Quality Assurance (QA) Manager

About the Role

Align with and embrace Smooth-On’s 4 Pillars – Civility, Accuracy, Safety and Productivity. Develop, maintain, and continuously improve the organization's QMS, including document control, nonconformance management, complaint handling, investigations, root cause analysis (RCA), corrective and preventive action (CAPA) management, training programs, and quality policies.

Responsibilities

• Ensure QMS alignment with recognized quality management principles, industry best practices, and applicable International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards.
• Ensure conformance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Work Instructions, and other controlled documents through routine audits of documentation and production processes.
• Maintain overall accountability for quality performance across all product and process areas, including leadership of material- and performance-related complaint investigations and CAPAs.
• Conduct and lead thorough RCAs and ensure proper and thorough CAPA plans are established and executed in a timely manner (in coordination with cross-functional teams).
• Prepare, maintain, and distribute formal quality investigation reports documenting investigative findings, RCAs, CAPAs, and recommendations for relevant internal stakeholders.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on reducing complaints, nonconformances, waste, and cost of poor quality (COPQ).
• Develop, analyze, and present meaningful and actionable quality metrics and trend analyses that drive CAPAs and promote continual improvement.
• Collaborate with Production, Engineering, Shipping, Sales, Customer Service, and other departments to identify and implement process improvements, corrective actions, project requirements, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Manage current on-site QA Technicians, provide direction and oversight of their work, and develop roving inspection schedules.
• Complete job tasks efficiently, timely, and accurately according to SOPs, job aids, and based on job function.
• Practice civility in all aspects of your job by listening, hearing, and working together with co-workers, vendors, and managers, resolving issues respectfully and professionally.
• Continually practice safety procedures and policies to protect yourself, others, and Company-owned property.
• Comply with Company rules, policies, and procedures.
• Maintain work area (e.g., materials, stock areas, desks, floors, shelves, counters, etc.) in a safe, clean, organized, and efficient manner.
• Work overtime as necessary.
• Demonstrate reliable attendance, limited lateness, or call outs.
• Must have reliable transportation to and from work.
• Willingness to learn other jobs.
• All other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Quality, Operations Management, Chemistry, Business Administration (with manufacturing experience), or related field.
• Minimum of 3+ years’ experience in quality assurance, continuous improvement, or other analytical problem-solving role.
• Experience with quality systems, RCAs, CAPAs, audits, and/or process improvement.
• ISO, ASQ, Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certifications are preferred.
• Previous leadership, project management, or supervisory experience preferred.
• Experience in manufacturing, chemical, or other regulated operational environment preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.

Strong candidates who do not meet every qualification are encouraged to apply. Smooth-On values aptitude, initiative, problem-solving ability, leadership potential, and a commitment to continuous learning.

Skills

• Proven leadership and teamwork skills with demonstrated abilities to both work collaboratively and influence those with whom no formal hierarchical relationship exists.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to evaluate processes, investigate issues, identify root causes, implement sustainable solutions, and follow through independently.
• Ability to effectively lead investigations involving product quality, production processes, customer complaints, and non-conforming materials.
• Demonstrated curiosity, initiative, sound judgment, and ownership in solving complex problems.
• Ability to influence change and work effectively across departments without direct authority.
• Experience developing, improving, documenting, or auditing procedures, work instructions, standard operating procedures (SOPs), or management systems.
• Ability to interpret and utilize data, reports, metrics, and trends to drive quality improvements and support business decision-making.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills that can be used with people of various backgrounds, experience, and education levels.
• High attention to detail, accuracy, urgency, follow-through, and accountability.
• Ability to prioritize competing demands, make sound decisions, and work effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Demonstrated highly effective platform presentation skills and training delivery skills.

Employment Conditions

• Employment is contingent upon applicant’s consent to a background check to comply with a suitability determination from corporate management.
• Passing a Company-provided substance-screening test.
• Acknowledgement and agreement to follow all Company policies whether in the Company’s Employee Handbook or otherwise created.
• Provide necessary documentation establishing eligibility for employment in the United States.