The Senior Quality Manager plays a pivotal role in ensuring that all company products not only meet customer expectations but also adhere to relevant certifications and standards. This role involves maintaining an effective quality management system for the business unit, leading the quality team, and advocating for customer satisfaction. The Senior Quality Manager is responsible for meeting overall quality goals and achieving or surpassing internal performance metrics on a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis. They collaborate with Manufacturing and Engineering leadership to minimize the Cost of Poor Quality (COPQ) and drive continuous process improvements to align quality with financial objectives.
Key Responsibilities:
· Lead efforts to maintain ISO9001 and AS9100D certifications, including coordinating successful surveillance and recertification audits with third-party registrars. Manage internal audits to ensure compliance and drive corrective actions as needed.
· Review and validate quality-related requirements for customer Purchase Orders and contracts.
· Analyze MIL-Spec or applicable industry standards to ensure appropriate testing and inspection methodologies are used for product compliance.
· Approve Engineering Change Notices (ECNs) for released products, ensuring adherence to quality standards and customer requirements.
· Oversee Incoming, In-Process, and Finished Goods inspection personnel, criteria, standards, and processes.
· Develop and uphold standards for supplier quality, including performance scorecards, Certificates of Compliance, and acceptable supplier performance metrics.
· Lead Material Review Board (MRB) activities, ensuring timely decisions and dispositions for materials from suppliers and those manufactured by Client.
· Oversee the preparation of First Article Inspection Reports (FAIRs) and other qualification and test data submissions required by customers.
· Conduct root cause analysis for customer or internally identified failures using techniques such as 8D, Fishbone, and 5 Whys, and implement sustainable solutions to prevent recurring issues.
· Act as a coach and motivator for staff, setting goals and fostering a culture of achievement and recognition.
· Collaborate with Manufacturing, Engineering, and Sales teams, engaging positively to achieve common objectives and ensure customer satisfaction.
· Bachelor’s degree in a technical or related field, or equivalent quality management experience required. ASQ certification or Six Sigma certification is a plus.
· Minimum of 10 years of experience in the quality field, with at least five years in a decision-making position with authority over projects/processes. Experience in a supervisory role with a focus on coaching and collaboration with other functional leaders is strongly preferred.
· Strong leadership and management skills. Experience managing multiple projects and meeting deadlines. In-depth familiarity with AS9100D and ISO9100:2015, and experience with DoD end customers, FAR clauses, and DCMA inspection and approval processes is a plus.
