Quality Manager

About the Company

WNA is a leading solution provider in the retail and distribution market segments, serving marquee customers such as Walmart, Amazon, and major grocers and retailers. With around 500 employees and ~$200M in sales, WNA is headquartered in the Charlotte Metro Area, North Carolina, and operates a plant in Denver, NC. The company specializes in four main product segments: shopping carts, Access Systems (customer guidance and loss prevention), Shelving & Fixtures, and Material Handling products. WNA also offers digital solutions, including advanced shopping cart containment systems, smart exit gate technology, and innovations for autonomous retail stores. As part of the Wanzl Group, WNA leverages global expertise with 12 plants in 8 countries, providing comprehensive, solutions-driven service worldwide.

About the Role

This position is located at the plant in Denver, NC, and will require occasional travel (up to 10%), including domestic and international trips. The Quality Manager will drive a culture of quality excellence and continuous improvement, ensuring all company products and services meet quality standards before reaching the market.

Responsibilities

• Drive a culture of quality excellence and continuous improvement across the organization.
• Teach and promote effective root cause analysis and action tracking.
• Develop, implement, and maintain a comprehensive Quality Management System (QMS) supporting production and field activities.
• Determine, track, and improve critical quality KPIs.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to reduce the cost of poor quality.
• Define and execute quality goals, policies, procedures, and systems aligned with business strategy.
• Establish clear processes, provide training, and ensure site-wide adherence to quality standards.
• Partner with Purchasing to define supplier/vendor quality requirements and oversee resolution of failures with corrective and preventive measures.
• Serve as a key liaison with customers to ensure compliance with specifications and resolve quality issues.
• Lead and maintain quality inspection and product release programs for incoming materials, in-process work, and finished goods.
• Oversee internal and external reporting requirements, including compliance with regulatory standards.
• Recommend, coordinate, and deliver employee quality training initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with national and international standards (e.g., ISO, ASTM, or other applicable standards).
• Directly supervise and develop Quality Engineers, Field Technicians, and Quality Technicians.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or equivalent technical field.
• Minimum 5 years of Quality Assurance experience in a consumer product manufacturing environment; experience with fabricated steel products preferred.
• Strong hands-on experience in both manufacturing and field service activities.
• Proven track record collaborating with contract manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, and customers.
• Demonstrated leadership with excellent written and verbal communication skills, including executive-level reporting.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Experience with quality management systems and quality audits.
• Experience in Lean Manufacturing projects; Lean/Six Sigma certification preferred.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally (up to 10%).