Quality Manager

J L CLARK INC•Rockford, IL

6d•$100,000 - $120,000

About The Position

The Quality Manager manages all quality functions for the manufacturing organization and reports directly to the Sr. Director of Operations. The role implements and manages the company’s quality vision, strategy, and goals to ensure quality objectives are met. It requires strong communication and analytical skills, a focus on customer satisfaction and product and process quality, and the ability to advise on plant process performance issues and train and coach hourly and management teams. The Quality Manager leads the quality department team and oversees quality metrics, customer complaint responses, hold-for-inspection processes, corporate quality compliance and certification programs, supplier audits, corrective action processes, quality data systems, procedures, and customer quality plans and assessments. The role also provides statistical and operational analysis to management; supports audits and regulatory compliance; oversees food safety programs, gauge calibration, document control, and quality management systems; and leads continuous improvement and cross-functional collaboration. The position supervises Quality Auditors and Quality Technicians.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science degree in Quality Management, Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related technical discipline.
Five to seven years of progressive quality assurance or quality management experience in a manufacturing environment, including operational and leadership responsibilities.
Demonstrated experience in quality assurance and quality management.
Knowledge of food safety standards, quality systems, and applicable regulatory requirements.
Formal training and demonstrated knowledge of SPC, quality control methodologies, and quality management systems.
Strong understanding of gauge capability studies, process capability analysis, and SPC.
Experience applying advanced statistical tools and analytical techniques to evaluate processes, identify trends, and drive continuous improvement.
Proficiency with statistical analysis software such as SAS JMP or equivalent applications.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook) and experience working with MRP/ERP systems.
Strong project management skills, including planning, coordinating, executing, and monitoring multiple initiatives.
Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate across departments and organizational levels.
Demonstrated leadership skills, including the ability to plan, organize, motivate, and guide teams.
Strong analytical, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills, with a proactive approach to developing sustainable solutions.
Exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Demonstrated reliability, professionalism, and consistent work performance.
Ability to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Nice To Haves

Experience in the metal packaging industry or a related manufacturing environment.
Experience implementing, maintaining, and overseeing food safety and quality assurance programs, including GMP, HACCP, and GFSI-recognized standards.
Experience supporting regulatory compliance, internal and external audits, corrective and preventive actions, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Responsibilities

Manage the overall performance of the quality department team, including hiring, retaining, motivating, and training team members.
Monitor quality-related business metrics, including return rates, product reliability and warranty data, and product defect rates.
Manage customer complaint responses and the plant’s Hold for Inspection (HFI) process.
Manage corporate quality compliance and certification programs, such as SQF food safety and quality.
Monitor and report quality and compliance data related to products, components, customers, and suppliers.
Manage supplier audit programs and the dock-to-stock process.
Manage and monitor the company’s internal corrective action request (CAR) process.
Manage and respond to quality issues with engineering, customer support, and related groups.
Identify and plan required data collection systems, implement systems and changes, and write quality procedures as needed.
Manage customer-required quality assurance plans and data, respond to customer quality questions and surveys, and coordinate customer and supplier satisfaction assessments.
Provide statistical analysis and reporting of plant manufacturing performance to identify trends, evaluate process effectiveness, and support data-driven decisions.
Analyze operational and quality performance data to help management prioritize resources, equipment maintenance, repairs, and process improvements.
Participate in customer, supplier, regulatory, and third-party audits, providing documentation, process analysis, and corrective action recommendations.
Ensure compliance with applicable product safety, food safety, regulatory, and customer requirements.
Oversee implementation, maintenance, and improvement of food safety programs, including HACCP, GMP, and GFSI-recognized standards.
Train and coach production personnel in Statistical Process Control (SPC).
Conduct gauge and process capability analyses and establish, monitor, and support gauge calibration and maintenance programs.
Lead and support development, implementation, and review of SOPs and related employee training programs.
Collaborate with Quality Technicians and technical personnel to implement, maintain, and improve quality monitoring systems, software, and network applications.
Facilitate cross-functional team meetings and promote communication and collaboration toward operational and quality objectives.
Manage plant process certification activities and maintain quality management systems, records, and supporting documentation.
Participate in plant leadership meetings, steering committees, and continuous improvement initiatives, providing quality-related insights and recommendations.
Oversee document control and conduct or support plant and process performance audits, ensuring corrective actions are implemented.
Partner with plant leadership to promote quality, accountability, product safety, and continuous improvement.
Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work area; participate in and lead internal audits or meetings; and support continuous improvement efforts.
Provide guidance to new and existing team members and reinforce safe work practices.