Quality Manager

Job Title: Quality Program Manager

Location: Elgin, IL
Reports To: Senior Operations Manager
Travel Requirement: None

About the Company

Our client is a global manufacturer of CNC machines and precision equipment, with more than a century of industry experience. The company operates internationally with manufacturing and sales locations across North America, Europe, and Asia.

Following a recent private equity acquisition, the business is entering a new phase of strategic growth while continuing to focus on engineering excellence, manufacturing quality, and operational performance.

The Role

Our client is seeking a Quality Program Manager to lead and coordinate all aspects of quality assurance and continuous improvement within CNC machine manufacturing operations.

This role is critical to ensuring products meet strict quality standards, customer specifications, and regulatory requirements, while fostering a culture of quality across engineering, production, and supply chain teams.

The successful candidate will bring experience in precision manufacturing environments, strong leadership capability, and expertise in quality systems, ISO compliance, and root cause analysis.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and manage quality programs, procedures, and controls to ensure compliance with internal and external standards including ISO 9001

• Lead cross-functional quality improvement initiatives to reduce defects, improve yield, and enhance customer satisfaction

• Manage the Quality Management System (QMS) and oversee internal and external audits, including corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs)

• Analyze manufacturing and inspection data to identify trends and drive corrective actions

• Collaborate with Engineering, Production, and Supply Chain teams to ensure quality is integrated throughout the product lifecycle

• Develop and maintain inspection protocols and testing procedures for CNC machines and components

• Act as the primary liaison for customer and supplier quality issues, audits, and complaint resolution

• Train and mentor quality inspectors, technicians, and production staff on quality control and continuous improvement practices

• Drive initiatives such as Lean, Six Sigma, 5S, and root cause analysis (RCA) to improve operational performance

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Technology, or a related field

• Minimum 5 years of experience in quality management within CNC machining, precision manufacturing, or a similar environment

• Strong knowledge of ISO 9001, GD&T, SPC, FMEA, PPAP, and related quality tools and methodologies

• Demonstrated leadership and project management experience with cross-functional teams

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with expertise in root cause analysis

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with ERP and QMS systems (SAP or similar platforms preferred)

• Professional certifications such as CQE, CQM/OE, or Six Sigma Green/Black Belt

What’s on Offer

• Competitive salary

• Comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, life insurance, and long-term disability

• 401(k) retirement plan

• Paid vacation and holidays

• Opportunity to play a key role in quality leadership within a global manufacturing organization