Quality & Safety Manager

Job Title

Quality & Safety Manager

Reports To

Technical Director

Job Overview

The Quality & Safety Manager oversees all quality systems, laboratory operations, and safety initiatives. This role ensures products meet internal and customer requirements, maintains ISO 9001:2015 certifications, manages customer complaints, and drives continuous improvement. The manager also leads health and safety compliance in alignment with OSHA standards.

QMS Management & Quality Assurance (50%)

• Lead the Quality Control (QC) team and manage all lab operations.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized laboratory environment.
• Oversee customer complaints, returns, and concessions; drive corrective actions and improvements.
• Develop and maintain quality documents (e.g., PFMEAs, Control Plans, SOPs).
• Conduct internal audits and maintain ISO 9001:2015 compliance.
• Implement and monitor Statistical Process Control (SPC) programs and analyze CPK data.
• Ensure all quality records are accurate and updated.
• Manage inspection of raw materials, in-process, and finished goods.
• Coordinate with production to optimize product quality and minimize costs.
• Manage lab equipment calibrations and maintain calibration records.
• Act as liaison with ISO Registrar and manage all ISO documentation.
• Lead safety initiatives, incident investigations, and 5S programs.
• Implement and oversee Layered Process Audits (LPA).

Occupational Health & Safety Compliance (50%)

• Ensure full facility compliance with federal, state, and local safety regulations. Maintain the OSHA 300 log and all mandatory safety postings.
• Oversee the plant's combustible dust management plan, ensuring proper housekeeping, routine inspection of local exhaust ventilation (LEV) / dust collection systems, and compliance with NFPA standards.
• Develop, audit, and enforce machine-specific Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures, particularly for high-energy compounding equipment like twin-screw extruders, high-intensity blenders, and pelletizers.
• Lead investigations for all near-misses, injuries, or property damage. Identify root causes and implement corrective safety actions to prevent recurrence.
• Conduct safety orientations for new hires and lead continuous training on chemical hazards (HazCom/SDS), Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), forklift safety, and hot work permits.

Physical Demands

• Ability to sit, climb, stoop, kneel, or crawl as needed.
• Regularly lift/move up to 10 lbs.; occasionally up to 50 lbs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Polymer Science, or Engineering.
• 2–5 years of experience in a laboratory or production quality environment.
• Experience with Six Sigma, LEAN methodologies.
• Expertise in ISO 9001:2015 and IATF 16949 standards.
• Internal Auditor Certified
• Strong skills in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package with performance-based incentives
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits
• Retirement savings plan
• Professional development opportunities
• Collaborative and inclusive work environment