Manufacturing Quality Manager

Quality Manager

Location: Lawrence, MA
Pay: $80,000–$115,000 annually + discretionary annual bonus
Schedule: Monday–Friday, 7:30 AM–4:00 PM, with some flexibility
Employment Type: Permanent, Direct Hire
Work Environment: 100% Onsite

Position Summary

The Quality Manager is responsible for leading quality initiatives within a manufacturing environment by developing, implementing, and managing systems that support continuous improvement, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence.

This is a hands-on leadership position requiring someone who is comfortable working closely with production and being actively involved in day-to-day quality operations. The ideal candidate will have a positive attitude, be open to learning, collaborate effectively across departments, and take a practical approach to identifying and resolving quality issues.

The Quality Manager will oversee the Quality Management System (QMS), ensure compliance with ISO 9001:2015 and other applicable standards, lead audits and corrective actions, drive continuous improvement initiatives, and supervise quality personnel.

A bachelor’s degree in Quality Management, Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related technical field is preferred but not strictly required. Candidates with strong, relevant quality and manufacturing experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, maintain, and continuously improve the Quality Management System (QMS) in accordance with ISO 9001:2015 and applicable regulatory standards.
• Coordinate and lead internal, customer, and third-party audits, including responses to findings and implementation of corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on reducing waste, defects, process variation, scrap, and rework.
• Utilize Lean, Six Sigma, root cause analysis, and other problem-solving methodologies to improve quality and operational performance.
• Maintain quality documentation, including procedures, work instructions, forms, records, training documentation, and compliance reports.
• Supervise, mentor, and support quality personnel, including inspectors and technicians.
• Partner closely with production, engineering, supply chain, and customer service teams to investigate and resolve quality concerns.
• Develop and deliver training related to quality standards, inspection techniques, regulatory requirements, procedures, and continuous improvement tools.
• Manage supplier quality performance, including supplier audits, approvals, corrective actions, and ongoing performance monitoring.
• Support First Article Inspections (FAI) and Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) activities for new components and suppliers.
• Monitor and reduce the Cost of Poor Quality (COPQ) through root cause analysis, corrective actions, and preventive strategies.
• Identify opportunities to reduce costs associated with scrap, rework, warranty claims, and product returns.
• Develop quality metrics and reports to identify trends, measure performance, and support data-driven decision-making.
• Periodically provide quality support for later production operations when necessary. This is expected to be infrequent.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of quality experience within a manufacturing environment, including at least 2 years in a leadership capacity.
• Bachelor’s degree in Quality Management, Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related technical discipline preferred; relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Strong knowledge of ISO 9001 and Quality Management Systems.
• Experience implementing, maintaining, or improving a QMS.
• Strong experience with internal, customer, and third-party audits.
• Knowledge of CAPA, root cause analysis, Lean, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience with supplier quality, FAI, and PPAP processes.
• Familiarity with COPQ metrics, audit planning, and quality performance measurement.
• Experience developing and delivering quality-related training.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with production employees, leadership, suppliers, auditors, and other cross-functional stakeholders.
• Hands-on leadership style with a willingness to work directly with manufacturing operations.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, basic life, AD&D, and disability insurance available from day one.
• 401(k) with company match, including Roth and Traditional options.