decisions.
• Manage supplier quality, from qualification and evaluation to ongoing performance management and issue resolution.
• Facilitate employee training in quality standards, problem‑solving, and process improvement.
• Advocate for a culture of quality, safety, and proactive improvement at all levels of the business—including our global entities.
• Own documentation, change control, and communication for all quality‑related processes and improvements.

Required Qualifications:

• 3+ years of experience in quality assurance/control leadership role in a manufacturing/OEM environment.
• Deep familiarity with quality systems, Lean/Six Sigma, root cause analysis, and CAPA methodologies.
• Experience leading or facilitating projects and cross‑functional teams.
• Strong communication and data analysis skills.
• Ability to operate effectively with autonomy in a fast‑paced, high‑mix, low‑volume manufacturing environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in the food processing equipment or industrial machinery sector.
• Quality certifications (CQE, Six Sigma Green/Black Belt, etc.).
• Experience supporting global or multi‑site operations.
• Bachelor’s degree in related field (such as Quality Engineering, Mechanical/Industrial/Manufacturing Engineering with quality focus, Supply Chain Management, Operations Management).