Director of Quality
SkyWater is partnering with a manufacturer based in the Sioux Falls area who’s looking to hire a Director of Quality for their team! Our client is privately held, they’ve been in business over 45 years, they have a global presence, and they have over 400 employees across their organization. We’re looking for a hands-on Quality leader who will own the Quality Management System at the company’s main facility while also partnering with their global plants to align standards & best practices. The Director of Quality will lead a team of 4 engineers and 1 technician, while setting the direction of the quality department, working directly with customers on quality issues, and working closely with cross-functional leaders & the executive team on strategic initiatives. It’s an exciting opportunity for someone who wants a high-visibility role where you can drive quality strategy while staying close to the manufacturing floor. Our client is offering a strong compensation package (base + bonus potential), comprehensive benefits package, and the opportunity to lead quality for a well-established, growing manufacturer serving some of the world’s top brands!
Responsibilities
- Lead and mentor the Quality Department (4 quality engineers & 1 quality technician).
- Own and maintain the Quality Management System.
- Maintain a strong floor presence, partnering directly with Operations and Engineering to resolve quality issues.
- Lead preparation for and participation in customer and internal audits.
- Establish and monitor plant quality KPIs, including safety, customer PPM, on-time delivery, scrap, and productivity.
- Serve as the primary quality contact for customers, leading complaint resolution, and root-cause analysis.
- Provide quality leadership for new product and process launches through APQP and PPAP.
- Partner with Purchasing and Engineering on supplier selection, PPAP approval, and supplier development.
- Collaborate with Quality Managers at the global manufacturing locations to align standards & best practices.
Desired Skills and Experience
- Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering field.
- 10+ years of progressive quality engineering experience (or combination of relevant engineering roles).
- 5+ years of direct leadership or management experience (ideally within a quality engineering department).
- Strong knowledge of ISO 9001, APQP, PPAP, and PFMEA highly preferred.
- Experience working in an industrial manufacturing environment.
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