Quality Control Manager

United Infrastructure; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A reputable infrastructure firm seeks a Quality Control Manager for the Carolina Crossroads Phase 3C Project in Columbia, SC. This key leadership role demands substantial experience in quality control for heavy civil highway and bridge construction. The successful candidate will manage quality programs, conduct inspections, and ensure compliance with safety standards while operating independently on-site. Strong leadership skills and relevant certifications are essential for driving quality assurance and preventing non-conforming work.

Qualifications

• 10–15 years of progressive experience in heavy civil highway and bridge construction QC.
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Legally able to work in the US.

Responsibilities

• Manage and implement the Contractor’s Quality Control Program.
• Perform or oversee QC inspections for self-performed and subcontracted work.
• Ensure timely documentation, tracking, and resolution of quality issues.

Skills

Strong interpersonal and organizational skills

Self-starter and ability to work unsupervised

Team player

Education

10–15 years of experience in heavy civil highway and bridge construction QC

SCDOT Earthwork and Base Course Technician

ACI Concrete Field Testing Technician – Level I (Level II preferred)

Work Zone Traffic Control Certification

NACE Coating Inspector Level I

Tools

AASHTO-accredited laboratories

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION: QUALITY CONTROL MANAGER

The Quality Control Manager (QCM) is a senior, proactive leadership role responsible for protecting the Carolina Crossroads Phase 3C Project from quality-driven cost, schedule, and reputational risk. This position is not a compliance-only or box-checking role. The QCM is expected to actively engage with construction operations, identify quality risks early, and prevent non-conforming work before it occurs, rather than reacting after deficiencies are identified by Quality Assurance (QA) or Owner Verification (OV).

This role is designed to prevent quality failures—not document them after the fact.

The QCM will serve as the Contractor’s primary quality authority, embedding quality planning into daily operations through rigorous pre-planning, activity planning, and consistent field presence. The successful candidate will anticipate quality challenges, intervene early, and drive corrective action before issues escalate into Deficiency Notices (DNs), Non-Conformance Reports (NCRs), rework, or schedule impacts.

This role requires full-time, on-site leadership. The QCM must be physically present in the field and/or project office daily and is not eligible for remote or hybrid work arrangements. Relocation to the Columbia, South Carolina area is required.

The QCM is empowered to stop work, manage and release hold points, and reject non-conforming materials or workmanship without additional approval. The QCM reports directly to the UBJV Executive Management Team and operates independently from construction production management to preserve objectivity and authority.

Quality Control Program Leadership

• Manage, implement, and continuously improve the Contractor’s Quality Control Program in accordance with the approved CQMP.
• Update QC components of the CQMP as required to address changing work activities or identified deficiencies.
• Promote awareness of SCDOT requirements and stakeholder expectations throughout UBJV staff and subcontractors.
• Report to the UBJV Management Team on QC performance, trends, and improvement opportunities.

Pre-Planning & Activity Planning

• Manage and implement the Pre-Planning and Activity Planning process for all major construction activities.
• Schedule, lead, and document Pre-Activity Meetings prior to commencement of work.
• Verify readiness of work activities before release to production.

Hold Points & Inspection Authority

• Schedule, manage, and document all CQMP and Appendix A hold points.
• Verify all prerequisites are satisfied prior to releasing hold points.
• Exercise authority to stop work and reject non-conforming materials or workmanship.

Coordination with QA and Owner Verification

• Coordinate with the Independent Quality Firm (IQF) to ensure proper staffing, coverage, and compliance with the CQMP.
• Provide oversight of QA activities from a Contractor QC perspective without interfering with acceptance functions.
• Serve as the primary QC liaison with SCDOT and the Owner Verification Firm.

Non-Conformance & Corrective Action

• Manage Deficiency Notices (DNs) and Non-Conformance Reports (NCRs) through closure.
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective action development.
• Ensure timely documentation, tracking, and resolution of quality issues.

Field QC Inspections & Reporting

• Perform or oversee QC inspections for self-performed and subcontracted work.
• Ensure inspections and testing are performed by properly certified personnel.
• Review daily QC inspection reports and weekly QC submissions.

Environmental & Traffic Control Compliance

• Oversee environmental compliance inspections including SWPPP and erosion control.
• Oversee Maintenance of Traffic and Traffic Control Plan compliance.

Documentation & Records Management

• Manage QC document control systems including inspection reports, test results, and material certifications.
• Ensure records are complete, accurate, and immediately available for audit or review.

Materials & Laboratory Coordination

• Coordinate QC laboratory scheduling and testing activities.
• Ensure sampling and testing are performed using AASHTO-accredited laboratories.
• Coordinate QC responsibilities with subcontractors, including paving subcontractor-provided HMA QC.

Reporting & Authority

• The QCM reports directly to the UBJV Executive Management Team and does not report to the Construction Manager. The QCM has independent authority to stop work, manage and release hold points, reject non-conforming work, and direct corrective actions as required.

Position Requirements: (Must have or be able to get required certifications)

• 10–15 years of progressive experience in heavy civil highway and bridge construction QC.
• Experience managing QC programs on large DOT projects.
• Demonstrated coordination with QA/IQF and Owner Verification teams.
• SCDOT Earthwork and Base Course Technician
• ACI Concrete Field Testing Technician – Level I (Level II preferred)
• Foundations Technician
• Work Zone Traffic Control Certification
• NACE Coating Inspector Level I or SSPC Bridge Coating Inspector Level I (as applicable)
• IMSA Traffic Signals Level II and IMSA Fiber Optic Technician Level II (as applicable)
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Self-starter and ability to work unsupervised.
• Team player and self-motivated to be successful.
• Legally able to work in the US.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled and veterans.