Plant Quality Manager – Contract Metal Manufacturing
📍 Location: Emigsville, PA
🏭 Industry: Contract Metal Manufacturing
🕒 Employment Type: Full-Time
Travel: Up to 10%
About the Opportunity:
We are seeking an experienced and results-driven Plant Quality Manager to lead quality initiatives at our manufacturing facility in Emigsville, PA. This role is responsible for ensuring compliance with customer specifications, regulatory standards, and industry certifications while driving continuous improvement across all plant operations. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, technical expertise, and a passion for operational excellence in a fast-paced metal manufacturing environment.
Key Responsibilities:
Quality Leadership & Continuous Improvement
- Drive continuous improvement through the reduction of internal and external defect rates.
- Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions using methodologies such as 8D, Fishbone, and Six Sigma.
- Develop and implement quality initiatives to improve KPIs, including internal/external PPM, on-time delivery, and cost of poor quality.
- Perform capability and performance studies to support data-driven decisions.
- Ensure accurate and timely First Article Inspections and PPAP submissions.
Quality Management Systems & Compliance
- Lead and enforce the Quality Management System (QMS) to ensure compliance and effectiveness.
- Maintain and enhance certifications including ISO 9001, customer-specific requirements, and support recertification of IATF 16949.
- Serve as the primary site representative for customer and third-party audits.
- Ensure proper document control, calibration, and maintenance of inspection equipment.
- Champion the disposition and control of nonconforming materials and MRB cases.
Customer, Supplier & Operational Excellence
- Serve as the primary quality liaison for customers and major accounts.
- Lead supplier audits and prioritize supplier corrective actions.
- Drive Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) and support new product launches in partnership with Engineering.
- Oversee gauge design, procurement, and process validation for new manufacturing operations.
- Conduct quality reviews with senior leadership and provide recommendations for improvement.
- Manage customer complaints, supplier rejections, and internal nonconformance through permanent corrective actions.
Systems & Technical Expertise
- Utilize the IFS ERP system to maintain control plans, approve processes, and manage quality data.
- Support containment activities and inventory controls to address quality issues.
- Provide subject matter expertise for quality-related capital equipment and validation projects.
Leadership & Management
- Establish departmental goals, staffing plans, and performance metrics aligned with company objectives.
- Recruit, train, mentor, and develop quality team members.
- Lead daily operations of the quality department and foster a culture of accountability and excellence.
- Monitor plant performance and drive improvements in financial and operational metrics.
Qualifications:
Education
- High School Diploma or GED required.
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a technical field preferred.
- ASQ membership or certifications (CQE, CQM, CQA) preferred.
Experience
- 8+ years in a manufacturing environment with a four-year degree, or 10+ years without.
- Minimum of 5 years of leadership experience managing salaried or technical teams.
- Experience in contract metal manufacturing, metal stamping, fabrication, welding, or assembly preferred.
Technical Expertise
- Quality Management Systems: ISO 9001 and IATF 16949.
- Core Tools: APQP, PFMEA, PPAP, SPC, and MSA.
- Advanced problem-solving methodologies and auditing practices.
- Blueprint reading and Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T).
- Precision measurement tools such as micrometers, calipers, and surface plates.
- ERP systems (IFS preferred) and Minitab.
- Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook).
Core Competencies
- Customer and quality focus
- Leadership and team development
- Continuous improvement and process orientation
- Safety-first mindset
- Analytical thinking and sound decision-making
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Adaptability, teamwork, and initiative
- Time management and attention to detail
- Commitment to 5S and operational excellence
What We Offer
- Competitive salary and performance-based incentives
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits
- 401(k) with company match
- Paid time off and company holidays
- Professional development and career growth opportunities
- A collaborative and innovative work environment
Apply Today
If you are a quality-driven leader ready to make a measurable impact in a dynamic contract metal manufacturing environment, we encourage you to apply.