Quality Manager

QUALITY MANAGER Greater Chicago Area

Compensation: $100K

The Quality Manager is responsible for developing and implementing quality control systems ensuring products and services meet company and customer standards and driving continuous improvement. Their duties include setting quality standards overseeing quality assurance protocols analyzing quality data hosting external audits and leading teams to resolve issues and ensure compliance with regulations and specifications.

Key responsibilities

Lead Quality improvement initiatives across the manufacturing site

Maintain and improve the Quality Management System (QMS) in accordance with ISO 9001:2015 standards

Coordinate and support internal and external ISO audits including preparation execution and follow-up on audit findings

Ensure compliance with ISO certification requirements and support continuous improvement initiatives

Train and coach team members on ISO procedures and audit readiness

Work with cross-functional teams to develop new procedures and work instructions

Ensure cross-functional partners and peers understand quality system requirements and how they impact product quality and product certifications

Serve as the primary interface with external compliance bodies (Notified Bodies Registrars Labs) manage internal and external inspections and overall audit strategies including any required responses concerning the site

Oversee product compliance with the safety standards such as ATEX and IECEx for equipment used in potentially explosive atmospheres (hazardous locations)

Evaluate and monitor the results of external and internal audits. Report the audit results to management and status/execution of corrective actions associated with the audit results

Maintain data analysis requirements for applicable Quality System metrics and Quality Management Reviews (QMRs).

Collect track and analyze quality data to identify trends report on performance and find opportunities for improvement.

Train manufacturing and quality teams on quality systems and root cause analysis (RCA) methodologies

Supplier management - work with purchasing engineering and other teams to establish and ensure quality requirements are met for raw materials and services from suppliers

Serve as the primary point of contact for quality-related issues and escalations

Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

The Quality Manager must hold a Bachelors degree in Engineering

Production/Manufacturing experience required

Ideal candidate would have a minimum of 3 years of experience leading quality function in a production environment

Must have a minimum of 5 years of experience being a key member of a quality department preferably as a Quality Engineer

Solid understanding of ISO 9001:2015 standards

Experience hosting ISO external audits

Experience conducting internal audits issuing nonconformities (findings) and leading teams to resolution

Experience writing procedures and work instructions

Proven record of successfully conducting the Root Cause analysis and implementing corrective actions

Skilled at training co-workers on quality control methodologies

Working knowledge of statistical process control (SPC) and ability to apply SPC techniques in manufacturing environment

Understanding of hazardous location product certification such as ATEX/Ex/IECEx is a plus

Lean Six Sigma certification is a plus

Communication & Interpersonal Skills (Soft Skills):

Strong verbal and written communication skills essential for training influencing decisions and addressing complex quality issues. Demonstrates approachability accessibility and effective team leadership.

Strong interpersonal and communication skills across all organizational levels.

Self-motivated with the ability to manage responsibilities independently and under minimal supervision.

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a data-driven approach to decision-making.

Skilled at conflict avoidance and resolution.