Job Title: QA/QC Manager

Job Summary:

The QA/QC Manager is responsible for overseeing the quality assurance and quality control processes across all stages of production or service delivery, ensuring that products and services meet the highest quality standards and customer specifications. This role involves managing a team of QA/QC professionals, developing and maintaining quality management systems (QMS), performing audits, and ensuring compliance with industry standards, regulatory requirements, and company policies. The QA/QC Manager will work closely with other departments, such as production, engineering, and supply chain, to improve product quality, streamline operations, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Quality Management System (QMS) Development and Implementation:

   • Develop, implement, and continuously improve the organization’s Quality Management System (QMS) to ensure compliance with industry standards (e.g., ISO 9001, ISO 14001).
   • Ensure that quality standards are integrated into every aspect of the production and service processes.
   • Oversee the establishment of key quality control measures, including testing procedures, process specifications, and quality assurance protocols.

2. Team Leadership and Development:

   • Lead, manage, and motivate a team of QA/QC professionals, including inspectors, technicians, and auditors, to ensure adherence to quality standards.
   • Set clear goals for the QA/QC team, conduct regular performance reviews, and provide ongoing feedback, guidance, and training to enhance team capabilities.
   • Foster a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration, and accountability within the quality team.
   • Ensure that the team remains up-to-date with industry trends, new technologies, and changes in regulations.

3. Quality Audits and Inspections:

   • Oversee the scheduling and execution of internal and external quality audits, ensuring compliance with quality policies and regulatory requirements.
   • Ensure that all quality inspections are conducted thoroughly and that findings are documented accurately.
   • Address non-conformances identified during audits and inspections, ensuring appropriate corrective and preventive actions are taken.
   • Manage third-party audits and supplier audits, ensuring that suppliers meet company quality standards.

4. Continuous Improvement Initiatives:

   • Lead continuous improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing product quality, reducing defects, and improving overall operational efficiency.
   • Use tools such as Six Sigma, Lean, FMEA (Failure Modes and Effects Analysis), and root cause analysis to identify opportunities for process optimization.
   • Collaborate with cross-functional teams (production, engineering, supply chain) to implement improvements and track results.
   • Monitor and measure quality performance, report on key quality metrics, and make recommendations for improvements to senior management.

5. Non-Conformance Management and Corrective Actions:

   • Manage the identification, documentation, and resolution of non-conformances, ensuring that corrective actions are effective and sustainable.
   • Develop and oversee the Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA) process, ensuring that issues are addressed promptly and that appropriate actions are implemented to prevent recurrence.
   • Review quality reports and perform trend analysis to identify patterns in non-conformance and resolve underlying issues.

6. Customer and Supplier Interaction:

   • Serve as the primary point of contact for customer quality concerns, addressing product quality issues, providing technical support, and ensuring customer satisfaction.
   • Collaborate with suppliers and vendors to ensure the delivery of quality materials and components that meet the organization’s specifications.
   • Work with the customer service and sales teams to address customer feedback regarding product quality and ensure appropriate resolutions are made.

7. Regulatory Compliance and Documentation:

   • Ensure compliance with industry-specific regulatory standards (e.g., FDA, CE, or other certifications) and maintain relevant certifications for products and processes.
   • Oversee the creation and maintenance of documentation for quality procedures, inspection reports, and certifications.
   • Ensure that all products and processes comply with safety and environmental regulations and that proper documentation is submitted for audits and inspections.

8. Training and Education:

   • Ensure that all employees, especially those in quality roles, are adequately trained in quality control procedures, tools, and compliance requirements.
   • Lead training sessions and workshops on quality management principles, quality tools, and best practices.
   • Develop and implement onboarding programs for new QA/QC staff, ensuring they understand the company’s quality objectives and processes.

9. Budget and Resource Management:

   • Manage the QA/QC department’s budget, ensuring that resources are used effectively and efficiently to meet quality goals.
   • Ensure that the quality team has the necessary tools, equipment, and software to perform their duties effectively.
   • Monitor resource allocation and make recommendations for additional investments in quality management tools or systems as needed.

Skills and Knowledge Required:

• Extensive experience in quality assurance, quality control, and quality management systems in manufacturing or production environments.
• Strong knowledge of quality tools and methodologies, including Six Sigma, Lean, SPC (Statistical Process Control), FMEA, root cause analysis, and process improvement techniques.
• Experience in managing audits, inspections, and certification processes, with a deep understanding of ISO 9001, ISO 14001, or other relevant industry standards.
• Ability to interpret technical specifications, blueprints, and drawings, and ensure product compliance with these specifications.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with a proven ability to manage teams and work cross-functionally with other departments.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills, with the ability to resolve complex quality issues.
• Knowledge of regulatory compliance requirements (e.g., FDA, CE) and industry-specific safety and environmental regulations.
• Proficiency in quality management software (e.g., SAP, Minitab) and Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Educational Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality Management, Manufacturing, or a related technical field.
• Quality-related certifications such as Six Sigma Black Belt, ISO 9001 Lead Auditor, or similar certifications are highly preferred.

Experience:

• 5+ years of experience in QA/QC management, quality assurance, or a related field, with a proven track record of managing quality programs and teams.
• Significant experience in implementing and maintaining quality management systems and leading quality audits and inspections.
• Experience in cross-functional collaboration with production, engineering, and other departments to improve quality processes.

Tools and Technologies:

• Proficiency with quality management software (e.g., SAP, Minitab, QMS tools).
• Familiarity with statistical analysis tools and methods for data-driven decision-making.
• Experience with measurement and testing equipment used for quality inspection (e.g., micrometers, calipers, and other precision measuring tools).

Other Requirements:

• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to lead teams and interact effectively with senior management, clients, and vendors.
• Willingness to travel for audits, site visits, and client meetings as required.