Senior Quality Manager
About The Position
Senior Quality Manager– Performance Polymers Division Where performance meets precision. At PPD, we’re more than just a materials company — we’re a team of innovators, engineers, and problem-solvers committed to shaping what’s next in performance polymer technology. Our products help power essential industries, from automotive to advanced manufacturing, where quality and consistency make all the difference. We’re seeking a Senior Quality Manager who will bring technical expertise, leadership excellence, and a continuous improvement mindset to our Performance Polymers Division. This is a pivotal role that ensures our products meet the highest standards of performance, reliability, and customer satisfaction — every time. The Senior Quality Manager oversees all quality assurance activities within the Performance Polymers Division, ensuring adherence to customer requirements, industry standards, and internal operating procedures. Working closely with Production, R&D, Procurement, Commercial, and Site Quality Managers, this role is responsible for establishing and maintaining world-class quality systems, developing laboratory and inspection processes, and driving continuous improvement initiatives across 1–3 manufacturing locations. You will serve as the division’s expert resource in quality management, accreditation, testing methodologies, and statistical analysis—positioning the company to meet future growth while continuing to exceed customer expectations.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in a technical discipline (Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, or related field) or equivalent experience.
- 3–5+ years of experience in a material certification or product testing laboratory.
- 5 + years proven experience leading teams in a manufacturing or testing environment.
- Strong command of statistical process control (SPC) methodologies.
- Demonstrated problem-solving skills with the ability to lead root cause and corrective action processes.
- Customer-facing experience resolving quality issues and conducting technical discussions.
- Experience conducting internal and external audits.
- Working knowledge of ISO 9001/TS16949 and associated accreditation processes (A2LA, ISO, TS).
- Familiarity with automotive quality standards (AIAG): PPAP, Control Plans, FMEA methodologies.
- Ability to interpret specifications, testing data, quality reports, and material certifications.
Nice To Haves
- Lean manufacturing or continuous improvement training.
- Experience with laboratory equipment software, Lab Data Systems, or SAP environments.
- Multi-site quality leadership experience.
Responsibilities
- Lead, supervise, and develop a team of lab technicians conducting final product testing for color, physical properties, and other quality parameters.
- Provide direction and mentorship to Site Quality Managers overseeing day-to-day quality activities at supported locations.
- Oversee workforce planning, hiring, training, performance reviews, and progressive discipline.
- Foster a collaborative and accountable culture within the Quality Department across all sites.
- Ensure compliance with ISO 9001, TS16949, A2LA, and other applicable accreditation standards.
- Maintain lab accreditation (A2LA) and ensure all testing procedures meet required standards.
- Manage the calibration, verification, and quality assurance of lab equipment across locations.
- Lead and support internal and external audits, ensuring timely resolution of findings.
- Oversee the material certification process for customers and maintain documentation accuracy.
- Work with R&D to define raw material specifications, product critical characteristics, and testing requirements.
- Serve as the division’s expert on SPC (Statistical Process Control) and data-driven quality analysis.
- Use SPC tools to monitor product and process performance, evaluate capability, and support improvement projects.
- Develop, update, and maintain inspection and testing standards, lab methodologies, and standardized procedures across sites.
- Support the development and implementation of the Corporate Quality Operating System (LabTrack – S4 SAP), ensuring consistency across all operations.
- Oversee customer complaint investigations, root cause analysis, and corrective action implementation.
- Ensure timely communication, documentation, and closure of customer quality concerns.
- Manage supplier quality issues in partnership with Procurement, including supplier evaluations and corrective action processes.
- Lead customer approval processes including PPAP submissions, Supplier Change Requests, and product qualification requirements.
- Provide technical support to the Commercial team during customer visits, audits, and reviews.
- Lead quality-driven continuous improvement initiatives and collaborate with cross-functional teams to strengthen processes.
- Drive root cause analysis sessions using structured problem-solving techniques and tools.
- Implement solutions that improve product quality, optimize testing efficiency, and reduce quality-related costs.
- Promote and oversee 5S activities within all Quality areas to maintain an organized and efficient working environment.
- Support R&D with testing needs, trials, and evaluations to support development of new materials and product
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
