What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Quality Assurance Manager position at Chesapeake Search Partners?
Job Overview
The Director of Quality will lead and manage the company's quality assurance program to ensure compliance with aerospace industry standards, regulatory requirements, and customer expectations. This role oversees the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of quality management systems (QMS), supplier quality, audits, and corrective actions, driving excellence in manufacturing processes and product reliability.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop, implement, and maintain the Quality Management System (QMS) in compliance with AS9100, NADCAP, and other applicable regulations.
- Ensure compliance with customer requirements, regulatory standards, and industry best practices.
- Lead internal and external audits, manage non-conformances, and implement corrective/preventive actions.
- Serve as the Management Representative for quality-related matters, including interactions with regulatory agencies, customers, and suppliers.
- Develop and implement continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, and other quality methodologies.
- Identify root causes of quality issues and drive corrective actions to reduce defects, rework, and scrap.
- Monitor key quality performance indicators (KPIs) and report on trends, risks, and opportunities.
- Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing quality assurance team, including quality engineers, inspectors, and auditors.
- Foster a culture of quality, accountability, and collaboration across all departments and functions within the organization.
- Provide training and guidance to employees on quality standards, procedures, and best practices.
- Manage supplier quality programs, ensuring vendors meet manufacturing quality requirements.
- Establish and maintain strong relationships with customers, addressing quality concerns, warranty claims, and corrective actions.
- Oversee supplier audits and performance assessments to ensure compliance with specifications.
- Work in a safe manner following all departmental and plant safety rules. Report any unsafe work conditions to Safety Manager or management.
Qualifications and Education
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality Management, or a related field (Master's preferred).
- 10 years of experience in quality assurance, with at least 5 years in a leadership role within the manufacturing industry (Aerospace industry experience is a plus).
- Strong experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma (Green/Black Belt preferred), and Root Cause Analysis tools (5 Whys, 8D, FMEA, etc.).
- Proven ability to manage audits, regulatory compliance, and customer quality expectations.
- Excellent leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills.
- Knowledge of AS9100 and NADCAP requirements desired.
- Experience with quality management software (QMS, ERP, SPC tools) is a plus.
- Acceptable vision test results (as applicable).
- Must have English reading, writing, and verbal communication skills sufficient to read, write, and understand and communicate the company operating procedures and policies.
