Senior Quality Manager leading plant-level deployment of the AAF Quality Management System, driving compliance, customer/supplier quality, and continuous improvement in a manufacturing environment. Based onsite in Smithfield, NC with American Air Filter International, you’ll be the primary quality leader interfacing with customers, suppliers, and plant leadership. Standout perk: broad ownership of quality strategy, audits, KPI performance, and team development at plant level.
- Lead plant quality strategy deployment
- Own customer and supplier quality
- Drive continuous improvement and KPIs
Acts as the primary quality leader interfacing with customers, suppliers, and internal stakeholders to proactively prevent issues and enhance operational performance.
Requirements
1. Quality Leadership & Strategy
• Champion a culture of quality, safety, and accountability across the organization
• Deploy and sustain the AAF Quality Management System (QMS) at the operational level
• Integrate quality objectives into short- and long-term business strategy
• Serve as a key member of the plant leadership team
2. Customer & Supplier Quality
• Lead customer-facing quality activities, including complaints, audits, and corrective actions
• Drive proactive issue prevention and customer satisfaction improvement
• Partner with Purchasing and Corporate function to manage Supplier Quality Assurance (SQA)
• Monitor and communicate supplier performance and improvement actions
3. Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence
• Lead root cause analysis (RCA), CAPA, and preventive systems
• Support new product/process launches with Change Management Process
• Identify and execute cost reduction and process optimization initiatives
4. Quality Systems and Compliance
• Lead development, implementation, and maintenance of QMS documentation and processes
• Oversee internal/external audits and regulatory compliance (e.g., ISO9000, industry standards)
• Ensure compliance with customer, regulatory, and internal requirements
• Manage Management Review processes and follow-up actions
5. Data Metrics & Performance Management
• Define and track key quality KPIs (scrap, yield, complaints, etc.)
• Analyze trends and drive data-driven decision-making
• Establish quality and reliability standards using statistical methods
6. Team Leadership and Development
• Build and lead a high-performing Quality organization
• Provide coaching, training, and career development
• Manage departmental budget and resource planning
7. Safety and Compliance
• Ensure adherence to company safety programs and OSHA regulations
• Promote safe behaviors within both office and production environments
EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:
• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related technical field.
KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE:
• 5+ years in manufacturing, quality, or engineering leadership roles.
• Experience in customer-facing quality and supplier quality management
LICENSES OR CERTIFICATIONS (PREFERRED):
• ISO9000:2015 Lead Auditor
• Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt
• ASQ Certifications (CQM, CQE, CQA)
KEY SKILLS:
- Strong leadership and cross-functional influence
- Advanced problem-solving and statistical analysis
- Excellent communication (executive and at all levels)
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and quality tools
- Ability to translate data into actionable business insights
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Combination of office and manufacturing floor exposure
- Regular interaction with production environments (dust, noise, PPE required)
- Travel: ~10% (customers and suppliers)
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.
AAF International is an Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/Disability/Veteran.
We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, veteran status, uniform servicemember status, age, disability or any other legally recognized protected personal characteristics.