Quality manger

Role Summary

We are seeking an experienced Quality Manager for a manufacturing facility based in Crystal Lake. This role reports directly to the Plant Manager and is responsible for leading the site’s Quality Management System, ensuring compliance with ISO standards, and driving continuous improvement across all quality-related functions.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on quality leader who can balance strategic oversight with operational execution while building a strong quality culture across the organization.

Key Responsibilities

Quality Management System & Compliance

Develop, implement, and maintain an integrated Quality Management System (QMS)

Ensure compliance with ISO 9001:2015 standards

Act as the ISO Management Representative for audits and certification requirements

Lead internal, external, and third-party audits

Oversee corrective and preventive action (CAPA) processes

Leadership & Team Management

Lead and manage the Quality team, including hiring, training, and performance management

Develop and implement training programs to improve quality awareness across the organization

Foster a strong culture of quality throughout all departments

Continuous Improvement 

Drive continuous improvement and quality enhancement initiatives across manufacturing operations

Lead quality improvement projects and operational excellence initiatives

Apply Lean manufacturing principles and structured problem-solving techniques

Improve product quality, process consistency, and customer satisfaction

Supplier & Customer Quality

Work closely with suppliers to ensure raw material and product quality standards are met

Address and resolve customer complaints and quality issues effectively

Improve communication of customer requirements across internal teams

Maintain strong relationships with vendors, auditors, and external partners

Documentation & Audits

Maintain quality documentation, records, and compliance reports

Ensure readiness for all audits and certification requirements

Work with auditors and regulatory bodies to maintain compliance

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Partner with operations, engineering, supply chain, and production teams

Support strategic planning and operational execution initiatives

Work across departments to ensure alignment on quality objectives

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, or related field (preferred), or equivalent experience

5–7+ years of progressive experience in Quality Management within a manufacturing environment

Strong knowledge of ISO 9001:2015 standards

Experience working with ERP systems and quality management tools

Understanding of Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies

Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, blueprints, and specifications

Strong statistical, analytical, and problem-solving skills

Key Skills & Competencies

Strong leadership and people management skills

Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities

Strong organizational and project management skills

Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment

Strong decision-making and critical thinking skills

Hands-on, proactive, and execution-focused mindset

High attention to detail and quality standards

Ability to work across office, warehouse, and plant environments (PPE required in some areas)

Work Environment

Manufacturing plant, warehouse, and office-based environment

Requires movement across departments and production areas

PPE required in designated operational areas

Must-haves

Bachelors degree

5-7 years experience in quality/manufacturing

HM likes people from food/beverage, pharma or medical device

HM/Plant mgr - likes more technical degree (engineering)

Use stats for problems solving / rate of defects; e.g. standard deviation

Experience in geometry reading blueprints and drawings

Anyone with an FDA background (regulated fields)

Someone that has aa good understanding of ISO/9001 standards

Good interpersonal skills/confident - have to be able to train people on quality

Role will work with ERP/SAP system (AS400 is what they use — specific to manufacturing MACPAC is name of system