Quality Manager

Suzano Packaging • Pine Bluff, AR

4d • Onsite

About The Position

Suzano is expanding its operations in the U.S. and is seeking an experienced Quality Manager to lead our quality function at the paper manufacturing facility in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. This is a hands-on operational leadership role, requiring someone who can drive meaningful change on the shop floor while serving as a credible interface with customers. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in internal quality processes, statistical analysis, and problem-solving methodologies, combined with strong customer-facing communication skills and solid experience in pulp and paper, packaging, or extrusion environments.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical field. Equivalent hands-on experience in a qualifying role will be considered.
• Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in quality engineering or quality management, with significant time spent in operational/process-focused roles.
• Industry experience in pulp and paper, paper packaging, or extrusion is required.
• Prior experience managing or mentoring technical teams is strongly preferred.
• Proven track record applying quality improvement methodologies (A3, 5 Whys, FMEA, SPC, Gauge R&R/MSA) to achieve measurable results in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong statistical analysis skills with the ability to interpret data, identify patterns, and draw actionable conclusions.
• Hands-on experience with customer complaint management, from root cause analysis through resolution and financial reimbursement processes.
• Proficiency in SAP and advanced Microsoft Excel for quality data tracking, analysis, and reporting.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, able to navigate conversations with customers, production teams, peers, and senior leadership with equal credibility.

Nice To Haves

• ASQ certification (CQE, CQM, or equivalent) is a plus.
• Operational Mindset: A doer who thrives on the production floor and leads by example.
• Analytical Rigor: Ability to work with historical and real-time data to build baselines, identify opportunities, and measure the impact of quality initiatives.
• Customer Orientation: Confidence and technical depth to manage customer relationships directly, turning complaints into improvement drivers without losing credibility.
• Influence & Change Management: Skill in driving cultural and process change across cross-functional teams, even without direct authority.
• Versatility: Comfortable shifting between strategic analysis, team leadership, customer communication, and hands-on problem-solving as priorities demand.

Responsibilities

• Lead the implementation and continuous improvement of quality management tools and systems focused on process performance, defect reduction, and non-quality loss elimination.
• Drive a hands-on, operational approach to quality, working directly on the production floor alongside manufacturing teams to identify root causes and implement sustainable solutions.
• Apply structured problem-solving methodologies (A3, 5 Whys, FMEA, and similar tools) to address quality issues and document measurable outcomes.
• Leverage statistical analysis tools, including capability and repeatability studies (Gauge R&R), to assess the effectiveness of quality testing, optimize test frequency, and improve measurement accuracy across lab operations.
• Serve as the primary technical interface between the facility and external customers, managing the full complaint resolution cycle, from initial analysis through corrective action, reimbursement, and closure.
• Translate customer pain points into internal improvement initiatives, ensuring effective feedback loops between commercial relationships and production operations.
• Maintain and strengthen existing customer relationships built on technical credibility, providing reliable, data-driven responses to quality concerns.
• Analyze existing quality data to identify trends, build performance baselines, and drive targeted improvement initiatives.
• Develop and maintain quality metrics and dashboards to monitor KPIs, track progress against goals, and support data-driven decision-making at all levels.
• Present findings and recommendations clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders, including senior leadership and cross-functional peers.
• Lead, develop, and support a team.
• Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and operational excellence within the quality team.
• Partner with Production, Engineering, and other departments to align quality priorities with business objectives and influence change across the organization.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance: Multiple plan options with nationwide networks to support your physical health and preventive care.
• Life and AD&D Insurance: Company-paid basic coverage and optional plans to protect you and your loved ones.
• Disability Insurance: Short-term and long-term coverage to help protect your income in case of illness or injury.
• 401(k) Retirement Plan: Automatic enrollment with a generous company match to help you plan for the future.
• Health Savings Account (HSA) and Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA): Tax-advantaged accounts with company contributions to help manage healthcare expenses.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs): Options for healthcare, limited-purpose, and dependent care expenses.
• Voluntary Benefits: Additional protection through accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity insurance.

What This Job Offers

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