Quality Manager

IFT Worldwide; South Bend (IN); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

401(k) matching

Flexible schedules

PTO and paid holidays

Company outings

Job summary

Imagineering Finishing Technologies in Indiana is seeking a Quality Manager to lead the Quality team on the factory floor, coaching engineers, technicians, planning personnel and production staff to meet customer requirements and quality standards.

You will drive continuous improvement, own audits (internal and supplier), manage nonconformances, and partner with Operations, Planning, Engineering, and Customer Service to improve quality, delivery and satisfaction.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of quality leadership experience.
• Experience in aerospace, automotive, defense, or special processing.
• Working knowledge of AS9100, ISO 9001, IATF 16949, PFMEA, PPAP/APQP, and Root Cause Analysis.
• Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Quality team.
• Maintain compliance with AS9100, ISO 9001, IATF 16949, and customer-specific requirements.
• Lead customer complaints, SCARs, RMAs, and corrective actions.
• Ensure audit readiness and lead internal, external, and customer audits.
• Oversee Planning quality and work package accuracy.
• Lead MRB activities and disposition of nonconforming material.
• Monitor and improve KPIs including CoPQ, FPY, OTD, Scrap, Rework and Corrective Actions.
• Drive continuous improvement and standardization.
• Partner with Operations, Planning, Engineering, Customer Service and Production.

Skills

Quality leadership

Regulatory knowledge

Cross-functional leadership

Auditing & problem solving

Job description

Imagineering Finishing Technologies is a leading metal finishing company dedicated to delivering high-quality solutions to our clients. The Imagineering brand is globally acknowledged as the KnowledgeSource™ for Metal Finishing. We take pride in our commitment to excellence, innovation, and a positive workplace culture.

Position Summary:

The Quality Manager is responsible for leading the Quality team while serving as a working manager who actively supports daily operations, resolves technical and quality issues, and drives continuous improvement throughout the facility.

This position is expected to lead from the floor by providing direction, coaching, and hands‑on support to Quality Engineers, Quality Technicians, Planning personnel, and Production. The Quality Manager must be visible, engaged, and willing to work alongside the team to ensure customer requirements, regulatory requirements, and IFT Worldwide quality standards are consistently achieved.

The Quality Manager is responsible for maintaining compliance with AS9100, ISO 9001, IATF 16949 (where applicable), customer‑specific requirements, and regulatory standards while partnering closely with Operations, Planning, Engineering, Customer Service, and Production to improve quality, delivery, and customer satisfaction.

The successful candidate must be a strong leader, coach, and technical problem solver who builds credibility through action, develops people, drives accountability, and is comfortable rolling up their sleeves to support audits, customer issues, corrective actions, inspections, process improvements, and production challenges whenever needed.

During the first 180 days, the Quality Manager will complete a structured development program designed to build a comprehensive understanding of IFT Worldwide's customers, special processes, Quality Management System, operational workflow, and leadership expectations. Successful completion of this program is essential to becoming an effective long‑term leader for the operation.

Quality Management Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Quality team.
• Maintain compliance with AS9100, ISO 9001, IATF 16949, and customer‑specific requirements.
• Lead customer complaints, SCARs, RMAs, and corrective actions.
• Ensure audit readiness and lead internal, external, and customer audits.
• Oversee Planning quality and work package accuracy.
• Lead MRB activities and disposition of nonconforming material.
• Monitor and improve KPIs including CoPQ, FPY, OTD, Scrap, Rework and Corrective Actions.
• Drive continuous improvement and standardization.
• Partner with Operations, Planning, Engineering, Customer Service and Production.

Authority and Accountability

• Stop production when quality requirements are not met.
• Direct the Indianapolis Quality team.
• Escalate quality and compliance risks.
• Recommend staffing, process and system improvements.

Performance Expectations

• Customer satisfaction and scorecard improvement.
• Achievement of Quality KPI targets.
• Audit performance and corrective action effectiveness.
• Reduction in scrap, rework and CoPQ.
• Improved FPY and OTD support.

Qualifications

Required

• 5+ years of Quality leadership experience.
• Experience in aerospace, automotive, defense, or special processing.
• Working knowledge of AS9100, ISO 9001, IATF 16949, PFMEA, PPAP/APQP, and Root Cause Analysis.
• Strong leadership, communication, and problem‑solving skills.

Preferred

• CQE or equivalent certification.
• Metal finishing or special processing experience.
• Leadership
• Customer Focus
• Accountability
• Risk‑Based Thinking
• Problem Solving
• Cross‑Functional Leadership
• Coaching & Development
• Prolonged periods of remaining stationary at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• HDHP Plans with Company contribution to H.S.A.
• Flexible spending accounts for Medical and Dependent Care
• Company paid life insurance with AD&D
• Company paid short‑term disability insurance
• Voluntary life with AD&D for employee, spouse, and child(ren)
• Voluntary long‑term disability insurance
• Supplemental Accident and Critical Illness plans
• 401(k) matching program
• Flexible schedules, generous paid time off, plus 8 paid holidays
• Company outings
• Employee Assistance Program

Disclaimer: This job description is not a complete description of responsibility, but reflects the general qualifications, duties and/or responsibilities necessary to perform this position. All candidates who receive a written offer of employment will be required to successfully pass a background check and drug screen. Imagineering Finishing Technologies reserves the right to revise the job description as necessary.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement: Imagineering Finishing Technologies is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other category protected by law.

Attention Applicants: If you are an individual with a disability and require reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process, please let us know. Likewise, if you are limited in the ability to access or use this online application process and need alternative methods of applying, we will determine an alternate way for you to apply. Please contact our People team at [e-mail] or call 800-207-2516 for assistance with an accommodation