Plant Quality Manager

Sonoco • West Chicago, IL

1d • Onsite

About The Position

From a small family business to a multi-billion-dollar global company, Sonoco has been changing the face of products and packaging since 1899 — all while keeping the heart of “People Build Businesses” alive. Our talented people are at the core of our growth, constantly reinventing the Sonoco wheel with brilliant solutions every year. Today we are a world leader in global packaging solutions with diversified operations in over 34 countries. We're extremely proud of our portfolio of brands, our achievements in sustainability and industrialization and the groundbreaking work accomplished by our people. Reporting to the Market Quality Manager, the Plant Quality Manager leads all quality assurance and quality control functions in a high‑volume composite fiber can facility. The role oversees five Quality Technicians, ensuring raw materials meet specifications, processes run to target, and finished goods comply with customer and regulatory requirements. The position also owns site-level change control, data analysis, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, or related field preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing quality; experience with fiber, paperboard, or composite materials is a plus.
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing technical teams.
• Strong analytical skills with proficiency in data analysis and problem‑solving tools.
• Statistical analysis and critical thinking expertise.
• Working knowledge of SPC, control plans, GFSI product safety management, and quality systems.
• Proficiency in the following software: Word, Power Point, Excel, Visio, Share Point, SPS software & Minitab desired.
• Excellent communication and cross‑functional collaboration skills.

Nice To Haves

• ASQ Certification, Six Sigma Green Belt certification (preferred).
• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing quality; experience with fiber, paperboard, or composite materials is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Manage all elements of the Quality Management System, including corrective actions, supplier quality, customer complaints, audits, standard work, test methods, and process controls.
• Participate in, and lead, initiatives related to the Plant Steering Team as required.
• Produce plant quality scorecards and reports (VOC, CARs, SCARs, COAs, OTIF, SPC, losses, audits, and change control metrics).
• Lead, coach, schedule, and develop a team of five Quality Technicians. Set expectations, training plans, and performance metrics to drive accountability and proactive quality ownership.
• Serve as the primary plant representative for customer quality interactions.
• Oversee incoming material inspection, maintain specifications, and partner with suppliers to resolve nonconformances and drive corrective actions.
• Ensure products meet dimensional, structural, and visual specifications; support operators with real‑time troubleshooting and quality decisions.
• Own site change control and line validation; evaluate proposed changes for risk, capability, and customer impact.
• Maintain and improve control plans and testing protocols; ensure documentation accuracy.
• Analyze production, scrap, and test data to identify trends and improvement opportunities. Lead structured root‑cause investigations using tools such as 5 Why, Fishbone, and FMEA.
• Drive product and process improvements aligned with cost, quality, and efficiency goals, present performance metrics to site and divisional leadership.
• Manage ISO/GFSI product safety certification standards and keep the plant audit ready.
• Ensure compliance with environmental, health, and safety requirements.
• Support customer audits, complaint investigations, and corrective action responses; promote customer requirement awareness across the plant.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents, including FSA and HSA options
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Wellbeing tools and resources to support holistic health, including an Employee Assistance Program with a variety of services
• Paid time off and holidays to recreate, rejuvenate and care for the health of yourself and family
• Variety of company paid and voluntary employee-paid insurance plans including life, personal accident, and disability insurance
• Tuition reimbursement

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager