Manufacturing Quality Leader

Job Description Summary

The Manufacturing Quality Leader is responsible for driving a strategic shift from people-dependent quality systems to process- and equipment-driven excellence. This role operates at approximately 65% strategic and 35% tactical focus, leading the design and implementation of scalable, technology-enabled quality systems that embed quality directly into manufacturing processes. The leader will champion advanced tooling, AI, and digital solutions to reduce variability, improve reliability, and enable data-driven decision-making across operations.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership (65%)

• Develop and execute a multi-year quality transformation roadmap focused on process standardization, error-proofing, and automation.
• Transition quality systems from inspection-based and operator-dependent to engineered, process-controlled environments.
• Lead integration of advanced technologies including AI/ML, machine vision, predictive analytics, and digital quality management systems (QMS).
• Partner with operations, engineering, and supply chain to embed quality into product and process design (DFM, PFMEA, control plans).
• Establish enterprise-wide quality metrics aligned to business objectives (OEE, FPY, COPQ, defect escape rates).
• Drive a culture of proactive quality through standardized work, layered process audits, and digital accountability systems.
• Evaluate and implement smart equipment, inline inspection systems, and automated feedback loops to reduce human variability.
• Serve as a key advisor to executive leadership on quality strategy, risk mitigation, and operational excellence initiatives.

• Oversee daily quality operations including nonconformance management, root cause analysis (RCA), and corrective/preventive actions (CAPA).
• Lead cross-functional teams in structured problem-solving using Lean Six Sigma and advanced analytics.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory, customer, and internal quality standards.
• Implement and sustain digital dashboards and real-time performance monitoring systems.
• Mentor and develop quality and operations teams in process discipline, statistical methods, and digital tool adoption.
• Support new product introduction (NPI) with robust validation protocols and process capability assessments.

• Process over people: Reduce reliance on operator judgment through engineered controls and automation.
• Digital enablement: Leverage AI, IoT, and advanced analytics to predict, detect, and prevent defects.
• Embedded quality: Shift from end-of-line inspection to in-process quality assurance.
• Scalability: Build repeatable, standardized systems that support growth and multi-site deployment.
• Continuous improvement: Drive measurable gains in efficiency, cost reduction, and customer satisfaction.

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or related field
• 5+ years in manufacturing quality
• Deep knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, SPC, PFMEA, and control plan methodologies.
• Strong executive communication skills with ability to influence across all organizational levels.

• Reduction in Cost of Poor Quality (COPQ)
• Increase in First Pass Yield (FPY) and process capability (CpkCpk)
• Reduction in defect escape rates and customer complaints
• Adoption rate of digital quality tools and systems
• Measurable shift from reactive to predictive quality management