Quality Manager

gpac; Ames (IA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

gpac is representing a well-established manufacturing client seeking a Quality Manager to lead and continuously improve quality systems. The role is a hands-on leadership position across machining, fabrication, welding and precision manufacturing. You will develop and maintain inspection standards, drive corrective actions, and collaborate with operations to reduce defects and variation. The ideal candidate will have extensive quality leadership experience in diverse manufacturing settings.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5+ years of quality experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Previous Quality Manager, Quality Supervisor, Quality Engineer or similar leadership experience.
• Experience with hydraulic components, CNC machining, welding, fabrication or precision manufacturing strongly preferred.
• Strong understanding of Quality Management Systems.
• Experience with root-cause analysis and corrective action.

Responsibilities

• Own and maintain the company's Quality Management System.
• Develop, implement and maintain quality procedures, work instructions and inspection standards.
• Ensure compliance with applicable customer, industry and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain quality documentation, records and corrective-action systems.
• Prepare the organization for customer, supplier and third-party audits.
• Monitor quality metrics and communicate performance to leadership.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Analytical thinking

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Quality/Engineering/Manufacturing/Industrial Technology or related field

Tools

GD&T

SPC

MSA

ERP/MRP QC modules

Job description

Position Summary

Our client is a well-established manufacturing company and is seeking an experienced Quality Manager to lead and continuously improve the company's quality systems and processes.

This is a hands-on leadership position responsible for maintaining the Quality Management System, improving manufacturing quality, addressing customer and supplier issues, and developing a culture of accountability and continuous improvement throughout the operation.

The ideal candidate will have experience in hydraulic, machining, metal fabrication, welding, or other precision manufacturing environments and understands that quality is built into the process rather than inspected into the product.

Key Responsibilities

Quality Management System

• Own and maintain the company's Quality Management System.
• Develop, implement and maintain quality procedures, work instructions and inspection standards.
• Ensure compliance with applicable customer, industry and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain quality documentation, records and corrective-action systems.
• Prepare the organization for customer, supplier and third-party audits.
• Monitor quality metrics and communicate performance to leadership.

Manufacturing Quality

• Provide hands-on quality leadership throughout machining, fabrication, welding, assembly and testing operations.
• Establish and maintain inspection standards and processes.
• Work with production and engineering to identify and eliminate sources of defects.
• Develop and monitor process controls and inspection plans.
• Support first article, in-process and final inspection activities.
• Analyze scrap, rework, warranty and customer-return data to identify trends and opportunities.

Continuous Improvement

• Lead root-cause analysis and corrective/preventive action initiatives.
• Utilize tools such as 5 Why, Fishbone, Pareto, 8D and SPC to resolve recurring quality issues.
• Partner with Operations and Engineering to improve processes and reduce variation.
• Establish measurable quality KPIs and drive improvement against those targets.
• Participate in Lean and continuous improvement initiatives.

Customer & Supplier Quality

• Serve as a primary quality contact for customers.
• Investigate customer complaints and coordinate corrective actions.
• Develop and track supplier corrective actions.
• Work with Purchasing and Supply Chain to improve supplier quality.
• Conduct or support supplier audits when necessary.
• Maintain customer-specific quality requirements.

Leadership

• Lead and develop quality personnel.
• Establish clear expectations for inspection and quality processes.
• Train production employees on quality standards and procedures.
• Build a culture where operators and supervisors take ownership of quality.
• Work closely with Operations, Engineering, Maintenance, Purchasing and Customer Service.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of quality experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Previous Quality Manager, Quality Supervisor, Quality Engineer or similar leadership experience.
• Experience with hydraulic components, CNC machining, welding, fabrication or precision manufacturing strongly preferred.
• Strong understanding of Quality Management Systems.
• Experience with root-cause analysis and corrective action.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and specifications.
• Working knowledge of GD&T, inspection methods and measurement equipment.
• Experience with customer and supplier quality issues.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively with both production employees and management.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.

Preferred Experience

• ISO 9001 experience.
• Internal or lead auditor experience.
• AS9100, IATF 16949 or other industry-specific quality standards.
• Six Sigma or Lean certification.
• SPC, MSA and capability studies.
• Experience with hydraulic cylinders, valves, pumps, fittings or related components.
• ERP/MRP quality modules and electronic quality systems.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Quality, Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Technology or a related field preferred.

Equivalent hands-on manufacturing and quality experience will be considered.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, age, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable laws or regulations.