Quality Manager

About the Role

Our client is seeking an experienced Quality Manager to lead and oversee all quality assurance and quality control functions within its structural steel manufacturing operations. This leadership role ensures compliance with industry standards, regulatory requirements, and internal quality systems while driving continuous process improvement throughout the organization. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in structural steel fabrication, welding quality, and non-destructive examination (NDE), along with a proven ability to lead teams, manage audits, and foster a culture of quality and operational excellence.

Responsibilities

• Quality Leadership
  • Lead all day-to-day Quality Assurance and Quality Control operations across the organization.
  • Supervise, mentor, and develop the Quality Control team.
  • Establish quality priorities and coordinate internal and external inspection schedules.
  • Monitor production quality and implement corrective and preventive actions to improve performance.
• Compliance & Auditing
  • Lead quality audits conducted by AISC, State Departments of Transportation (DOT), and other regulatory agencies.
  • Ensure compliance with AWS, AISC, AASHTO, ASTM, and applicable customer specifications.
  • Maintain quality management systems and ensure adherence to established procedures.
• Welding & Inspection Oversight
  • Manage welding procedures, procedure qualifications, and welder qualification records.
  • Oversee material certifications, inspection documentation, and testing records.
  • Ensure proper implementation of Non-Destructive Examination (NDE) methods, including:
    • Visual Testing (VT)
    • Magnetic Particle Testing (MT)
    • Ultrasonic Testing (UT)
    • Radiographic Testing (RT)
• Process Improvement
  • Identify product and process deficiencies and implement effective corrective actions.
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance quality, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
  • Analyze quality metrics and recommend process enhancements.
• Reporting & Vendor Management
  • Provide regular quality reports and performance updates to company ownership and executive leadership.
  • Manage departmental budgets and operating expenses.
  • Collaborate with suppliers and outside vendors to resolve quality-related issues and improve supplier performance.

Requirements

• Minimum of 10 years of Quality Control or Quality Management experience in structural steel fabrication or heavy manufacturing.
• Proven leadership experience managing quality teams and quality management systems.
• Strong background in structural welding and fabrication.
• Experience leading external quality audits and regulatory inspections.
• Technical Knowledge
  • Comprehensive understanding of:
    • AWS D1.1 Structural Welding Code
    • AISC Quality Certification Requirements
    • AASHTO Specifications
    • ASTM Standards
  • Strong knowledge of welding processes including GMAW, SMAW, and SAW.
  • Blueprint and engineering drawing interpretation.
  • Root cause analysis and corrective action implementation.
  • Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Non-Destructive Examination (NDE):
    • Visual Testing (VT)
    • Magnetic Particle Testing (MT)
    • Ultrasonic Testing (UT)
    • Radiographic Testing (RT)

Qualifications

• Valid Driver's License (Required).
• Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) (Required).
• Certification in Ultrasonic Testing (UT) (Required).
• Certification in Magnetic Particle Testing (MT) (Required).
• Preferred Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Welding Technology, or related discipline.
  • Level II (or higher) certifications in UT, MT, or RT.
  • Five (5)+ years of structural steel fitting experience.

Physical Requirements

This position requires the ability to:

• Stand for extended periods throughout the workday.
• Frequently handle tools, materials, and inspection equipment.
• Occasionally lift, push, pull, or carry up to 50 pounds.
• Bend, squat, kneel, and crouch as required.
• Work in manufacturing and outdoor environments with exposure to heat, cold, humidity, and other varying weather conditions.

Travel Requirements

Up to 5% travel for training, vendor visits, customer meetings, and quality audits.