Commitment and Career Growth * Comprehensive Benefits * Work-Life Balance * Community

At Nordic Ware we have a passion for creating innovative, high quality, American-made kitchenware. We benefit from a collaborative, connected, value-driven culture. For 75+ years our products have enhanced food preparation and brought people together at tables around the world. Our employees take pride in the products we make, and many choose a lifetime career here. Come join us!

As the Quality Assurance Manager, you will collaborate with our production departments and lead our Quality Assurance team, working together to perform internal, customer, and supplier quality checks, and ensure our products meet the customer's expectations.

What you will get to do:

Quality Assurance

• Serve as primary contact for Nordic Ware production, customer, and supplier for issues involving quality and process changes such as:
  • Reviewing drawings and critical dimensions.
  • Providing customer certifications.
  • Providing 1st article inspection and approval.
  • Initiating PPAPs (Pre-Production Approval Process).
  • Developing a Quality Packet, to include flow chart, Quality Plan, PFMEA (Process Failure Mode and Effect Analysis), dimensional data and statistical analysis, including process capability indices.
• Write, follow up, and maintain Corrective Action Reports (CARs).
• Write, follow up, and maintain Supplier Corrective Action Reports (SCARs).
• Write and work with Engineering to close Preventative Action Reports (PARs).
• Perform process validation, product testing, and returned product evaluations as required.
• Understand customer expectations of a product.
• Prepare reports by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing data.
• Report quality standard issues to upper management.
• Establish, maintain, and communicate acceptable quality standards for Production.
• Support management team with implementing and sustaining CI initiatives.

Nordic Ware Production Support

• Train production line management and staff in production quality practices.
• Perform quality assessment of goods for the purpose of achieving quality standards.
• Ensure products adhere to quality standards through auditing and monitoring production.
• Develop and implement methods to inspect, test, and evaluate products and production equipment for quality outcome.
• Perform detailed and recorded inspections of final products to ensure the products are up to industry and company standards.
• Track products through the manufacturing process to ensure each part of the process is correct.
• Review quality performance with Department Managers, Supervisors and Administration.
• Identify production that does not meet standards and provide support to determine root cause.
• Track monthly quality performance for all manufacturing departments.
• Monitor and evaluate internal production processes to achieve the appropriate product standard.
• Monitor the quality of raw materials that are used in production.
• Identify, implement, and / or validate, process improvements as directed.
• Monitor Return to Vendor (RTV).
• Participate in customer audits to ensure products meet quality standards for large retail customers.

Industrial Coatings Support

• Maintain Quality Manuals for Industrial Coatings division.
• Perform Internal Audits / Reviews.
• Participate in customer audits to meet stringent quality standards in Medical Device, Aerospace, and other customers.
• Maintain records that meet requirements for customers in Medical Device, Aerospace and other industries.
• Maintain production samples & product retains.

QA Departmental Management

• Manage Quality Assurance department to include hiring, training, assigning work, managing performance, compensation recommendations, employee recognition, and providing a safe working environment.
• Maintain and update QA systems and documentation, including Quality Manuals and product guides.
• Develop, purchase, and assist in Quality training identified by Management.
• Assure calibration of measuring equipment is performed per Quality procedures.
• Identify and purchase inspection equipment as needed.
• Perform Quality Assurance Technician duties as necessary.
• Develop quality control processes.
• Perform other duties as required.

What we are looking for in you:

• Degree in Business Administration or relevant field preferred
• Five (5+) plus years of experience in Consumer Product Quality Assurance or in a related field
• Five (5+) plus years of experience in a leadership role
• Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence (CMQ/OE) from the American Society for Quality (ASQ) or ASQ certified Quality Technician is preferred
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes
• Knowledge of continuous improvement methodologies, such as Lean, Six Sigma, and Theory of Constraints
• Excellent attention to detail, analytical and organizational skills
• Excellent verbal/written communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to build strong working relationships with production employees, management, customers, and suppliers.
• High desire to achieve goals and complete projects in a timely manner
• Resourcefulness and ability to think creatively to find solutions
• Strong mathematical/statistical aptitude with good data analysis skills
• Ability to read designs, drawings or blueprints
• Experience using Metrological hand tools (micrometers, calipers, steel rules, microscopes, laser micrometer, thickness testers, etc.)
• Familiarity with health and safety regulations
• Good computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Word, Excel, Access, and Power Point
• Formalized training in SPC preferred

This position is a regular full-time position located in our corporate headquarters in Saint Louis Park, Minnesota.

About Us:

Nordic Ware is a leading manufacturer of high quality and innovative kitchenware products. By designing products of superior value, producing them in the United States whenever possible, and marketing them worldwide, we enrich people's lives by adding utility, convenience and enjoyment to the preparation of food.

We strive to offer attentive service that exceeds our customers' expectations, to produce environmentally sound products, and to provide a safe and rewarding work experience for our employees.

We recognize that a growing return on our efforts and investments is essential to maintain our leadership position. We are committed to ethical conduct in all matters and to earning the trust and confidence of our customers, suppliers, employees and of our community.

We value our employees and offer a competitive compensation and benefits package including Bonuses, Medical, Dental, Vision, Health and Wellness Programs (including onsite Pickleball and Yoga, HSA with employer contributions and the new Nice Healthcare), Short and Long-Term Disability, Basic Life and AD&D, Voluntary Life, Dependent Care FSA, Legal Plan Coverage, Paid Time Off, PTO buy and sell opportunity, Paid Holidays, 401(k) Match, Career Development including Tuition Reimbursement, Generous Employee Discount, Performance Based Pay, Weekly Paychecks.

Nordic Ware is an Equal Opportunity Employer