Quality Manager

ASTEC; Waite Park (MN); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Astec is seeking a Quality leader to manage and advance quality activities across design, manufacturing, and supplier networks. You will resolve critical quality issues, lead CAPA programs, and drive continuous improvement in product integrity and process capability.

With a bachelor’s in quality/engineering and 7+ years in quality or operations, you will coach teams, analyze metrics, and partner with Supply Chain to improve supplier performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required in Quality, Engineering, or Operations.
• Master’s degree and/or Six Sigma/CQE/CQM or OE certs are a plus.
• Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving abilities required.

Responsibilities

• Lead the site quality program and ensure compliance with Astec quality standards and documentation.
• Review customer complaints, warranty issues, and field quality concerns for containment and corrective action.
• Document, track, and report key manufacturing objectives for the site.
• Review and resolve site design, manufacturing, and field issues; drive countermeasure plans to prevent recurrence.
• Facilitate timely closure of internal, supplier, and customer CAPAs and cross-functional CI projects.
• Drive prevention-focused quality initiatives across design, supply chain, manufacturing, and field support.
• Build relationships across Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Customer Support to foster ownership and continuous improvement.
• Support supplier development and action plans; analyze quality data to identify trends and opportunities.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Public speaking

Technical writing

Team collaboration

Data interpretation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Quality, Engineering, or Operations

Master’s or Six Sigma/CQE CQE certificate desirable

Tools

Data analytics tools

BI dashboards

Job description

About The Position

Manages and leads Quality activities of Astec design and manufactured equipment, along with supplied products and services, assuring compliance standards are maintained and product integrity is preserved. Consult with members of management team and plant staff to resolve quality, product, and efficiency problems and act the focal point for the company when special and critical quality issues occur.

• Drive plant quality performance through achievement of key metrics including COPQ, FPY, NCR reduction, CAPA effectiveness, supplier quality performance, and customer complaint reduction.
• Maintain and improve the site's Quality Management System in alignment with Astec standards.
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective action activities to eliminate recurring issues.
• Develop and execute annual quality improvement plans aligned with site and corporate objectives.
• Support successful launch of new products through quality planning, FAI activities, and production readiness reviews.
• Develop and coach personnel to foster a culture of ownership, craftsmanship, and continuous improvement.

Key Deliverables

• Drive plant quality performance through achievement of key metrics including COPQ, FPY, NCR reduction, CAPA effectiveness, supplier quality performance, and customer complaint reduction.
• Maintain and improve the site's Quality Management System in alignment with Astec standards.
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective action activities to eliminate recurring issues.
• Develop and execute annual quality improvement plans aligned with site and corporate objectives.
• Support successful launch of new products through quality planning, FAI activities, and production readiness reviews.
• Develop and coach personnel to foster a culture of ownership, craftsmanship, and continuous improvement.

Key Activities & Responsibilities

• Lead the site's quality program and ensure compliance with Astec quality standards, procedures, and documentation requirements.
• Review customer complaints, warranty issues, and field quality concerns to ensure effective containment, root cause identification, and corrective action implementation.
• Document, track, and report on key manufacturing objectives for the site.
• Review and resolve site design, manufacturing, and field issues. Collaborate with the site team to drive solutions and countermeasure plans are put in place to avoid repeat issues.
• Facilitate, track, and ensure timely closure of internal, supplier, and customer corrective and preventive actions.
• Lead cross-functional continuous improvement projects.
• Drive prevention-focused quality initiatives throughout design, supply chain, manufacturing, and field support functions.
• Verifies the compliance and use of standardized quality and process documentation.
• Build strong working relationships across Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Customer Support and foster a culture of ownership, craftsmanship, problem solving, and continuous improvement.
• Partner with Supply Chain to improve supplier performance.
• Support supplier development efforts and corrective action management.
• Ability to analyze quality performance data, identify trends, and translate findings into actionable improvement plans.
• Utilize data analytics tools and business intelligence dashboards to identify trends and improvement opportunities.
• Review and reconcile in process and final inspection documentation for shipments.
• All other duties assigned by supervisor.
• Supports Astec’s core values, mission statement and vision statement.

To be successful in this role, your experience and competencies are:

• A bachelor’s degree in Quality, Engineering, or Operations is required. Master’s degree and/or professional certificate in CQE or CQM / OE or Six Sigma Certification desired.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in quality, engineering, manufacturing, operational excellence, or continuous improvement, including at least 3 years of leadership experience.
• Demonstrated communication, collaboration, and leadership skills.
• Demonstrated computer and analytical skills.
• Strong understanding of Metal Fabrication and related processes.
• Strong problem-solving skills required with the ability to solve problems at both a strategic and functional level.
• Must be able to organize and manage multiple projects and priorities.
• Ability to effectively speak publicly and make presentations is required.
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals is required.
• Ability to handle the physical demands of lifting up to 35 pounds, standing and kneeling for long periods of time, and working in tight or confined spaces
• Ability to perform well in a team environment

Supervisor and Leadership Expectations

Quality Engineer, Quality Technician, et al… as appropriate

Our Culture and Values

Employees that become part of Astec embody the values below throughout their work.

• Continuous devotion to meeting the needs of our customers
• Honesty and integrity in all aspects of business
• Respect for all individuals
• Preserving entrepreneurial spirit and innovation
• Safety, quality, and productivity as means to ensure success

Travel Requirements:

Travel between sites may be needed

Manufacturing Environment

Shop manufacturing environment exposures include exposure to moving mechanical parts, machinery, tools and equipment, vibration, fumes or airborne particles, motorized vehicles, welding, and machining operations, outside weather conditions and exposure to the risk of electric shock. The employee may occasionally be exposed to varying levels of dirt, dust, toxic or caustic chemicals, very warm and/or very chilly temperatures. The noise level in the shop can be very loud at times consistent with an industrial assembly facility and may require hearing protection. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.