Quality Manager

Description

Direct the primary Quality Engineering functions at Bigbelly, integrating manufacturing quality, production engineering, and vendor quality management. This leadership position guarantees that our intelligent, solar-powered waste solutions are manufactured with superior quality, high efficiency, and robust scalability. The incumbent will spearhead operational excellence throughout domestic production and our global supply chain, facilitating new product launches and international expansion through a rigorous focus on quality-driven manufacturing methodologies.

Location: Lawrence, MA - (onsite 5 days M-F 7-4)

Key Responsibilities

Quality Engineering

• Lead the design, development, and implementation of Bigbelly’s Quality Management System, documentation, and continuous improvement initiatives across all functions of the manufacturing process, including incoming inspection, inline quality measures, and final inspection.
• Oversee ISO 9001 and 14001 development and implementation, along with other regulatory system implementations and upkeep.
• Oversee root-cause analysis and CAPA programs for production and field issues.
• Collaborate with Design and NPI teams to ensure new products meet manufacturability and reliability requirements.
• Track and report on key quality metrics (first-pass yield, supplier defect rate, field failure rate, warranty claims).
• Drive reliability testing and design-for-manufacturing/quality practices.

Supplier Engineering

• Oversee the supplier quality engineering responsibilities for vendor qualification, performance, and improvement initiatives.
• Manage supplier development programs to enhance quality, delivery, and cost for key mechanical, electrical, and solar component vendors.
• Conduct supplier audits and technical reviews, and lead corrective actions and continuous improvement efforts.
• Partner with Supply Chain and Procurement to align vendor capabilities with Bigbelly’s product roadmap and growth plans.
• Support dual-sourcing and supplier diversification strategies to reduce risk and strengthen supply chain resilience.

Leadership & Strategy

• Build and mentor a high-performing, cross-functional engineering team covering quality, production, and supplier engineering.
• Translate strategic objectives into tactical plans that improve quality, cost, delivery, and capacity.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Product Engineering, Supply Chain, and Operations to achieve corporate performance goals.
• Manage department staffing plans, capital improvement projects that aim to improve quality, and capital expenditures for projects designed to build measurable quality enhancements into the systems. 
• Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and sustainability aligned with Bigbelly’s mission.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, industrial, or manufacturing engineering (Master’s preferred).

8+ years of experience in manufacturing or operations engineering, including 3–5 years in leadership roles.

Experience managing vendor/supplier engineering, quality systems, and production process improvement.

Proven ability to lead teams in a mixed electromechanical production environment (solar systems, electronics, IoT products, or similar).

Deep understanding of lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies.

Strong data-driven decision-making, problem-solving, and leadership skills.

Excellent communication and collaboration skills across technical and business teams.

ERP/MRP experience and a proven track record of understanding the design, development, and implementation of QMS, including ISO 9001 and 14001.