Quality Manager-McKenzie, TN

About the role

We are seeking an experienced Quality Manager to lead product quality and reliability for a metal fabrication plant producing steel doors and frames for high-rated applications. This role combines management responsibilities with hands-on Quality Manager activities, including active shop-floor engagement, rapid issue containment, disciplined root-cause analysis, and verification.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and sustain the plant Quality system and procedures tailored to rated steel doors and frames.
• Maintain a regular visible presence on the shop floor (Gemba), actively engaging with operators and supervisors to identify and resolve quality issues in real time.
• Partner closely with production and operations leadership to prevent and resolve production quality issues and integrate quality requirements into daily operations.
• Lead containment and corrective actions for non-conforming material; implement, verify, and close CAPA.
• Drive root-cause analysis using structured tools (8D, 5 Whys, fishbone, PFMEA, A3) and ensure robust verification and prevention plans.
• Provide SPC support and training; implement control charts and process capability monitoring for critical fabrication, welding, and finishing processes.
• Oversee receiving inspection, in-process and final inspections, first-article inspections/FAI, gage calibration, and MSA (including gage R&R).
• Support weld inspection, dimensional tolerance control, hardware preparation, coatings/finishing inspection, and other critical checks specific to rated product production.
• Develop and maintain control plans, inspection criteria, and process validations required for rated applications and customer specifications.
• Manage supplier quality for purchased components (hinges, hardware, gasketing, glazing), including incoming inspection and supplier corrective actions.
• Lead quality projects to documented completion, track metrics, and report status to Plant Manager and leadership.
• Drive continuous improvement and lean initiatives to eliminate waste, increase throughput, and maintain product integrity; apply structured change management to sustain improvements.
• Manage internal quality audits and ensure compliance with applicable standards for rated products.
• Act as customer/supplier liaison on quality matters; support field issues, claims, or investigations when required.
• Coach, develop, and lead the quality team; deliver hands-on training and mentoring to production personnel.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in a manufacturing environment leading quality or engineering functions with demonstrated hands-on shop-floor experience.
• Direct experience in metal fabrication preferred; experience with steel doors, frames, or similar rated metal products strongly preferred.
• Practical knowledge of root-cause analysis, SPC, MSA (gage R&R), PFMEA, control plans, and CAPA systems.
• Familiarity with inspection requirements for welded assemblies, dimensional tolerances, coatings/finishes, and hardware integration.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and project management skills.
• Excellent written, oral communication, and interpersonal skills; effective at influencing across organizational levels.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint); preferred experience with Power BI.
• Ability to travel up to 10% of the time.

Preferred Qualifications

• Leverage of Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement certification/experience.
• Familiarity with SDI and associated standards.
• Demonstrated ability in prior roles to use A3 problem-solving to drive root-cause analysis and achieve long-term problem resolution.

Core Competencies

• Hands-on problem solver who actively engages on the shop floor and with operations.
• Proactive change agent with a bias for measurable improvement.
• Ability to work effectively in high-pressure, fast-paced environments.
• Team-builder with strong interpersonal skills and ability to influence without direct authority.
• Customer-focused with commitment to product integrity and on-time delivery.