Quality Assurance Manager

Napoleon•Barrie, ON

34d•Onsite

About The Position

The Quality Assurance Manager is responsible for leading and overseeing Quality Assurance operations at the Barrie, Ontario production facilities, ensuring that products, processes, and systems consistently meet internal standards, regulatory requirements, and customer expectations. This role has direct accountability for the effective execution of quality assurance activities across manufacturing operations, new product introduction, supplier quality, and nonconformance management. The Quality Assurance Manager leads, develops, and performance‑manages a team of Quality Assurance professionals, providing clear direction, ongoing feedback, and technical leadership to support daily operations and continuous improvement initiatives. The role ensures robust quality support to manufacturing by driving effective problem resolution, material review board activities, corrective and preventive actions, and rework containment, while partnering cross‑functionally with Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain, and other stakeholders. In addition, this role is responsible for ensuring ongoing compliance with internal Integrated Management System (IMS), and applicable regulatory and certification requirements, including planning for, coordinating, and participating in third‑party audits related to product certifications. The Quality Assurance Manager is expected to use data, metrics, and risk‑based thinking to proactively identify opportunities to improve product quality, reduce cost of quality, and strengthen overall quality system performance at the site(s).

Requirements

Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in a manufacturing environment, including hands on involvement with quality assurance, product and process control, and cross-functional problem resolution.
Minimum 5–7 years of experience in a leadership or supervisory role, with demonstrated responsibility for team development, performance management, and day to day quality decision making.
Advanced level of computer skills (Microsoft products).
Strong mechanical aptitude with the ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and inspection criteria.
Working knowledge of quality tools and methodologies, including root cause analysis, corrective action processes, FMEA, and structured problem solving approaches.
Demonstrated ability to analyze quality data and metrics to identify trends, assess risk, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
Proficiency with computer based systems and tools, including ERP workflows, reporting tools, and standard Microsoft applications.
Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively across all organizational levels in a fast paced manufacturing environment.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Quality, Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related technical discipline is preferred.
A technical diploma combined with significant, progressive experience in manufacturing quality leadership will be considered.
Professional quality certifications such as ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) or Certified Manager of Quality / Organizational Excellence (CMQ/OE) are strongly preferred.
Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or equivalent continuous improvement training or certification is considered an asset.
Knowledge and use of Power BI and AI tools is preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead and manage Quality Assurance operations at the Barrie manufacturing facilities, providing clear direction, priorities, and technical leadership to the Quality Assurance team. Coach, mentor, and performance manage direct reports to ensure consistent execution of quality objectives, capability development, and succession readiness.
Provide proactive quality leadership to manufacturing operations through hands on support of daily production activities, rapid response to quality issues, and close collaboration with Operations and Engineering to ensure product and process requirements are met.
Own the management of nonconforming materials and quality events, including quality alerts, concessions, containment actions, material review board (MRB) activities, and rework coordination. Lead root cause analysis efforts and drives the implementation, verification, and effectiveness of corrective and preventive actions.
Supports new product introduction activities by ensuring quality requirements, inspection criteria, and control plans are defined, understood, and executed, contributing to successful product launches and early detection of quality risks.
Oversee supplier related quality issues, including returned material evaluation and monitoring of supplier performance concerns. Coordinate investigations and corrective actions in collaboration with Material Planners, Purchasing, and external suppliers as required.
Monitor and analyze quality performance data and metrics to identify trends, assess risk, and prioritize continuous improvement initiatives. Drive actions focused on defect reduction, scrap and rework minimization, and overall cost of quality improvement.
Plan for, coordinate, and participate in third party and regulatory audits related to product certifications. Ensure ongoing audit readiness, timely completion of corrective actions, and sustained compliance with applicable standards and regulatory requirements.
Partner effectively with Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain, Customer Solutions, and other stakeholders to resolve quality issues, communicate quality risks, and align quality priorities and improvement initiatives.
Promote a culture of quality, accountability, and risk based thinking across the manufacturing site by reinforcing standards, expectations, and continuous improvement practices.
Lead or support additional quality assurance–related initiatives and technical projects as required to support manufacturing performance, regulatory compliance, customer satisfaction, and continuous improvement objectives.

Benefits

Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and life insurance coverage – 100% of premiums paid by the Company!
Long Term Disability Protection
Well-being support programs and virtual medical visits
Employee & Family Assistance Program for mental health and well-being (EAP)
Training Allowance and continuous learning opportunities and programs
Leadership development and mentorship programs
Clear pathways for advancement
Appreciation events, raffles, and team building activities
Napoleon Cares – A fund sponsored by Associates to help Associates in times of need
Competitive total compensation package, inclusive of bonus opportunity
Retirement savings plan with matching Company contributions (RRSP/DPSP)
Exclusive Associate discounts on our award-winning products