What are the responsibilities and job description for the Quality Assurance Manager position at U.S. Cotton, LLC?
About U.S. Cotton
At U.S. Cotton, we pride ourselves on being the leading manufacturer of high-quality cotton products. Our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and excellence drives us to deliver exceptional value to our customers. With a rich history and a forward-thinking approach, we offer a dynamic and inclusive work environment where employees can thrive and grow. Join us and be part of a team dedicated to making a positive impact in the industry and beyond.
Position Summary
The Quality Assurance Manager will be responsible for directing Quality Assurance activities including maintaining and overseeing a quality technician staff. This role reports directly to the VP of Quality, with a dotted-line responsibility to the Plant Manager. In addition to the Private Label plant, the responsibilities of the Quality Assurance Manager will include the Quality Management of the Bag plant and Bleachery as well as assist in their growth and development. The Belmont Quality Manager will work directly with various departments, suppliers and customers to maintain the integrity of U.S. Cotton’s quality standards.
Key Responsibilities :
Quality Assurance Management : Provide leadership to QA personnel, monitor production activities, and uphold compliance with product quality standards and procedures.
Compliance and Standards : Ensure compliance with quality processing standards, including CAPAs, deviations, PCARs / NCNs, material hold logs, and supplier alerts. Must be proficient in GMP, SQF (Food Safety), SMETA 4 (Social Compliance), and Organic standards both GOTS and NOP.
Auditing : Lead vendor, customer, and internal audits; conduct periodic shop floor audits; and provide written reports with actionable recommendations and corrective actions.
Root Cause Analysis : Investigate product, packaging, and process quality issues, implement corrective actions, and communicate findings to customers as needed.
Quality Documentation : Maintain and update all quality documentation using the EtQ Quality documentation system.
Specifications Management : Manage internal and external specifications with Operations, Purchasing and Suppliers.
Change Control and Technical Development : Oversee the Change Control Process and support technical development activities.
Inspection and Testing : Develop procedures for internal inspection and in-process testing; perform raw material testing as required.
Training and Documentation : Conduct training for production and quality personnel, write technical documentation (SOPs, investigations), and execute product and process evaluations.
Bleachery Operations : Apply working knowledge of chemistry in bleachery processes to ensure quality and compliance. Implement and train waste disposal techniques.
Bag Plant Operations : Oversee quality in high-speed printing on PE (polyethylene) or PP (polypropylene) film, ensuring standards are maintained. Will lead the SQF process for the bag plant.
Rounds and Cotton Balls : Manage quality assurance for consumer-based products, ensuring adherence to consumer quality expectations.
SPC Techniques : Implement Statistical Process Control (SPC) techniques to monitor and improve product quality.
Other Responsibilities : Take on additional duties and special projects as assigned to support quality and operational goals.
Required Experience
Minimum of five years’ experience in a manufacturing, laboratory, or regulated industry (e.g., food, cosmetics) with quality assurance and managerial experience.
Previous experience and success record in Lean manufacturing with a preferred focus on Six Sigma methodologies
E ducation
Bachelor’s degree in Quality Assurance, Biology, Chemistry, or Engineering is strongly preferred; an Associate degree with additional regulated industry experience is also considered.
Skills
- Proficiency in mathematics, strong analytical and communication skills, and the ability to work independently.
- Advanced Microsoft Office skills, with a focus on Excel and document management.
- Excellent writing skills for creating clear procedures and work instructions.
Preferred Knowledge
Join Our Team
If you’re passionate about quality and have a background in regulated manufacturing, we invite you to apply and contribute to our mission of excellence at U.S. Cotton. Take the next step in your career and help us uphold the highest standards in the industry.
