Quality and Process Engineering Manager

Magnera Corporation•Waynesboro, VA

About The Position

Magnera's purpose is to better the world with new possibilities made real. For more than 160 years, the originating companies have delivered the material solutions their partners need to thrive. Through economic upheaval, global pandemics and changing end-user needs, they have consistently found ways to solve problems and exceed expectations. By bringing together these legacy companies, the distinct scale and comprehensive portfolio of products will bring customers more materials and choices. With a combined legacy of resilience, Magnera will build personal partnerships that withstand an ever-changing world. Responsibilities JOB SUMMARY: The Quality Assurance & Process Engineering Manager oversees all activities within the Quality Assurance (QA) and Process Engineering departments. This role ensures that all products and processes meet Magnera’s quality standards, regulatory requirements, and customer expectations. The position is responsible for maintaining robust process control systems, leading problem‑solving, Root Cause Analysis (RCA), and driving effective change management. This leader guides the quality organization, ensures full implementation of the Quality Management System (QMS), and champions continuous improvement across all technical and operational areas of the plant.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
Minimum of 10 years of experience in plastics, paper, or related manufacturing industries.
Strong leadership and team‑building capabilities.
Deep expertise in process engineering and quality systems.
Excellent communication skills across all levels of the organization

Nice To Haves

Lean Six Sigma background strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Ensure strict adherence to all safety policies and procedures. Lead 5S initiatives within the department and promote active participation across all direct reports.
Maintain compliance with GMP requirements and uphold high standards of cleanliness and organization throughout the facility.
Oversee site pest control programs and ensure timely reporting and corrective actions.
Maintain and improve processes aligned with ISO, EDANA, and internal quality requirements.
Lead the coordination, implementation, and ongoing compliance of the Quality Management System (QMS), ensuring alignment with Magnera’s global QMS and ISO 9001 standards.
Oversee QA laboratory operations, ensuring accurate testing, timely product release, and reliable analytical performance.
Provide coaching, direction, and training to QA and Process Engineering teams, fostering a safe, high‑performance work environment.
Promote a culture of accountability, continuous learning, and technical excellence.
Apply process control methodologies (Six Sigma, SPC, DOE, etc.) to improve process capability and resolve complex issues.
Lead investigations for non‑conformities using structured RCA tools and ensure effective corrective and preventive actions.
Manage on‑hold materials, ensuring proper disposition, traceability, and documentation.
Conduct technical visits and customer meetings to align expectations, address concerns, and resolve quality issues.
Partner with Process Engineers to investigate and resolve manufacturing or quality challenges, optimize processes, and support new product commercialization.
Collaborate closely with Customers, Marketing, Development, Production, and Regional QA teams to ensure strategic alignment and process standardization.
Engage with suppliers to maintain consistent quality of raw materials, additives, and pigments.
Develop and maintain systems for performance measurement, failure cost tracking, process capability, and quality standards using statistical tools such as Pareto charts, flowcharts, and FMEA.
Establish and manage internal audit programs to ensure compliance with specifications and standards; develop and implement corrective action plans.
Lead weekly Quality Windows reviews and bi‑monthly GEMBA KPI reviews with QA and Process Engineering teams.
Stay current with industry trends to drive improvements in product quality, consistency, efficiency, and cost.
Define process specifications including machine settings, operating conditions, tolerances, and packaging requirements based on customer needs.
Support the development of capital expenditure proposals aimed at improving operations, enhancing quality, or enabling new technologies.
Serve as a technical resource on plant processes, control systems, and raw materials; support DMAIC‑based process improvements.
Contribute to the successful implementation of facility expansion and upgrade projects.
Ensure plans and actions are in place to meet all key performance indicators (KPIs).