Quality Manager

Quality Manager

Location: Nekoosa, WI

Nekoosa is seeking a Quality Manager to lead our quality initiatives and drive continuous improvement across our operations. You will be responsible for ensuring that all products and processes meet defined quality standards while exceeding customer expectations. You will oversee a team of quality engineers, develop and implement effective quality management systems, and lead quality excellence initiatives across manufacturing functions.

What you’ll be doing:

Leadership & Organizational Development:

• Lead, motivate, and develop a team of quality engineers, providing direction, training, and support.
• Foster a collaborative, innovative team culture focused on problem-solving and continuous improvement.
• Set clear performance expectations and provide coaching, mentoring, and development opportunities.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Purchasing, Marketing, Sales, Technology, Finance, and Production, to maximize success and expertise across the organization.

Quality Excellence & Performance:

• Ensure corporate and site-level Q-Metric performance of >99.5% while maintaining a quality claim closure rate of <20 days.
• Enhance and standardize the quality management system (QMS) across all sites, incorporating new tools, methods, and root cause investigations to drive a 10% reduction in customer quality credits in 2025 and an additional 10% in 2026.
• Lead claim investigations, setting clear response timelines and expectations to ensure timely resolution and effective communication.
• Manage and enhance a comprehensive quality dashboard tracking key quality metrics across all sites.
• Collect and analyze quality performance data, including Q-metric performance, customer claim status, and corrective actions, and report findings to senior management.
• Develop and implement training programs to enhance compliance with quality standards and procedures.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with customers and suppliers to address quality concerns and drive process improvements.

Quality Improvement & Innovation:

• Implement three new technologies or methodologies within 12 months to achieve a 10% improvement in overall quality performance.
• Collaborate with R&D and engineering teams to develop innovative solutions to common quality challenges, improving product performance and cost efficiency.

What it takes:

Education:

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in Quality Management, Engineering (Paper Science, Chemistry), Manufacturing, or a related technical field.

Experience:

• Minimum of 7 years in quality management or engineering roles.
• At least 3 years of experience leading quality teams in an operational or manufacturing environment.

Travel:

• Less than 15% travel required.

Key Skills & Attributes

• Strong leadership skills with experience developing high-performing teams.
• Customer-focused mindset with the ability to align quality processes with customer expectations.
• Data-driven analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Meticulous attention to detail to ensure compliance and consistency in quality standards.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for effective collaboration with teams and senior management.
• Adaptability in responding to changing customer and production requirements.
• Proficiency in quality management software, statistical analysis tools (e.g., Minitab), and root cause analysis techniques.
• Strong computer skills, including advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel.