Manager - Quality Assurance-Chemaid Lab/QC Salaried Indirect

kdc/one•Saddle Brook, NJ

About The Position

KDC is a network of best-in-class custom formulators and manufacturers of color cosmetics, skincare, haircare, bath & body, fragrance, deodorant, home, health, industrial, and auto care products. KDC delivers high-touch innovation, operational excellence, and speed to market to well-known and emerging beauty, personal, and specialty companies from coast to coast. KDC has its head office in Longueuil, Québec. In addition, KDC has 10 operating facilities located throughout North America. Altogether, the company employs nearly 4,800 talented and dedicated employees in North America. Position: Quality Assurance Manager Department: Quality Assurance Reporting Structure: Reports to: Quality Director Reporting to this Position: Quality Assurance Supervisor, Quality Incoming inspection leader, Quality Documentation Specialist BASIC FUNCTION The Quality Assurance Manager is responsible for managing and overseeing the Quality Assurance system, including finished goods inspection, incoming inspection, calibration, document control, and implementation of quality requirements. The QA Manager ensures that quality systems are effectively implemented and maintained in compliance with client requirements, internal procedures, MoCRA, and ISO 22716 Cosmetic Good Manufacturing Practices. This role serves as the quality system owner at the operational level and is responsible for ensuring quality risks are identified, controlled, and escalated appropriately to the Quality Director. The QA Manager provides leadership to Quality Supervisors and ensures consistent execution of quality processes throughout the organization.

Requirements

Strong leadership and management capability
Strong knowledge of quality systems and regulatory requirements
Ability to evaluate quality risks and make sound decisions
Strong escalation and problem-solving capability
Effective communication with all organizational levels
Strong organizational and documentation control skills
Ability to manage multiple priorities and responsibilities
Strong accountability and ownership mindset
Ability to work in both office and manufacturing environments
Frequent walking through production and warehouse areas
Ability to visually inspect products and production activities when required
Occasional lifting of materials or samples up to 25 pounds
Occasional bending, reaching, and stooping
Ability to use computer systems for extended periods
Ability to move between office and production areas as required
Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related technical field.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, or related technical field.
5+ years of experience in Quality Assurance within a manufacturing environment
Leadership or supervisory experience
Experience in cosmetics, personal care, or regulated manufacturing environment
Experience with MoCRA, ISO 22716, GMP, or similar quality systems

Responsibilities

Quality System Oversight
Manage and oversee the Quality Assurance system to ensure effectiveness and compliance.
Ensure implementation and maintenance of quality procedures and standards.
Ensure compliance with MoCRA, ISO 22716, client requirements, and internal procedures.
Ensure quality controls are properly implemented and maintained.
Client Quality Requirement Review and Acceptance
Receive, review, and evaluate client quality documents, including: F&A specifications Client SOPs Quality manuals Product specifications
Ensure client requirements are clearly understood and properly implemented.
Communicate with clients regarding quality requirements and clarifications when necessary.
Ensure translation of client requirements into internal quality controls.
Inspection and Operational Quality Oversight
Oversee finished goods inspection activities.
Oversee incoming inspection activities.
Ensure inspection processes are properly implemented and effective.
Ensure visual standards and defect classification systems are properly maintained and implemented.
Document Control and Calibration Oversight
Oversee quality document control processes.
Ensure proper control, approval, and retention of quality documentation.
Oversee calibration program to ensure measurement accuracy and compliance.
Quality Risk Management and Escalation
Identify and evaluate quality risks.
Ensure quality risks are properly documented and controlled.
Escalate significant quality risks to the Quality Director.
Ensure appropriate containment and corrective actions are implemented when required.
Personnel Leadership and Oversight
Provide leadership, direction, and support to Quality Supervisors.
Ensure Supervisors effectively perform their responsibilities.
Ensure Supervisors maintain control of visual standards, defect catalog, training, and quality processes.
Monitor performance of Quality Supervisors and escalate personnel performance concerns to the Quality Director when appropriate.
Support development and continuous improvement of Quality personnel.
Quality System Authority
The QA Manager has authority over the Quality Assurance system and is responsible for ensuring its effectiveness, implementation, and compliance with regulatory and client requirements.
The QA Manager has the authority to place product on hold, prevent release, and implement quality controls when quality requirements are not met or when product quality cannot be assured.
Training Oversight
Ensure quality training programs are established and implemented.
Ensure Quality Supervisors properly train inspection personnel.
Ensure training programs support compliance with regulatory and client requirements.
Audit Support and Readiness
Participate in internal and external audits.
Ensure the Quality organization maintains audit readiness.
Support regulatory inspections and client audits as required.
Incoming Material Quality Oversight
Ensure incoming inspection activities are properly implemented, controlled, and effective.
Ensure incoming components, and packaging meet approved specifications before release.
Ensure incoming inspection personnel follow approved sampling plans, inspection criteria, and acceptance standards.
Ensure incoming inspection results are properly documented and traceable.
Ensure timely escalation of incoming material quality issues.
Ensure proper segregation and control of nonconforming incoming materials.
Ensure supplier-related quality issues are escalated and investigated appropriately.
Ensure incoming inspection processes align with client requirements, internal procedures, and regulatory expectations.
Ensure quality risks associated with incoming materials are properly assessed and controlled.
Provide leadership and oversight to the Incoming Inspection Leader.