Quality Manager

**Position Summary** Weckworth Manufacturing, a leading manufacturer of high quality products, is seeking an experienced Quality Manager to lead our Quality Department as we transition from our retiring director. The Quality Manager is responsible for establishing, leading, and managing all quality control and assurance functions across the manufacturing facility. This role ensures that all products—including garments, textiles, sewn components, and related manufactured goods—meet customer specifications, regulatory standards, and company requirements. The Manager will develop and enforce quality systems, oversee inspection and testing processes, and drive continuous improvement initiatives to reduce defects, minimize rework, and enhance customer satisfaction. This position requires strong leadership, advanced technical knowledge of quality management systems, and the ability to foster a culture of quality, accountability, and craftsmanship throughout the organization. **Key Responsibilities** **Quality Leadership & Strategy** - Develop and implement the facility’s quality management strategy, policies, and objectives aligned with company goals. - Lead the Quality Department in ensuring consistent product standards across all operations, including sewing and assembly processes. - Foster a culture of quality, craftsmanship, and continuous improvement throughout the organization. - Prepare and present quality reports to senior leadership and recommend strategic initiatives. **Inspection & Product Compliance** - Establish and oversee in-process, final, and random inspection processes to ensure consistent compliance throughout the build process. - Ensure compliance with customer specifications, contract requirements, procedures, and other regulatory frameworks. - Maintain thorough documentation of quality records, defect trends, and corrective actions. - Liaise with customers, auditors, and regulatory bodies for quality audits, inspections, and compliance inquiries. **Process Improvement** - Collaborate with Production, Engineering, Customer Support & Supply Chain teams to improve manufacturing and sewing techniques, reduce waste, and enhance first-pass yield. - Implement root cause analysis, corrective and preventive action plans, and process audits for continuing improvements. **Customer & Supplier Engagement** - Serve as the point of contact for customer quality audits, inspections, and compliance inquiries. - Work with Purchasing to ensure raw materials (fabrics, threads, zippers, fasteners, or other components) meet required quality standards before production. - Provide technical support and corrective solutions for customer and supplier quality concerns. **Team Development** - Manage, train, and mentor quality inspectors, supervisors, and support staff. - Develop training programs to enhance quality awareness among staff. - Establish accountability for quality performance across all departments. **Qualifications** **Education & Experience** - Bachelor degree in Quality Management, Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Apparel/Textiles, or related field (or equivalent experience). - 5-7 years of progressive experience in quality assurance or control, with at least 3 years in a leadership role. - Experience in a job shop/build-to-print manufacturing environment is a plus. - Experience working in accordance with government and/or OEM specifications is highly beneficial. **Skills & Competencies** - Proficiency with quality management systems, auditing practices, and tools/software. - Strong knowledge of ISO standards and AS9100 REV D. - Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills. - Ability to interpret technical drawings, patterns, specifications, and regulatory requirements. - Demonstrated leadership, project management, and team development skills. - Detail-oriented with a strong commitment to continuous improvement and customer satisfaction. **Work Environment** - Combination of plant floor and office se…