Plant Quality and Continuous Improvement Supervisor

Job Description

Job DescriptionPlant Quality and Continuous Improvement Supervisor

Department: Operations

Reports to: Plant Manager with dotted line to Director of Quality

Travel: Limited, as needed to other sites or Corporate Headquarters

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Imagine this

You walk the line at shift start. Operators are ready, specs are posted, and you’re reviewing yesterday’s trend data. A nonconformance alert pops up—you trigger containment, lead a quick root cause huddle, document evidence, and set a corrective action. Later, you coach a new inspector, partner with Operations on a Six Sigma project, and wrap the day by updating QMS goals and prepping for an internal audit. That’s impact.

Your focus areas

• Quality objectives: Translate strategy into action plans; implement standards across production, productivity, quality, and customer service; resolve issues; complete audits; and drive system enhancements.
• Risk & prevention: Conduct hazard analyses; define critical control points and preventive measures; set critical limits; build monitoring and verification routines; ensure corrective actions are clear and effective; manage inventory elements tied to quality control.
• Validation & documentation: Define product specifications and attributes; measure production; capture evidence; confirm operational and performance qualification; author and revise QA procedures.
• Product & process improvement: Execute product, company, compliance, and surveillance audits; investigate and respond to customer complaints; collaborate on new product and engineering designs and on manufacturing and training methods.
• Analytics & reporting: Summarize trends across failed processes, stability studies, recalls, corrective actions, and re-validations for data-driven decisions.
• Leadership: Mentor and coach the Quality team; interview, hire, and train; plan, assign, and direct work; appraise performance; reward and discipline; address complaints and resolve problems.
• Problem solving with Operations: Implement root cause analysis and corrective actions; drive problem containment and timely customer responses; lead and support Six Sigma initiatives.
• QMS advancement: Build improvement plans and annual goals; supply budget inputs; perform internal QMS audits; assist with supplier quality audits.
• Professional growth: Keep knowledge current via education, publications, networks, and professional organizations.
• Plant standards: Follow plant job specification and task lists; take ownership; add value beyond the basics.
• Supplier and customer interface: Train/educate potential suppliers for compliance; collaborate with the Operations Manager and/or General Manager on customer quality requirements and issues.

What you bring

• Collaborative style that fits with the management team and all levels of the organization.
• Character and values that align with our culture.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education & experience

• Associate’s Degree or equivalent experience required.
• Bachelor’s degree and Quality certification (CQMOE, CQE, or CQA) preferred.
• Manufacturing industry-specific experience preferred.

Systems & tools

• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Experience with ERP (NetSuites).

How you operate (competencies)

• Integrity: Honest, fair, and ethical; maintains confidentiality; promotes transparency and accountability.
• Teamwork: Approachable; respectful; communicates clearly; values diverse skills and perspectives.
• Accountability: Owns results; meets deadlines; manages performance with minimal supervision.
• Problem Resolution: Prioritizes effectively; uses data to decide; takes thoughtful risks or escalates when needed.
• Communication: Shares timely and meaningful information; tailors style to audience; presents persuasively.
• Job Knowledge: Applies QA practices, procedures, and technical expertise; adapts to changing requirements.
• Continuous Improvement: Identifies inefficiencies; uses formal methods to reduce non-value-added work; supports change; learns from failure.
• Initiative: Self-starter who plans ahead and manages multiple activities to achieve results.
• Planning & Organizing: Anticipates obstacles; creates contingencies; organizes resources to finish accurately and early.

Physical demands

The employee must frequently lift and carry up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand and walk on concrete. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms and stoop, bend or twist. The employee is occasionally required to push, pull, and/or move materials.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work environment

The work environment is typical of most manufacturing environments. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to high level with ear protection required.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Final note

This overview reflects the general scope and impact of the role. Responsibilities may evolve, and on occasion you may be asked to take on duties outside this outline in support of business needs.