Quality Manager

Description

JOB SUMMARY:

The Quality Manager is responsible for leading and continuously improving the Quality Management System

(QMS) for a custom architectural wood door manufacturing operation. This position ensures all products meet

customer specifications, company standards, and regulatory requirements while minimizing defects, remakes,

and warranty claims.

As a key member of the manufacturing leadership team, the Quality Manager will lead a team of Quality

Coordinators, Inspectors, and other quality personnel while working closely with Production, Engineering,

Scheduling, Finishing, and Customer Service teams. The Quality Manager is accountable for developing a culture

of quality throughout the organization and ensuring that quality is built into every stage of the manufacturing

process, from order review through final shipment.

This position is reported to Noah Reed and has multiple direct reports.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Leadership & Team Management

· Directly lead, coach, mentor, and develop Quality Coordinators, Inspectors, and other quality

personnel.

· Establish performance expectations, conduct performance reviews, and create development plans for

team members.

· Build a culture of accountability and continuous improvement throughout the plant.

· Provide leadership and support to manufacturing teams regarding quality expectations and standards.

· Lead quality-focused employee training and certification programs. · Ensure quality staffing levels and coverage are sufficient to support production demands. Quality Systems & Compliance · Develop, implement, maintain, and continuously improve the plant Quality Management System (QMS). · Establish and maintain quality policies, procedures, work instructions, and inspection standards. · Ensure compliance with company quality standards, customer requirements, and industry best practices. · Manage document control and revision processes for quality-related documentation. · Lead internal audits and corrective action programs. Custom Product Quality · Ensure custom wood doors meet customer-specific drawings, specifications, dimensions, finish requirements, and performance standards. · Develop quality controls for custom and engineered-to-order products. · Collaborate with Engineering and Production to ensure manufacturability and quality requirements are clearly understood before production begins. · Review quality risks associated with custom products and implement preventative measures. · Drive defect prevention initiatives throughout machining, assembly, sanding, finishing, and packaging operations. Inspection & Defect Prevention · Establish quality inspection processes throughout production. · Monitor critical quality characteristics on raw materials, work-in-process, and finished products. · Analyze quality trends and implement corrective and preventative actions. · Lead root cause investigations using structured problem-solving methodologies. · Ensure non-conforming materials and products are properly identified, documented, and dispositioned. · Maintain quality metrics related to defects, scrap, rework, remakes, and customer complaints. Customer & Warranty Management · Serve as the primary quality contact for customer quality concerns and warranty issues.

· Lead investigations into customer complaints and warranty claims. · Develop corrective action plans that address root causes and prevent recurrence. · Track and report on customer quality performance metrics. · Collaborate with Sales, Customer Service, and Operations teams to improve customer satisfaction. Process Improvement · Utilize Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, SPC, 5S, Kaizen, and other continuous improvement tools. · Lead cross-functional teams focused on reducing defects, scrap, rework, and warranty costs. · Analyze process capability and identify opportunities for improvement. · Develop quality dashboards and reporting systems to communicate plant performance. · Support new product introductions and manufacturing process changes. Supplier Quality · Partner with purchasing and suppliers to improve incoming material quality. · Work closely with suppliers of lumber, veneers, cores, glass, hardware, and finishing materials. · Lead supplier corrective actions when material quality issues arise. · Monitor supplier quality performance and implement improvement initiatives.

Requirements

SKILLS, EDUCATION, AND EXPERIENCE: 

Education & Experience · bachelor’s degree in manufacturing, Engineering, Quality Management, Industrial Technology, Business, or related field preferred. · 3-5+ years of manufacturing quality experience. · Leadership experience managing direct reports preferred. · Experience within wood products, millwork, cabinetry, furniture, windows, doors, architectural products, or custom manufacturing environments preferred. · Experience leading Quality Management Systems and continuous improvement initiatives. Preferred Certifications · ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) · ASQ Certified Quality Manager (CMQ/OE) · Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt

· ISO Internal Auditor Certification Knowledge, Skills & Abilities · Strong understanding of quality systems and manufacturing processes. · Ability to read and interpret shop drawings, specifications, blueprints, and engineering documents. · Strong knowledge of root cause analysis methodologies. · Experience with CAPA (Corrective and Preventive Action) systems. · Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. · Excellent leadership, coaching, and team development abilities. · Strong communication and conflict-resolution skills. · High attention to detail and commitment to customer satisfaction. · Proficiency with Microsoft Office, data analysis tools, and ERP systems.