Quality Manager

J L CLARK INC

Rockford, IL

Pay: $100,000-$120,000/yr

Shift: Full time

**POSITION SUMMARY:**

The Quality Manager (QM) manages all quality functions for the manufacturing organization. The QM reports directly to the Sr. Director of Operations and implements and manages the company quality vision, strategy, and goals to ensure the quality objectives are met. They must have excellent communication skills with both internal and external organizations and customers. The QM must have a tenacious attitude for achieving excellence in customer satisfaction, process and product quality and reliability.

The Quality Manager must be able to effectively advise on management of process performance issues in the plant. Good personal interactive skills are essential for the training and coaching of plant hourly and management teams is critical. Analytical skills must be highly developed with the ability to objectively evaluate data and perform statistical analysis. They must have the ability to interact with corporate engineering and customers concerning quality process capability. Technical writing skills provide an advantage in report development and team progress documentation.

**PRIMARY DUTIES****:**

• Manages the overall performance of the quality department team. Responsible for hiring, retaining, motivating, and training the team to ensure the team performs at its highest level.
• Follows corporate guidelines for quality related business metrics such as return rates, product reliability data warranty data, and product defect rates.
• Manages customer complaint response process.
• Manages HFI (Hold for Inspection) process in the plant.
• Manages the overall scope of any corporate quality compliance / certification program such as SQF food safety and quality.
• Monitors and reports high level quality and compliance data on an ongoing basis relative to product, component, customer, and supplier quality.
• Manages supplier audit programs and dock-to-stock process.
• Manages and monitors internal CAR process within the company.
• Manages and responds to quality issues with related groups such as engineering and customer support.
• Identified and plans for required data collection systems. Implements systems and system changes as required.
• Writes quality procedures as required.
• Manages the development and implementation of any customer required quality assurance plans or data.
• Responds to customer required quality questions or surveys and manages customer and supplier satisfaction assessments through surveys, interviews, and meetings.

**TECHNICAL SUPPORT TO MANAGEMENT TEAM**

• Provide statistical analysis and reporting of plant manufacturing performance to identify trends, evaluate process effectiveness, and support data-driven decision-making.
• Analyze operational and quality performance data to assist management in prioritizing resources, equipment maintenance, repairs, and process improvement initiatives.
• Participate in customer, supplier, regulatory, and third-party audits, providing supporting documentation, process performance analysis, and corrective action recommendations.
• Ensure compliance with applicable product safety, food safety, regulatory, and customer requirements.
• Oversee the implementation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of food safety programs, including Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI)-recognized standards.
• Train and coach production personnel in the application of Statistical Process Control (SPC) techniques to monitor processes, identify variations, and maintain product quality.
• Conduct gauge and process capability analyses to evaluate manufacturing performance, measurement system reliability, and opportunities for improvement.
• Establish, monitor, and support gauge calibration and maintenance programs to ensure measurement accuracy and compliance with quality standards.
• Lead and support the development, implementation, and ongoing review of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and associated employee training programs.
• Collaborate with Quality Technicians and other technical personnel to implement, maintain, and improve quality monitoring systems, software, and related network applications.
• Facilitate cross-functional team meetings, promote effective communication, and encourage collaboration to achieve operational and quality objectives.
• Manage and coordinate plant process certification activities, ensuring compliance with established standards and customer requirements.
• Oversee the maintenance, accuracy, and integrity of quality management systems, records, and supporting documentation.
• Actively participate in plant leadership meetings, steering committees, and continuous improvement initiatives, providing quality-related insights and recommendations.
• Lead or participate in SOP development teams to ensure procedures are standardized, current, and aligned with operational requirements.
• Oversee document control processes, ensu