Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Reporting relationships, work assignments, and work schedules may be subject to change in order to meet company needs and business requirements. Duties include:
- Quality Systems Management
- Develop, implement, and maintain the Quality Management System (QMS).
- Ensure compliance with internal quality standards, customer specifications, and regulatory requirements.
- Lead audits (internal and external) and oversee corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
- Inspection & Testing
- Oversee incoming material inspections, inprocess checks, and finished goods testing.
- Approve or reject raw materials and final products based on established standards.
- Maintain uptodate quality documentation and product specifications.
- Team Leadership & Training
- Supervise quality control technicians and inspectors.
- Provide training on quality procedures, defect identification, and corrective actions.
- Promote a qualityfirst culture across production and warehouse teams.
- Data & KPI Management
- Analyze quality data, trends, and root causes of defects.
- Collaborate with production, engineering, and supply chain to resolve quality issues.
- Present regular quality reports and dashboards to management.
- Continuous Improvement
- Lead or support Lean/Six Sigma and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Reduce waste, defects, and rework in pillow production processes.
- Enhance supplier quality performance through collaboration and audits.
Note: Additional responsibilities not listed here may be assigned at times.
EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:
- Bachelor’s degree in Quality Management, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
- At least 5 years of progressive experience in Quality Assurance or Quality Control within a manufacturing setting, ideally in textiles, soft goods, or consumer products.
- Familiarity with ISO standards and quality methodologies such as FMEA, SPC, and root cause analysis techniques (e.g., 5 Whys).
- Demonstrated leadership skills with experience managing quality teams and collaborating across departments.
- Lean or Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or higher) is preferred but not required.
- Experience in pillow manufacturing or related soft goods production is highly desirable.
LANGUAGE SKILLS:
Strong verbal and written communication skills are essential. The QA Manager must be able to:
- Read, analyze, and interpret technical documents such as product specifications, quality standards, safety regulations, and production reports.
- Write clear and concise reports, standard operating procedures (SOPs), inspection protocols, and corrective action plans.
- Effectively communicate quality expectations, findings, and procedures to team members at all levels—from line operators to senior management.
- Lead training sessions and quality meetings to explain complex issues in a clear, understandable manner.
- Document nonconformances and corrective actions with precision and professionalism.
MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:
Strong mathematical and analytical skills are essential for success in this role. The QA Manager must be able to:
- Collect and interpret numerical data related to quality metrics (e.g., defect rates, production yields, and weight tolerances).
- Perform basic to intermediate calculations, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, percentages, and ratios.
- Apply statistical methods to analyze process control data and identify trends or deviations.
- Use Statistical Process Control (SPC) tools and quality charts (e.g., control charts, Pareto analysis, histograms).
- Understand and interpret tolerances, variances, and specifications for materials and finished goods.
- Calculate sample sizes and conduct sampling plan evaluations (e.g., AQL Acceptable Quality Limit).
- Work with spreadsheet functions (e.g., formulas, pivot tables, conditional formatting) to track KPIs and generate quality reports.
A working knowledge of Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing principles, or similar process improvement methodologies is considered a plus.
COMPUTER SKILLS:
The QA Manager must be proficient with a variety of software platforms and digital tools to manage quality data, documentation, and communication effectively. Key computer skills include:
- Microsoft Office Suite: o Excel: Advanced skills for data analysis, trend charting, pivot tables, and formula development.
- Word: Documenting SOPs, inspection procedures, and audit findings. oPowerPoint: Creating quality presentations and training materials.
- Outlook: Professional communication and task scheduling.
- Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Systems:
Experience with ERP platforms such as SAP, NetSuite, Oracle, or similar to track production data, material usage, and quality holds.
- Quality Management Systems (QMS):
Use of digital QMS platforms for managing non-conformances, CAPAs, document control, and audit records.
- Statistical Analysis Tools (preferred):
Familiarity with tools like Minitab, JMP, or Excel-based SPC templates for performing root cause analysis and monitoring process capability.
- Inspection & Labeling Software:
Working knowledge of digital inspection forms, barcode scanning systems, or vision systems used in quality control.
- Document Management Tools:
Ability to organize, access, and maintain version-controlled documents using platforms like SharePoint, Google Drive, or internal systems.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
- Valid driver’s license (may be required for visiting suppliers or offsite audits)
- Eligibility to work in the United States without sponsorship