Illinois Tool Works

Quality Manager

Illinois Tool Works • $120K — $145K *
Waterbury, CT 06708In-Person
Manufacturing & Automotive
Less than 5 years of experience
1 month ago
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 3-5 years’ experience in leading and developing a team.
  • 5-10 years of automotive manufacturing quality experience, with hands-on shop-floor involvement.
  • Strong communication skills for engaging with operators and customers alike.
  • 3-5 years’ experience in a customer-facing role.
  • Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Quality, or related field preferred.
  • Proven track record in employee development, quality improvements, and corrective actions.
  • Strong familiarity with IATF 16949, APQP, PPAP, FMEA, SPC, and root cause analysis.

Responsibilities

  • Lead by maintaining a strong presence and hands-on engagement on the shop floor.
  • Develop and train quality personnel in effective methods and problem-solving techniques.
  • Manage quality-related customer issues, ensuring timely resolutions and communication.
  • Own the execution and compliance of the IATF 16949 Business System processes.
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives like SPC, lean activities, and PFMEA reviews.
  • Conduct internal audits and lead corrective actions based on audit findings.
  • Establish departmental goals aligned with corporate objectives, fostering accountability.

Benefits

  • Opportunities for professional development and training.
  • Engagement in continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Direct involvement in customer relations and quality assurance activities.
Full Job Description
Job Description:

1.0 Position Objective:

The Quality Manager leads by direct involvement in daily operations, ensuring product and process quality through hands-on execution, strong customer engagement, and disciplined problem-solving. This role is accountable for IATF 16949 compliance, rapid response to quality issues, and driving continuous improvement on the shop floor. The Quality Manager actively partners with Operations, Engineering, and Supply Chain to prevent defects, stabilize processes, and improve customer satisfaction.

2.0 Key Responsibilities:
  • Hands-On Leadership:
  • Maintain a strong daily presence on the shop floor, directly observing processes, reviewing quality data, and addressing issues at the source.
  • Develop quality technicians, inspectors, and engineers in proper methods, expectations, and problem-solving techniques, through training, goal setting, education, and employee development.
  • Participate directly in containment, sorting, investigations, disposition, and verification of corrective actions when quality issues arise.
  • Establish departmental structure, goals, and objectives consistent with the corporate plans. Drives accountability across the department to achieve business goals and objectives.
  • Oversee and directly support inspection, testing, layout inspections, and quality lab activities.
  • Manage and oversee the activities of all quality department personnel, operations, techniques, and activities.
  • Lead the team that is culturally focused on continuous improvement, problem solving, expectation, & results.
  • Customer Focus & Issue Resolution:
  • Manage customer quality issues, including complaints, deviations, and corrective actions.
  • Lead customer meetings related to quality concerns, audits, and launches.
  • Support and lead structured problem-solving efforts (8D, A3), verifying root cause effectiveness.
  • Monitor customer metrics and scorecards; drive countermeasures as required.
  • Quality Management System (IATF 16949):
  • Own the practical execution of the IATF 16949 based Business System, ensuring procedures are followed - not just documented.
  • Support the development, improvement, and implementation of the divisional business system.
  • Conduct and participate in internal audits, layered process audits, and compliance checks.
  • Lead corrective actions resulting from audits, escapes, and systemic weaknesses.
  • Continuous Improvement & Prevention:
  • Support Divisional Advanced Quality Planning activities, including control plan development, gage design, selection of special characteristics, and PPAP submissions and the transition to serial product.
  • Actively lead PFMEA reviews, Control Plan updates, and errorproof implementation to prevent recurrence.
  • Support/Lead SPC usage, capability improvements, and reaction plans at the process level.
  • Support/Lead lean improvement activities such as 5S, standard work, waste reduction, and first-time-quality initiatives.
  • Adhere to corporate policies, procedures, and safety standards.
  • Perform other duties as assigned or directed.


3.0 Qualifications:
  • 3-5 years' experience in leading and developing a team.
  • 5-10 years of automotive manufacturing quality experience, including direct shop-floor involvement.
  • Effective communication skills with the ability to engage operators, technicians, engineers, managers, and customers.
  • 3-5 years' experience in a customer-facing role.
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering, Quality, or a related field preferred or equivalent experience.
  • Proven experience in employee development, quality improvements quality issue containment, customer responses, corrective actions, and cost reduction.
  • Strong working knowledge of IATF 16949, APQP, PPAP, FMEA, SPC, MSA, DOE, and root cause analysis.
  • Experience with GD&T, inspection techniques, and measurement systems.
  • Lean manufacturing experience preferred.


Compensation Information:

120,000 - 145,000

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
Manufacturing & Automotive
Net Income
$2.1 billion
Founded
1912
5 Year Trend
+1.2%
Revenue
$12.5 billion
NASDAQ
ITW
* Ladders Estimates

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