Quality Manager III

The Manager III, Quality leads the execution of quality strategy across multiple U.S. sites, driving a culture of continuous improvement and ensuring compliance with ISO and other regulatory standards. This role is responsible for the implementation, maintenance, and full ownership of the Quality Management System (QMS), while overseeing customer, supplier, and manufacturing quality to ensure consistent adherence to performance expectations. By monitoring key quality metrics and KPIs, the Manager identifies risks and negative trends and leads corrective and preventive actions to reduce defects and Cost of Poor Quality (COPQ). Serving as the primary point of contact for customer and supplier quality and contract performance issues, this position ensures effective communication, timely resolution, and strong stakeholder alignment. The role also includes leading and developing quality teams while collaborating with cross-functional partners to drive operational excellence and deliver sustained high-quality outcomes across all assigned sites. Process Leadership & Quality System Management - Primary contact for third-party, customer, and regulatory audits and inspections across all assigned sites - Leads Root Cause and Corrective Action (RCCA/CAPA) activities across manufacturing, supplier, and customer issues - Coordinates and manages all external audits, including ISO, customer, and regulatory audits - Leads implementation of management system standards (e.g., ISO 9001, AS9100, ISO 14001, ISO 17025, etc.) - Develops, implements, and maintains site Quality Management Systems (QMS) and Quality Management Review (QMR) reporting - Ensures alignment of site QMS with corporate quality requirements - Reviews contracts for quality-related requirements and compliance obligations - Develops and maintains quality control processes for program-level customer orders in accordance with contract requirements - Establishes, maintains, and improves quality systems including MRB processes, inspection procedures, and related documentation - Manages calibration systems for manufacturing equipment and inspection instruments - Overseas daily management of QA/QC staff across multiple shifts and sites - Implements and applies quality tools such as 8D, PPAP, PDCA, 5-Whys, JDI, and other structured problem-solving methods - Ensures maintenance of all quality records, test data, and compliance documentation - Utilizes ERP and PLM systems to track, document, and manage nonconformances (NCs), CAPAs, and quality activities Team Leadership, Training & Development - Hires, trains, and manages QC personnel across multiple sites and shifts - Provides coaching, mentoring, and development for Quality team members - Trains QC inspectors in inspection best practices and quality standards - Develops training programs focused on continuous improvement and cost reduction initiatives - Promotes a culture of accountability, quality ownership, and operational excellence Performance & Supplier Management - Leads execution of quality programs including incoming inspection, WIP inspection, final inspection, and specialized testing (e.g., ballistics testing) - Monitors incoming quality, WIP yield, and final inspection performance, including hands-on inspection support as needed - Maintains and improves supplier quality systems in collaboration with Supply Chain - Drives supplier corrective and preventive actions and supports supplier performance reviews and scorecards - Supports development and maintenance of approved supplier lists - Supports and facilitates customer and government audits as required - Maintains compliance with ITAR, FAR, and other applicable regulatory requirements - Serves as quality liaison for customer and supplier contract performance issues - Ensures responsiveness to internal and external stakeholders with a customer-focused approach Knowledge, Skills & Experience Requirements - Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering or related field - 10+ years of experience in manufacturing quality roles - 3+ years of management experience - Experience leading cost savings and continuous improvement initiatives - Strong understanding of ISO standards and Quality Management Systems (QMS) - Ability to read and interpret 2D/3D engineering drawings and specifications - Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook); statistical software experience preferred - Strong written and verbal communication skills - Excellent problem-solving skills with a collaborative team mindset - Hands-on experience with quality inspection activities - Strong project management capabilities - Ability to adapt to changing priorities and production schedules - Experience with standard measurement tools for inspection - Positive, proactive, and customer-focused attitude