Illinois Tool Works

Quality Manager

Illinois Tool Works$90K — $120K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • BS/BA in Engineering, Quality Management, or related technical field; MBA preferred.
  • 10+ years in Quality Assurance, Quality Engineering, or Continuous Improvement, preferably in automotive.
  • Proficient in Quality KPIs and statistical analysis tools like Minitab.
  • Strong communication and influencing skills to partner with leadership.
  • Ability to manage a team while supporting cross-functional quality initiatives.

Responsibilities

  • Lead cross-functional teams in implementation of continuous improvement activities.
  • Deliver hands-on training to staff across all levels on quality management tools.
  • Oversee project steering committees to ensure quality standards are met.
  • Support process capability evaluations and defect reduction initiatives.
  • Manage product quality throughout its life cycle, from launch to obsolescence.

Benefits

  • Opportunity to work with a collaborative, cross-functional team.
  • Access to training and development programs for professional growth.
  • Engagement in innovative quality management practices.
  • Onsite work in a supportive corporate environment.
Full Job Description
Job Description:

JOB DESCRIPTION

Position Title: Quality Manager

Location: Mechanic Falls, Maine

Classification: Exempt

Reports to: MGR, Safety, Quality & Continuous Improvement

Date: June 2026

Position Summary:

As a key member of the Electro Static Technology team, a business within the Electrostatics Division, the Quality Manager reports directly to the MGR, Safety, Quality & Continuous Improvement and is responsible for providing day-to-day Quality support and is expected to be able to communicate status on process with colleagues, keep team members informed, and respond clearly to customer inquiries while maintaining positive and open relationships across all levels of the organization. The Quality Manager is expected to use good judgment and discretion with highly confidential business and is able to effectively manage time, prioritize work load, handle multiple tasks without close supervision, and consistently meet deadlines to meet the needs of our customers.

The position will be onsite full time and based out of the office in Mechanic Falls, Maine.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
• Lead cross-functional project teams to implement continuous improvement activities focused on standardizing the Quality Management System.
• Deliver practical, hands-on training to company personnel at all levels, using various ITW toolbox, Quality Assurance (QA), and continuous improvement concepts, tools, and methods.
• Lead quality project steering committees. Work with project leaders to communicate project scope, quality metrics, status, and results to the MGR of Safety, Quality and CI and or Business Unit Manager. Identify and escalate project roadblocks, as necessary.
• Ensure sustained process and product quality improvements by managing the efforts of direct reports creating, auditing, and maintaining documents such as work instructions, quality process maps, control plans, and standard work documents.
• Directly support process capability improvements and changes by providing technical quality support by managing department to complete process evaluations, Gauge R&R studies, capability analyses (Cp/Cpk), and defect reduction layouts.
• Apply a structured problem-solving mechanism, such as 8D, or 5-Why analysis to business and product non-conformances, driving to root causes and ensuring corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) are robust and sustained.
• Interface with quality and continuous improvement engineers at other ITW locations to share best practices, benchmark quality standards, and coordinate multi-site project efforts.
• Work effectively with and communicate well with employees at all levels of the company regarding quality performance data.
• Support all released products and manage product quality plans, deviation requests, and design change validations for the entire product life cycle (from launch through obsolescence).
• Assign quality engineering and inspection resources to business projects and maintain a risk-based system to evaluate the priority of quality initiatives.
• Ensure new designs meet acceptable quality, reliability, and testability standards by engaging closely with Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) and new product development team.
• Manage quality evaluation protocols for pilot builds (including PPAP generation) and provide critical feedback to design teams to maximize the reliability and first-pass yield of new products.
• Manage the development, maintaining, and improvement of quality documentation, calibration schedules for manufacturing equipment, and product testing/metrology methodologies.
• Manage the department to ensure the customer quality escalation process (RMA, customer complaints) of quality issues are investigated, resolved, and closed in an effective and timely manner.
• Partner with the supply chain team to manage vendor quality, execution of supplier audits, and take necessary actions based (EOL) notifications and component availability changes.
• Act as a process-driven leader with the ability to create, audit, and modify critical business quality processes to meet ever-changing market and compliance needs.
• Lead quality related activities with an absolute focus on safety, zero-defect quality, cost reduction, and operational efficiency.
• Exceptionally self-motivated and directed. Results-oriented. Sets high quality goals for personal and team accomplishment.
• Strong coach with the ability to hire, develop, and retain a diverse pipeline of great technical quality talent. Direct experience managing and developing a team of quality engineers, inspectors, or technicians.
• Excellent verbal, written, interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills with the ability to present quality performance metrics at all levels of the organization.
• Use 80/20 thinking to continuously analyze quality data, focusing on the critical few defects to reduce complexity and scrap costs in manufacturing.
• Perform any other quality-related duties as assigned by the MGR of Safety, Quality and CI.

People Leadership and Talent Development:
• Develop and lead quality professionals focused on, improving customer satisfaction metrics, and simplifying business processes.
• Ensure the ITW Toolbox, 80/20 culture, and a data-driven quality mindset are fully embedded within the quality team.
• Identify, lead, and develop quality talent to maximize individual, team and organizational effectiveness in meeting zero-defect company goals. This includes selecting and onboarding talent, fostering a culture of compliance engagement, cascading quality visions, creating goal alignment, and coaching through feedback and performance management.
• Use personal influence skills rather than position power to persuade teams and gain cross-functional support for quality initiatives.
• Champion the effective use of change management principles, strategies, and techniques to plan, implement, and evaluate quality process modifications.
• Build a strong pipeline of quality talent to ensure a diverse, high-performing organization.
• Use appropriate interpersonal styles and techniques to gain acceptance of quality plans, coaching through feedback, development planning, and performance management.
• Identify, develop, and monitor individual development plans for direct reports and high-potential quality leaders.

Job Requirements:
• BS/BA degree in Engineering, Quality Management, or a related technical field required, preferably within a manufacturing organization. An MBA or advanced technical degree is a plus.
• 10+ years of demonstrated experience in any or combination of Quality Assurance, Quality Engineering, Engineering and or Continuous Improvement. Automotive environment experience (and familiarity with IATF 16949 requirements) is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to be the quality business partner/advisor to the MGR of Safety, Quality and CI. Strong influence, conflict resolution, and collaboration skills.
• Experience in a manufacturing environment translating Quality KPIs (e.g., PPM defect rates, Scrap Cost, First Pass Yield) into immediate containment and improvement actions, decreasing costs and increasing revenue.
• Partner with leadership and influence strategic quality infrastructure initiatives.
• Demonstrated ability to remain objective and independent as a guardian of good quality practices, process controls, and regulatory standards, while also able to troubleshoot and manage the risks inherent in growth initiatives.
• Strong IT knowledge with excellent computer skills, including statistical software (e.g., Minitab) and Quality Management System tools.
• Customer-centric, always bringing forth the Customer's perspective regarding product reliability and appearance.
• Ability to shift priorities, demands, and timelines through analytical data analysis and problem-solving capabilities.
• Travel Requirement:

About Illinois Tool Works

ITW is an industrial manufacturing company that specializes in the fields of industrial machinery, engineering, operations, sales, marketing, finance, and accounting. It's in deep-sea oil rigs, aerospace technology, bridges and wind turbines, healthcare, the spaces in which they live and work, the cars they drive, and the mobile devices they rely on. It was founded in 1912 and headquartered in Glenview Nas, Illinois.

Illinois Tool Works Careers

Join the dynamic team at Illinois Tool Works (ITW), a global leader in diversified manufacturing, where innovation and excellence drive us forward. ITW offers unparalleled job opportunities, fostering a culture of growth and leadership in the industry.

Work You’ll Do

At Illinois Tool Works, you will be part of a professional community that thrives on creativity and innovation. Our employees are equipped with the skills needed to succeed and are provided with endless opportunities for professional growth. Engage in work that matters, with projects that transform industries and enhance futures.

Explore Career Paths

Whether you're seeking an internship, a graduate opportunity, or a seasoned professional position, ITW offers a range of career paths across various departments. Our team benefits from a supportive and diverse working environment where every member’s contribution is valued.

Innovate and Lead

Join a team where innovation leads to revolutionary solutions in industries worldwide. At ITW, you will work alongside industry experts to develop new ideas and strategies that keep us at the forefront of technological advancements. Your career at ITW will be marked by a continuous journey of growth and leadership.

Develop Your Skills

With ITW’s commitment to professional development and diversity training, you will enhance your skills through targeted training programs and workshops. These opportunities not only boost your career but also ensure you stay competitive in the job market.

Be Part of Our Culture

ITW is dedicated to building a culture that respects and embraces diversity, encourages innovation, and fosters leadership. Our team is our greatest asset, and we believe in providing them with the benefits and resources they need to succeed both professionally and personally.

Networking and Professional Growth

Expand your professional network through ITW’s global presence and collaborative work environment. Engage with professionals across different sectors, gaining insights that can lead to significant career advancements. Our networking events and professional groups help you connect with key industry leaders and peers.

Join Our Team

Search for open positions that match your skills and interests on the ITW Careers page. We are looking for passionate, curious, and solution-driven team players who are ready to take their career to the next level.

Stay Connected

Keep up to date with the latest industry trends, company news, and career tips by following our careers blog. Personalize your experience by subscribing to job alert emails, tailored to your preferences and career goals. Explore the opportunities at Illinois Tool Works today and discover how your expertise can help shape the future of our company and the industries we serve. Join us in our mission to achieve excellence through innovation and leadership.
Learn more about Illinois Tool Works
Size
45,000 employees
Market Cap
$68.1 billion
Industry
Net Income
$2.1 billion
Founded
1912
5 Year Trend
+1.2%
Revenue
$12.5 billion
NASDAQ

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