What are the responsibilities and job description for the Quality Assurance Director position at UPG Company LLC?
JOB DESCRIPTION
Organization
UPG Company, LLC
Position
Quality Assurance Director
FLSA Status
Exempt (E)
Position Location
7865 Northcourt Rd, Suite #100, Houston, Texas 77040
Website
www.upgintl.com
Company Overview
UPG is a global manufacturer of complex assembled components and finished products serving the datacenter, automotive, energy and industrial markets.
UPG products are sold to over 40 global blue-chip customers and the company has developed a strong market position based on its technical expertise combined with unparalleled quality, delivery and service levels. UPG operates three world-class manufacturing facilities – in Houston, Texas; Cardiff, Wales; and Suzhou, China – that offer a complete range of capabilities, including product design, engineering, rapid prototyping, and plastic injection molding, along with a suite of other technology platforms, value added assembly and global supply chain management.
Reporting Relationship
The Quality Assurance Director reports to the General Manager
Core Function
The Quality Assurance Director is responsible for defining and implementing the organization’s quality vision and strategy to ensure all products meet or exceed customer expectations and comply with regulatory requirements. This role emphasizes strategic leadership, process excellence, and fostering a culture of quality and continuous improvement. The Director provides oversight and mentorship to the Quality Department while maintaining a hands-on approach to achieving world-class quality standards.
Key Success Factors
- Strong strategic mindset with a focus on continuous operational and process improvement.
- Exceptional leadership and mentoring skills to develop high-performing teams.
- Acute attention to detail, compliance, and product specifications.
- Self-motivated and results-oriented with a high degree of honesty and integrity.
- Strong and effective communication skills, including the ability to lead crucial conversations with internal and external stakeholders.
Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership:
- Develop and implement the organization’s long-term quality strategy aligned with business goals.
- Define and communicate the quality assurance vision and foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
Quality Systems Management:
- Oversee the development, implementation, and monitoring of quality control systems, including incoming material inspections, in-process checks, and final product testing.
- Ensure adherence to ISO 9001 and other relevant industry standards.
- Establish and maintain comprehensive quality documentation, including quality manuals, SOPs, and work instructions.
Team Leadership and Development:
- Lead, train, and mentor the Quality Department, ensuring the team is equipped to meet quality objectives.
- Provide guidance in root cause analysis, corrective actions, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Conduct regular team performance evaluations and establish development plans for team members.
Quality Assurance Oversight:
- Conduct regular audits and inspections to ensure compliance with internal standards and customer requirements.
- Manage non-conformance issues and lead the development of corrective and preventive actions.
- Collaborate with production, engineering, and supply chain teams to resolve quality issues and ensure product consistency.
Customer and Supplier Relations:
- Act as the primary quality liaison with customers to address quality concerns, product specifications, and complaint resolution.
- Partner with suppliers to address quality challenges, ensuring compliance and fostering collaborative improvement initiatives.
Continuous Improvement:
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives to reduce defects, improve process efficiency, and enhance product quality.
- Utilize data analytics and quality metrics to drive decisions and identify improvement opportunities.
Compliance and Audits:
- Ensure compliance with all applicable regulatory and industry-specific standards.
- Prepare for and lead internal and external audits, ensuring timely follow-up on findings.
Supervisory Responsibilities
The Quality Assurance Director oversees the Quality Department, including quality engineers, inspectors, and auditors. Responsibilities include:
- Interviewing, hiring, and training employees.
- Planning, assigning, and directing work.
- Appraising performance and providing constructive feedback.
- Addressing complaints and resolving problems in accordance with company policies and laws.
Other Duties
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties and responsibilities that are required of the employee for this this job. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice.
Educational Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality Management, or a related field.
- Advanced certifications preferred (e.g., ASQ Certified Quality Engineer or Manager, Six Sigma Black Belt).
- Minimum of 8-10 years of quality management experience in a manufacturing environment, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
Physical Requirements
- Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently to lift, carry, push, or pull objects.
- Light Work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds frequently.
Visual Acuity
Required to have close visual acuity for activities such as analyzing data, viewing a computer terminal, and inspecting small defects or parts.
Work Conditions
The worker is subject to inside environmental conditions, including exposure to manufacturing noise and temperature variations.
AAP/EEO Statement
UPG is an equal opportunity employer and affords equal opportunity to all applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or any other status protected under local, state or federal laws.
