Quality Manager – Portage Area

The Pivot Group Careers; Portage (MI); On-site; USD 86,000 - 132,000; Full time

Job summary

The Pivot Group Network in Portage, MI is seeking a Quality Manager to lead the plant quality system and ensure ISO 9001 compliance with customer requirements. You will drive corrective actions, manage inspections, monitor quality metrics, and coordinate audits in support of manufacturing operations.

Responsibilities include root cause analysis with engineering, staff training on quality procedures, and ensuring calibration and control of test equipment across shifts.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, quality, or related technical field.
• Five+ years in quality engineering or quality management in a manufacturing environment.
• Working knowledge of ISO 9001 and experience supporting audit programs.
• Hands-on experience with root cause and problem-solving methods such as 8D, 5 Why, and fishbone analysis.

Responsibilities

• Lead the plant quality management system and ensure ISO 9001 and customer requirements.
• Investigate customer complaints and internal nonconformances; drive corrective actions to closure.
• Oversee incoming, in-process, and final inspection activities and inspect staff.
• Track quality metrics (scrap, first pass yield, COQ) and report trends to leadership.
• Coordinate internal/external audits and manage corrective action log.
• Work with engineering and production on root cause analysis for recurring defects.
• Maintain calibration/control of inspection tools and test equipment.
• Train production staff on quality procedures and work instructions.

Skills

Strong communication

Root cause analysis

Quality management

ISO 9001 knowledge

Auditing experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or quality

Tools

FMEA

MSA

Control plans

Job description

Job Description:

Quality Manager | Portage, MI

Salary Range: $86,000 – $132,000 depending on experience

Are you ready to take on a challenging and rewarding opportunity in quality management? The Pivot Group Network, a Michigan manufacturing-focused recruiting group, is committed to building meaningful connections in manufacturing. We partner with leading companies in the Portage area seeking Quality Managers.

We are building our network of talent in this field across Michigan’s manufacturing regions. Our partner companies may or may not have an immediate opening for this exact role today, but we actively look for skilled professionals in the regions where they operate. If there is alignment now or in the near future, we reach out.

This posting covers Quality Manager opportunities with manufacturers based in and around Portage in Kalamazoo County, within about 30 minutes of the city, including Three Rivers, Schoolcraft, Vicksburg, and Constantine.

The Opportunity

We collaborate with manufacturing companies in the Portage region seeking Quality Managers. These employers partner with us because they want real insight into candidates – not just resumes. By joining our network, you gain access to roles worth considering.

Usual Responsibilities

• Lead the plant quality management system and keep it compliant with ISO 9001 and customer requirements.
• Investigate customer complaints and internal nonconformances, then drive corrective actions to closure.
• Oversee incoming, in-process, and final inspection activities and the inspection staff.
• Track quality metrics such as scrap, first pass yield, and cost of poor quality, and report trends to plant leadership.
• Coordinate internal and external audits and manage the corrective action log.
• Work with engineering and production on root cause analysis for recurring defects.
• Maintain calibration and control of inspection tools and test equipment.
• Train production staff on quality procedures and work instructions.

Recommended Qualifications

• Familiarity with core quality tools including FMEA, control plans, and MSA.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for working with customers and production teams.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, quality, or a related technical field, or equivalent experience.
• Five or more years in quality engineering or quality management in a manufacturing environment.
• Working knowledge of ISO 9001 and experience supporting audit programs.
• Hands-on experience with root cause and problem-solving methods such as 8D, 5 Why, and fishbone analysis.

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience with IATF 16949 or AS9100 in automotive or aerospace supply.
• Lean or Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt.
• Experience with statistical process control and Minitab or similar software.
• Prior supervisory experience leading inspectors or technicians.
• ASQ Certified Quality Manager or Certified Quality Engineer.

Job Titles That Should Apply

Continuous Improvement Manager, Manufacturing Quality Engineer, Quality Assurance Manager, Quality Control Manager, Quality Engineer, Quality Systems Manager, Plant Quality Manager, Supplier Quality Engineer, Quality Supervisor

Work Authorization

Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without current or future visa sponsorship. Visa sponsorship is not available.

Why The Pivot Group Network

The Pivot Group Network was founded by manufacturing professionals who've been on both sides of the hiring process. Our clients are strategic – they partner with us because they want real insight into their roles and the people filling them, not a stack of resumes. We focus on match-driven placements built around what actually matters: Commute, Compensation, Culture, and Career trajectory. Learn more at https://www.thepivotgroup.org.

Required Skills:

Resume Offers Supply Chain Access Support Root Cause Analysis Management System ROOT Quality Management Raw Materials Assurance Analysis Compliance Salary Hiring Partnerships Corrective Actions Recruiting Compensation Supply Mentoring Components Inspection Continuous Improvement Quality Control Manufacturing Quality Assurance Specifications Communication Skills Materials Preparation Testing Engineering Training Leadership Communication Management

Salary Package:

$ 86,000.00 – 132,000.00 (US Dollar)