Quality Manager

Gates Corporation • Brandon, SD

13d • Onsite

About The Position

The Quality Manager provides leadership and direction for quality management across all phases of the manufacturing process, from raw materials to finished products. The role guides site quality initiatives, ensures product compliance, resolves customer and supplier quality concerns, and drives continuous improvement through root cause analysis and corrective actions.

The Quality Manager works closely with plant leadership, cross-functional teams, customers, and suppliers to establish quality standards, strengthen processes, and improve overall performance. The position is located at Gates' Brandon, South Dakota plant in the Sioux Falls metro area.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• At least 5 years of experience in a quality assurance manufacturing environment.
• At least 3 years of leadership or supervisory experience.
• Strong knowledge of automotive quality core tools, including APQP, PPAP, SPC, and MSA.
• Experience with quality problem-solving methodologies, including 5-Why, Fishbone Diagrams, Design of Experiments (DOE), and 8D.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to coach, develop, and motivate teams to achieve results.
• Results-oriented, with strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without current or future company sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

• A degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field.
• Experience with quality management and statistical analysis software, such as Minitab and SPC applications.
• Professional certifications such as Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), Certified Quality Manager (CQM), Certified Quality Auditor (CQA), or Six Sigma Black Belt.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute quality improvement initiatives across manufacturing operations to improve product quality, reduce defects, and meet key performance goals.
• Oversee investigations and resolution of customer, warranty, and supplier quality issues using root cause analysis and corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
• Partner with new product development and cross-functional teams to support Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP), minimize quality risks, and ensure successful product launches.
• Manage the Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) to ensure accurate and timely product qualifications.
• Lead internal quality audits and Layered Process Audits (LPA) to ensure compliance and identify improvement opportunities.
• Collaborate with suppliers to resolve quality concerns, improve incoming material inspections, and strengthen supplier performance.
• Identify gaps in quality control processes and implement improvements to reduce defects, waste, and the Cost of Poor Quality.
• Maintain and continuously improve the site's Quality Management System (QMS), ensuring compliance with applicable standards, including ISO 9001, IATF 16949, and API Q1.
• Oversee quality-related change management activities to ensure changes are properly implemented, validated, and effective.
• Provide direct leadership, coaching, and development to Quality Technicians and Quality Auditors, including performance management and succession planning.
• Partner with plant leadership, operations, corporate quality, and cross-functional teams to drive quality performance and achieve business objectives.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision insurance, and other voluntary benefit options.
• Benefits begin on the first day of the month immediately following the date of hire.
• Eligible for 3 weeks of paid vacation and 8 sick days.
• 11 paid holidays.
• 401(k) with company matching up to 6%.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Employee discounts.
• Relocation support is available for qualified candidates open to relocating to Brandon, SD, the Sioux Falls, SD metropolitan area, or surrounding area.

What This Job Offers

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