Position Overview: The Head of Quality Assurance (QA) in a rigid plastic manufacturing company is responsible for overseeing the entire quality management system of the companys production processes. This role is crucial in ensuring that all products meet the highest standards of quality and safety in compliance with industry regulations, customer specifications, and company objectives. The QA Head will lead and manage a team of quality professionals and work closely with the production, engineering, and supply chain departments to ensure that processes are standardized, efficient, and continuously improving. Key Responsibilities: Quality Assurance Strategy & Leadership: Develop, implement, and maintain the company’s Quality Management System (QMS) aligned with industry standards (e.g., ISO 9001, ISO 14001, etc.). Lead and manage the QA department, setting goals, KPIs, and performance metrics. Create and enforce company-wide quality standards and ensure their integration into all stages of production. Collaborate with top management to align quality objectives with the company’s strategic goals. Compliance and Certification: Ensure compliance with all relevant local, national, and international quality standards, regulations, and certifications specific to rigid plastic manufacturing (e.g., FDA regulations, food-contact material standards, etc.). Lead and manage audits and inspections (internal and external) and ensure continuous readiness for external certifications. Address and manage any non-conformance issues identified during audits or customer feedback. Process Monitoring and Improvement: Continuously monitor production processes to identify areas for improvement and optimization. Implement and track corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) to reduce product defects, minimize waste, and enhance productivity. Oversee root cause analysis for quality issues and implement systematic improvements. Establish regular quality review meetings with the production team to analyze product quality trends and ensure continuous improvement. Team Management and Development: Build and lead a high-performing QA team, ensuring proper training, development, and performance management. Foster a culture of quality awareness and continuous improvement across the organization. Ensure that all team members are well-versed in product specifications, industry standards, and quality control methodologies. Conduct performance reviews and manage resource allocation within the QA department. Product Inspection and Testing: Oversee the product inspection and testing process, including incoming raw material inspections, in-process testing, and final product checks. Ensure that sampling and testing procedures are standardized and align with customer requirements and regulatory standards. Coordinate with the R&D and production teams to validate and qualify new products or processes from a quality perspective. Customer Relations & Issue Resolution: Act as the main point of contact for quality-related issues with customers and suppliers. Lead the investigation and resolution of customer complaints related to product quality, ensuring timely and effective responses. Communicate quality performance metrics to clients, suppliers, and stakeholders as required. Reporting & Documentation: Prepare and present regular quality reports to management, including performance analysis, non-conformance trends, and improvement actions. Ensure that all quality documentation is up-to-date, accurate, and compliant with company standards and regulatory requirements. Maintain detailed records of audits, inspections, and product testing to support traceability and accountability. Supplier Quality Management: Evaluate and monitor supplier quality performance and ensure that suppliers meet quality expectations. Conduct supplier audits and work with suppliers to improve product quality and process performance. Develop and manage supplier quality agreements. Key Skills and Qualifications: Educational Background: Bachelor’s degree, Materials Science, or a related field. A Master’s degree or MBA in Quality Management is a plus. Experience: At least 8-10 years of experience in quality assurance within a manufacturing environment, preferably in plastic or rigid packaging manufacturing. Minimum 5 years in a leadership role managing quality teams. Experience in implementing and maintaining QMS in compliance with ISO 9001, ISO 14001, or other relevant certifications. Technical Skills: In-depth knowledge of rigid plastic manufacturing processes, including injection molding, blow molding, extrusion, etc. Strong understanding of statistical process control (SPC), Six Sigma, and other quality improvement methodologies. Proficiency in quality software, ERP systems, and data analysis tools (e.g., Minitab, SAP, etc.). Leadership and Communication: Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to inspire and drive performance across departments. Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, to interact with internal and external stakeholders. Ability to handle pressure, resolve conflicts, and make decisions quickly and effectively. Problem-Solving & Analytical Skills: Strong analytical skills with the ability to identify problems, analyze data, and implement corrective actions. Experience with root cause analysis tools (e.g., 5 Whys, Fishbone Diagram, etc.). Desired Competencies: Knowledge of regulatory requirements and compliance standards for plastic packaging (e.g., FDA, food safety regulations). Strong organizational and project management skills. Ability to stay current with industry trends, technological advancements, and regulatory changes in quality management. Physical Requirements: Ability to work in a manufacturing environment, which may include exposure to various manufacturing machinery and chemicals. Ability to travel to suppliers or other company sites as required.
