Quality Assurance Manager

Job DetailsJob Location: Saint Louis Division - St Louis, MO 63110Position Type: Full TimeJob Shift: Administrative Day Time ShiftThe Paulo Plant Quality Assurance Manager leads the quality function by overseeing both Quality Assurance (system-level compliance, preventive actions, and continuous improvement) and Quality Control (inspection, testing, and conformance decisions) at the facility. This role is responsible for ensuring that all processes and materials meet or exceed customer, regulatory, and internal requirements. The Plant Quality Assurance Manager applies in-depth knowledge of quality assurance standards and procedures to guarantee compliance across all materials processed. As a technical and cultural leader, this position mentors the quality team, collaborates with cross-functional departments, and represents the plant to customers and auditors, acting as the voice of the customer within the organization.

 

Key Responsibilities:

Quality Management System (Quality Assurance)


Implement, manage, audit, and continuously improve the Quality Management System (QMS) in alignment with the Paulo Corporate Quality Manual and applicable standards (ISO 9001, ISO 14001, AS9100, IATF 16949, NADCAP, and CQI-9), based on facility requirements.
Ensure effective execution and maintenance of QMS components, including document control, internal audits, risk-based thinking, calibration systems, quality records, and training matrices.
Lead internal and external audits; ensure audit readiness, timely closure of corrective actions, and alignment with customer and accreditation body expectations.
Develop, track, and report strategic quality KPIs (e.g., PPM, audit findings, nonconformance rates, customer complaints), using data to guide decision-making.
Apply quality tools and statistical methods (SPC, Pareto, 5 Why, FMEA, DOE) to evaluate system performance, identify trends, and drive corrective and preventive actions.
Generate and maintain written procedures, reports, and documentation that clearly communicate quality activities, audit results, and system effectiveness.
Act as a change agent by fostering a proactive quality culture, partnering closely with Operations to integrate quality into all stages of production and continuous improvement efforts.


 

Quality Control & Lab Operations


Supervise Quality Assurance lab personnel, including training, scheduling, coaching, performance evaluations, and addressing team member concerns, rewards, and disciplinary actions.
Oversee incoming, in-process, and final inspection and testing activities to verify part conformance with Paulo and customer specifications.
Review and approve test results, inspection reports, and nonconformance documentation to ensure accuracy and proper disposition.
Interpret and communicate quality instructions, specifications, and prints to determine inspection methods, testing sequences, and work assignments.
Ensure inspection and testing equipment is properly maintained, calibrated, and functioning as required.
Maintain complete, current, and compliant Quality Control documentation and gaging programs.
Track and monitor material rejection records to identify trends and support continuous improvement initiatives.


 

Customer, Contract & Specification Interface


Foster strong collaboration among production, quality, engineering, sales, and customers to ensure alignment on product quality and specification requirements.
Interpret and communicate customer specifications and prints to ensure clear understanding across production, engineering, and quality teams.
Lead or participate in contract reviews, in coordination with the Plant Manager, Sales Engineer/Product Development Manager, and Production Manager, to confirm process capability and compliance with customer requirements.
Represent the facility during customer audits and visits, building strong relationships and serving as the plant’s voice to customers and external stakeholders.
Manage customer complaint resolution through structured root cause analysis, corrective action, and follow-up reporting.
Review documentation and collaborate with inspectors, production, and engineering to resolve quality concerns and ensure inspection requirements are consistently met.


 

Continuous Improvement & Technical Leadership


Champion a culture of continuous improvement, defect prevention, production efficiency, and customer satisfaction by supporting initiatives in safety, environmental compliance, and 6S.
Lead and support corrective action efforts by identifying root causes of nonconformances and customer complaints, ensuring effective resolution and preventing recurrence.
Conduct designed experiments (DOEs) to enhance product quality, process efficiency, and operational effectiveness.
Assist in developing robust processes that consistently deliver required results and improve product reliability.
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