Quality Manager

About the Role

The Manufacturing Quality Manager leads all quality assurance and quality control activities within a manufacturing facility, ensuring products meet customer requirements, regulatory standards, industry certifications, and company quality objectives. This role drives continuous improvement across manufacturing operations and the supply chain, partnering closely with Operations, Engineering, Product Development, Supply Chain, and Customer Service teams to achieve world-class quality performance, reduce defects, and maintain compliance with architectural hardware industry standards.

Responsibilities

• Product Warranty / Claims Process and Customer Quality Support
  • Manage and co-lead all product warranty claims and customer complaint processes.
  • Support all customer support correspondence related to product warranty claims.
  • Lead data analysis and corrective action processes for product quality and warranty claims.
• Quality Management System
  • Co-lead and maintain the facility Quality Management System (QMS) in accordance with company requirements.
  • Develop, implement, and monitor quality policies, procedures, work instructions, and control plans.
  • Manage internal and external audits and ensure timely closure of corrective actions.
  • Maintain compliance with customer-specific quality requirements and regulatory standards.
• Product Quality & Compliance
  • Ensure products comply with applicable architectural hardware standards and certifications, including:
    • ANSI/BHMA standards
    • UL listings and fire-rated requirements
    • ADA accessibility requirements
    • Building code requirements
    • Mechanical and durability performance specifications
  • Support product testing, validation, and qualification activities.
  • Coordinate with Engineering on design changes, new product introductions, and product improvement initiatives.
• Continuous Improvement
  • Lead root cause investigations using 8D, A3, Fishbone Analysis, 5 Why, FMEA, and statistical analysis tools.
  • Implement Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies to improve quality and reduce variation.
  • Drive corrective and preventive action programs.
  • Facilitate process capability improvement projects.
• Supplier Quality Management
  • Develop and maintain supplier quality requirements.
  • Monitor supplier performance and lead supplier corrective action processes.
  • Conduct supplier audits and support supplier development initiatives.
  • Collaborate with Purchasing and Supply Chain teams to improve incoming material quality.
  • Maintain RGA processes and follow through on returns and credits.

Requirements

• Education
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering, Quality Management, Manufacturing, Industrial Technology, or related technical discipline required.
  • Master's degree preferred.
• Experience
  • 7+ years of quality leadership experience in manufacturing preferred.
  • 3+ years managing quality teams preferred.
  • Experience with metal fabrication, machining, assembly, finishing, coating, plating, die casting, or related manufacturing processes a plus.
  • Experience within architectural hardware, door hardware, locksets, security products, building products, or similar durable goods manufacturing preferred.
• Technical Knowledge
  • Strong understanding of:
    • ANSI/BHMA standards
    • ISO 9001
    • Lean Manufacturing
    • Six Sigma methodologies
    • Statistical Process Control (SPC)
    • GD&T and engineering drawings
    • PFMEA and Control Plans
    • Corrective Action systems
    • Measurement systems and metrology
  • Knowledge of locksets, hinges, door closers, exit devices, cylinders, and electromechanical hardware preferred.
• Preferred Certifications
  • ASQ Certified Quality Manager (CMQ/OE)
  • ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE)
  • Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt
  • ISO 9001 Lead Auditor Certification

Skills

• Strategic leadership
• Problem solving and root cause analysis
• Data-driven decision making
• Process improvement
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Customer focus
• Supplier development
• Risk management
• Effective communication
• Change management

Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Customer complaint reduction
• Internal defect rate
• Supplier PPM performance
• First Pass Yield
• Warranty claim reduction
• Audit findings closure rate
• Cost of Poor Quality
• Scrap and rework reduction
• Corrective action effectiveness
• On-time completion of quality improvement projects

Work Environment

• Combination of office and manufacturing floor environment.
• Regular presence on production lines and assembly operations.
• Occasional domestic and international travel to suppliers, customers, and testing laboratories.