Corporate Quality Manager
Location: Naperville / Lisle IL Area
Compensation:
$100,000 to $175,000 base plus 15% bonus
POSITION SUMMARY
This highly visible leadership role is responsible for managing corporate quality programs across product integrity, process control, audit implementation, and customer satisfaction. The individual will ensure that all finished goods meet or exceed end-user expectations through quality-driven initiatives and strategic oversight.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Collaborate with executive leadership to enhance product quality initiatives and improve downstream operational performance for industrial clients.
- Lead and develop a team of plant-level Quality Managers, ensuring raw material blending produces optimal product results.
- Design, implement, and oversee quality process audits and preventive/corrective action plans.
- Own and continuously improve all processes and procedures related to Quality Assurance.
- Serve as a primary point of contact for customer-facing quality concerns and resolution efforts.
- Lead recurring customer meetings focused on quality performance, corrective actions, and satisfaction metrics.
- Identify and address training needs for operational teams regarding quality-impacting activities.
- Track product performance relative to contractual specifications and compliance standards.
- Maintain and analyze quality data to support predictive modeling and future process optimization.
- Oversee contamination prevention programs and lead root cause investigations as necessary.
- Employ statistical process control (SPC) methodologies to monitor and enhance processes.
- Manage laboratory performance scorecards, audits, and procedural compliance.
- Act as the organization’s central authority for all quality-related matters tied to key product lines.
- Coordinate cross-functional teams to establish standardized quality procedures and documentation.
- Audit third-party labs and ensure their practices align with internal and industry standards (e.g., ASTM).
- Oversee laboratory relationships and ensure external labs maintain quality and compliance parity with internal systems.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Mining, or a related technical field.
- 10+ years of experience in raw material processing, testing, or beneficiation (e.g., coal, metals, or similar sectors).
- Demonstrated experience in customer and supplier quality management.
- Strong working knowledge of ISO 9000/9001 and ASTM standards; formal ISO certification preferred.
- Proficient in statistical process control (SPC) techniques and Six Sigma methodologies.
- Proven ability to implement and improve enterprise-wide quality programs.
- Exceptional communication skills, both verbal and written, with experience presenting to executive leadership and customers.
- Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills with a strong data-driven approach.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and quality management systems.
- Able to work effectively in both plant and corporate environments with minimal supervision.
- Six Sigma Green Belt certification or higher preferred.
- Experience with international quality systems or oversight in industrial/heavy manufacturing environments is a plus.
- Technical knowledge of metallurgical processes and specialty materials (e.g., coke, foundry products) is advantageous.
PREFERRED BACKGROUND
- Prior experience working within a steel, industrial lab, or mining organization.
