Quality Manager – North America – Job Description
Valtech Corporation is a rapidly growing global specialty chemical and materials company seeking an experienced quality manager to support our two North American manufacturing facilities located in Southeastern Pennsylvania. Our operations are involved with the manufacture of aqueous detergents and coolants as well as specialty adhesives and precision molded and machined thermoset plastics. This position is based in our global headquarters in Pottstown, PA and will report directly to the CEO.
The Quality Manager is responsible for overseeing and maintaining the quality management system (QMS) within a specialty chemical manufacturing environment. This role ensures compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements while driving continuous improvement in product quality, process controls, and customer satisfaction. The Quality Manager will lead quality control technicians, ensure effective laboratory operations, and collaborate closely with R&D, production, and supply chain teams to achieve company-wide quality objectives.
Key Responsibilities:
- Quality Management System (QMS) Oversight:
- Manage and maintain the QMS in compliance with ISO 9001, 14001, or other relevant standards.
- Lead internal audits, manage corrective and preventive actions (CAPA), and prepare for external audits or certifications.
- Develop and update quality policies, procedures, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
2. Product Quality and Process Control:
- Oversee inspection and testing of raw materials, intermediates, and finished products to ensure compliance with internal and customer specifications.
- Collaborate with production to define process control limits and monitor process capability (Cp/Cpk) metrics.
- Investigate and resolve product quality issues, working cross-functionally to implement root cause analysis and corrective actions.
- Management of Facilities Calibration program ensuring all instruments and measurement devices are calibrated according to established policies and procedures.
- Ensure quality control laboratories are maintained in accordance with good work practices and all analysis is properly documented in established data systems.
3. Regulatory Compliance:
- Ensure that products and processes comply with relevant industry standards, including REACH, OSHA, FDA, or other applicable regulations for specialty chemicals.
- Stay current with regulatory changes and guide the company in maintaining compliance.
4. Supplier and Customer Quality Management:
- Manage supplier qualification and performance by conducting audits, reviewing supplier documentation, and collaborating with procurement.
- Act as the primary quality contact for customers, handling quality complaints, non-conformances, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Lead customer audits and work to maintain high customer satisfaction through quality assurance.
5. Continuous Improvement:
- Drive a culture of continuous improvement using methodologies such as Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, or other quality improvement frameworks.
- Analyze data and trends from production, lab results, and customer feedback to identify improvement opportunities.
- Lead projects aimed at reducing defects, improving yield, and enhancing product consistency.
6 Leadership & Development:
- Develop staff competency in quality management, statistical process control (SPC), and problem-solving techniques.
- Foster a team-based approach to resolving quality issues and improving overall operational efficiency.
Position Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field. Advanced degree or certification (e.g., Six Sigma Black Belt, ASQ Certified Quality Engineer) preferred.
- Minimum 5 years of experience in quality management in a chemical manufacturing environment.
- Experience with adhesive testing methods including operation of Instron equipment is preferred.
- Strong knowledge of quality management systems (ISO 9001, 14001), regulatory compliance (REACH, OSHA, etc.), and chemical manufacturing processes.
- Proficient in root cause analysis, SPC, and problem-solving tools such as FMEA, 8D, and CAPA.
- Experience with ERP/QMS software systems.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to work in a laboratory and manufacturing environment.
- Some travel may be required for supplier or customer site visits.
Benefits
- Competitive Salary
- Personalized Incentive Program
- Profit Sharing program
- Competitive Benefits
Valtech is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and other legally protected characteristics.
