Quality Systems Leader
The Quality Systems Leader is responsible for ensuring the implementation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of an effective Quality Management System (QMS) at the site. This role drives cross-functional alignment to uphold compliance, foster a strong quality culture, and ensure all materials and processes meet defined standards. Additionally, the position supports the development of operational excellence by mentoring and coaching Polymer Specialists and Operations Star Points in quality system awareness and best practices.
Responsibilities
Quality Management System (QMS) Leadership
- Ensure the development, implementation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of the site's Quality Management System (QMS).
- Maintain compliance with ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 : 2016 standards, ensuring the integrity of the QMS during planned changes.
- Promote the process approach, risk-based thinking, and the importance of an effective QMS across the organization.
- Maintain and update the Quality Manual and Quality Procedures.
- Organize and lead Management Review Meetings to report on QMS performance and identify improvement opportunities.
Customer and Regulatory Compliance
Represent the voice of the customer in internal processes, ensuring customer requirements are understood and met.Review customer specifications versus site capabilities and communicate gaps to management.Coordinate and lead customer audits, visits, and responses to customer questionnaires and quality notifications.Ensure externally provided processes, products, and services do not compromise product conformity or customer satisfaction.Communicate the importance of meeting customer, statutory, and regulatory requirements across the organization.Audit and Performance Monitoring
Lead internal and external audits of the QMS and ensure timely closure of corrective action plans.Lead the Internal Quality Audit team and plan annual audits.Report weekly metrics for Quality Notifications and Block Stock.Monitor and analyze quality performance indicators to identify strategic improvement opportunities.Management of Change (TA's) & Product or Raw Material Qualifications
Ensure changes to process technology, equipment, suppliers, outside services, adhere to all requirements of the QMS.Provide input to changes related to product and raw material qualifications.Ensure proper management of changes documentation is defined, created, and retained.Training, Coaching, and Communication
Develop and deliver training on quality systems and standards to internal teams.Mentor and coach Polymer Specialists and Operations Star Points to build quality awareness and capability.Communicate quality-related issues, events, and system updates to site leadership and stakeholders.Represent the site in regional and corporate quality network meetings and collaborate with sister site quality leaders.Qualifications
High School Diploma or equivalent required. Associate's or Bachelor's degree preferred35 years of experience in a quality role within a manufacturing environment required12 years of experience in a leadership capacity strongly preferredCertifications (preferred but not required)
Certified Quality AuditorISO 9001 / IATF 16949 Lead Auditor certificationTechnical Knowledge
Strong understanding of ISO 9001, IATF 16949Experience with quality tools such as FMEA, SPC, CAPA, root cause analysis, and risk managementFamiliarity with statistical analysis and quality metricsSkills & Competencies
Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skillsStrong communication and interpersonal skills across all levels of the organizationAbility to lead cross-functional teams and drive continuous improvementSkilled in planning, organizing, and managing multiple prioritiesCapable of mentoring and coaching others in quality principles and practices