Quality Manager

Little Rapids Corporation (LRC) is a specialty paper manufacturer and converter of paper, film, cotton, and nonwoven materials. Headquartered in Green Bay, LRC is a privately held company with annual sales over $200 million and 450 employees across three Wisconsin locations. The business operates two divisions serving healthcare, beauty, flexographic printing, and specialty paper markets: Rapids Green Bay (printed film, paper, and nonwovens) and Rapids Shawano (tissue, machine glazed, and wet crepe paper). Graham Professional manufactures one-time-use products for healthcare and beauty markets through national and regional distributors. Family-owned since 1947, LRC is guided by a strong, positive culture centered on four core values: Care, Act, Learn, and Serve.

About the role

The Quality Manager leads the company’s Quality Management System (QMS), sustainability initiatives, regulatory compliance programs, and continuous improvement efforts across multiple paper manufacturing sites. This role drives quality performance, supports operational excellence, and ensures compliance with customer, industry, and certification standards while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead and maintain the Quality Management System (QMS), including quality policies, standards, procedures, and document control systems.
• Manage sustainability programs and track progress toward energy, water, waste, and certification goals across all facilities.
• Monitor and report quality and sustainability KPIs, driving corrective actions and continuous improvement initiatives with operations teams.
• Lead internal and external audits and ensure compliance with ISO, FSC, SFI, FDA, HACCP, and other regulatory or customer requirements.
• Serve as the primary liaison for customer quality concerns, complaints, audits, and corrective action responses.
• Oversee supplier and external quality alignment to ensure consistent product and process performance.
• Maintain SOPs, specifications, work instructions, compliance training records, and KPI dashboards to support operational effectiveness.
• Audit processes, identify gaps, and implement corrective and preventive actions to improve compliance and performance.
• Develop and mentor the Quality team through training, certifications, and career development opportunities.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Operations, Supply Chain, R&D, Regulatory, and Leadership teams to support business objectives and operational excellence.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Quality Management, Engineering, Business Management, Industrial Engineering, Environmental/Sustainability Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in quality, compliance, or manufacturing leadership within the paper or packaging industry.
• Working knowledge of Quality Management Systems (QMS), regulatory compliance, and audit processes.
• Experience with ISO, FSC, SFI, HACCP/SQF, FDA, ISCC, and other sustainability or quality certifications strongly preferred.
• Lean Manufacturing and/or Six Sigma certification or experience preferred.
• Knowledge of sustainability programs, ESG initiatives, and environmentally responsible manufacturing practices preferred.
• Ability to travel up to 15–20% as needed; valid driver’s license required.
• Ability to work additional hours during the week, nights, or weekends as required.

Skills

• Sustainability & Environmental Stewardship
• Quality Management Systems (QMS)
• Regulatory Compliance & Audit Management
• Data Analysis, KPI Reporting & SPC
• Continuous Improvement & Lean Manufacturing
• Root Cause Analysis & Corrective Actions (CAPA)
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Technical Manufacturing & Process Knowledge
• Leadership, Coaching & Team Development
• Communication & Customer Relationship Management
• Problem Solving & Decision Making
• Strategic Thinking & Operational Excellence

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in a normal office environment, including sitting or standing for long periods, operating standard office equipment, and carrying paper documents/files.
• Ability to walk through manufacturing plants and wear required personal protection gear (e.g., hearing, eye, and foot protection, gloves, aprons).
• Tolerate loud noise (up to 95 dB), extreme heat, cold, and dusty environments.