Quality Assurance Manager

Your Opportunity is Here with HSM • Fort Smith, AR

35d • Onsite

About The Position

As the Quality Manager, you will lead all plant quality programs and activities while ensuring compliance with company standards, customer-specific requirements, and applicable industry regulations. HSM is a third-generation, privately held company founded in 1944, specializing in manufacturing components for various industries and designing automated production machinery. We foster a culture of teamwork, innovation, and shared success.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, or a related discipline; an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.
• At least five years of quality management experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Automotive manufacturing or automotive supplier experience strongly preferred.
• Experience managing customer-driven quality systems and coordinating quality activities across multiple teams or facilities.
• Strong working knowledge of ISO 9001, IATF 16949, and VDA 6.3.
• Experience with APQP, PPAP, FMEA, MSA, SPC, and Control Plan development.
• Demonstrated success leading customer-facing audits, readiness assessments, and corrective-action initiatives.
• Strong analytical and structured problem-solving skills.
• Ability to lead, coach, and develop quality professionals.
• Confident communication skills with the ability to work directly with customers, suppliers, operations teams, and senior leaders.
• Ability to influence cross-functional partners and turn quality expectations into practical, sustainable processes.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with JD Edwards, Minitab, CAD/CAM systems, or similar manufacturing and quality-analysis tools is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Lead, maintain, and continuously improve plant-level quality systems.
• Investigate nonconformances and oversee corrective and preventive actions using tools such as 8D and root cause corrective action.
• Manage APQP activities for new product launches, including sampling, validation, testing, and launch readiness.
• Review and approve PPAP submissions and related quality documentation.
• Ensure PFMEAs, Control Plans, MSA, SPC, and other core quality tools are properly implemented and maintained.
• Develop and track quality metrics, identify performance trends, and communicate results to plant and organizational leadership.
• Serve as the primary quality contact for customers and suppliers.
• Lead the resolution of customer complaints, field quality concerns, and warranty issues.
• Oversee supplier APQP, PPAP, corrective actions, and quality risk-mitigation efforts.
• Represent the facility during customer, internal, and third-party audits.
• Maintain compliance with ISO 9001, IATF 16949, and VDA 6.3 requirements.
• Champion Lean, 6S, and continuous improvement initiatives that reduce waste and strengthen quality performance.
• Mentor and develop the plant quality team while building accountability and quality ownership across departments.
• Partner closely with plant leadership, operations, and engineering to support operational excellence and successful product launches.

Benefits

• Affordable medical, dental, and vision insurance plans, including an innovative global healthcare option for qualified participants.
• 401(k) with company match, fully vested from day one.
• Competitive PTO: 3 Weeks of PTO + company paid holidays.
• On-Site Medical Clinics: Free for you and covered dependents.
• Teladoc: 24/7 access with no copay.
• Tuition reimbursement, professional development assistance and career growth opportunities.
• Discounts with HSM partners, including Dollywood Parks & Resort, Verizon Wireless, and more.

What This Job Offers

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