The Quality Control Manager is responsible for leading and managing all quality assurance and quality control activities across the organization’s manufacturing operations. This position oversees the Quality Management System (QMS), ISO compliance initiatives, supplier quality programs, inspection processes, audit activities, and continuous improvement efforts to ensure products consistently meet customer requirements, regulatory standards, and company expectations.
The Quality Control Manager serves as the organization’s quality subject matter expert and strategic leader, partnering with Production, Product Development, Engineering, Purchasing, and Executive Leadership to drive operational excellence, reduce defects, improve customer satisfaction, and support business growth.
Major Responsibilities
- Lead and manage all Quality Control and Quality Assurance activities across the organization.
- Develop, implement, maintain, and continuously improve the Quality Management System (QMS).
- Ensure compliance with ISO standards, customer requirements, and company quality policies.
- Establish quality objectives, department KPIs, and performance metrics.
- Manage, coach, train, and develop Quality Inspectors and quality team members.
- Oversee incoming, in-process, and final product inspection programs.
- Lead internal audits, external audits, and customer quality audits.
- Investigate quality issues, customer complaints, and nonconforming products.
- Conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
- Analyze quality data and trends to identify improvement opportunities.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives to reduce defects, scrap, rework, and quality costs.
- Develop and maintain quality procedures, work instructions, inspection standards, and documentation.
- Partner with Production, Product Development, Engineering, Purchasing, and Operations to improve product quality and manufacturing processes.
- Establish and manage supplier quality standards and vendor performance programs.
- Review and approve quality standards, specifications, tech packs, and product requirements.
- Monitor and report department performance through quality dashboards and scorecards.
- Support new product development and product launch activities by ensuring quality requirements are met.
- Manage Material Review Board (MRB) activities and the disposition of nonconforming materials.
- Ensure quality training programs are developed and delivered to employees.
- Promote a culture of quality, accountability, safety, and continuous improvement throughout the organization.
- Present quality performance, audit results, and improvement initiatives to leadership.
- Support achievement of company goals related to quality, safety, delivery, and operational excellence.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Competencies and Skills
- Leadership & Team Development
- Quality Management Systems (ISO 9001)
- Quality Assurance & Quality Control
- Quality Auditing & Compliance
- Root Cause Analysis & CAPA Management
- Supplier Quality Management
- Continuous Improvement & Process Optimization
- Strategic Planning & Execution
- Problem Solving & Decision Making
- Data Analysis & Performance Metrics
- Project & Change Management
- Customer Focus & Satisfaction
- Manufacturing Quality Standards
- Training, Coaching & Employee Development
- Ownership Mentality
Experience & Education
- High school diploma or GED required; bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred.
- 5+ years of progressive quality experience in a manufacturing environment.
- Experience leading quality teams and managing personnel.
- Strong knowledge of ISO-certified quality systems, audits, and compliance.
- Experience with supplier quality management and CAPA processes.
- Ability to analyze quality metrics and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
Travel Requirements
Occasional travel to vendor locations may be required.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Blue Force Gear, Inc. is committed to diversity and inclusivity in the workplace.