Torchora
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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Quality Supervisor

💰 $65,000 - $95,000

Quality AssuranceManufacturingSupervisoryOperations

🎯 Role Definition

The Quality Supervisor is a cornerstone of our operational leadership, serving as the direct link between quality management strategy and shop-floor execution. This role champions the organization's commitment to excellence by leading a team of quality professionals to ensure all products meet and exceed stringent internal standards and customer expectations. You are the on-the-ground guardian of our brand's reputation, responsible for embedding a culture of quality, driving process integrity, and resolving quality-related challenges with a hands-on, proactive approach. This position requires a blend of technical expertise, strong leadership, and an unwavering focus on continuous improvement.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Senior Quality Technician / Inspector
  • Lead Quality Auditor
  • Quality Engineer
  • Production Team Lead with a strong quality focus

Advancement To:

  • Quality Manager
  • Continuous Improvement Manager
  • Operations Manager
  • Supplier Quality Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Production Supervisor
  • Process Engineer
  • Supplier Quality Engineer

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Directly supervise, mentor, and develop a team of Quality Inspectors and Technicians, managing schedules, conducting performance evaluations, and fostering a collaborative and high-performance team environment.
  • Champion and enforce the company's Quality Management System (QMS), ensuring all procedures and work instructions are followed consistently across all shifts.
  • Lead the non-conforming material process, from initial identification and segregation to facilitating Material Review Board (MRB) meetings for disposition.
  • Drive the root cause analysis (RCA) process for internal and external quality failures, utilizing tools like 5 Whys, Fishbone diagrams, and 8D reports to identify systemic issues.
  • Develop, implement, and monitor robust Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA) to ensure that identified quality issues are resolved effectively and do not recur.
  • Act as a primary point of contact and lead for internal, customer, and third-party audits (e.g., ISO 9001, IATF 16949), ensuring the team is prepared and all documentation is in order.
  • Plan and conduct regular training sessions for production and quality staff on quality standards, inspection techniques, use of measurement equipment, and GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices).
  • Analyze quality data trends, including first pass yield, scrap rates, and customer complaints, to generate insightful reports and dashboards for senior management.
  • Collaborate closely with Production, Engineering, and Supply Chain departments to address quality issues at their source and build quality into the manufacturing process.
  • Spearhead continuous improvement initiatives within the quality department and the broader production floor, applying Lean or Six Sigma principles to enhance efficiency and reduce waste.
  • Maintain the calibration program for all inspection, measurement, and test equipment, ensuring all devices are accurate and records are impeccably maintained.
  • Grant final product release approval by meticulously confirming that products meet all documented specifications, test procedures, and customer requirements.
  • Investigate and formally respond to customer complaints, ensuring a thorough investigation is completed and professional communication is maintained with the customer.
  • Develop, track, and report on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for the quality function, driving accountability and visibility on team and process performance.
  • Serve as the subject matter expert for interpreting complex engineering drawings, blueprints, and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) for the quality team.
  • Manage the document control process for quality-related documentation, ensuring that all procedures, forms, and work instructions are current, approved, and properly distributed.
  • Lead daily team huddles to communicate priorities, review recent quality trends, and proactively address potential issues before they impact production.
  • Ensure a safe and organized work environment within the quality lab and inspection areas, adhering to all company safety policies and promoting a safety-first culture.
  • Coordinate with the supply chain team to address supplier quality issues, including managing supplier corrective action requests (SCARs) and incoming material inspection protocols.
  • Provide critical quality support for New Product Introduction (NPI) projects, participating in design reviews and process validation to ensure manufacturability and quality from the start.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis to assist other departments in problem-solving.
  • Contribute to the organization's long-term quality strategy and technology roadmap, including the evaluation of new inspection equipment.
  • Collaborate with business units to translate customer feedback and evolving market needs into updated quality standards.
  • Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies if the organization utilizes agile methodologies for project management.
  • Assist in the validation and qualification of new manufacturing processes, equipment, and materials.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • QMS Expertise: Deep understanding and practical application of Quality Management Systems such as ISO 9001, AS9100, or IATF 16949.
  • Root Cause Analysis: Mastery of structured problem-solving methodologies including 8D, 5 Whys, Fishbone Diagrams, and Fault Tree Analysis.
  • Statistical Process Control (SPC): Ability to implement and interpret SPC charts and other statistical tools to monitor and control processes.
  • Technical Drawing Interpretation: High proficiency in reading and interpreting complex blueprints, engineering drawings, and GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing).
  • Metrology & Inspection Tools: Hands-on experience with a wide range of measurement tools, including calipers, micrometers, height gauges, and CMM (Coordinate Measuring Machine) operation.
  • CAPA Management: Proven experience managing a Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA) system from initiation to closure and effectiveness verification.
  • Continuous Improvement Methodology: Knowledge of and experience with Lean Manufacturing and/or Six Sigma (Green Belt certification is a plus).
  • Auditing Skills: Certified or experienced internal auditor capable of leading and participating in comprehensive quality audits.
  • Data Analysis & Reporting: Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, charting) and experience with Minitab or other statistical software for analyzing quality data.
  • ERP/MRP Systems: Familiarity with using ERP systems (like SAP, Oracle, Plex) for quality modules, inventory management, and traceability.

Soft Skills

  • Servant Leadership: A natural ability to lead, coach, and motivate a team, focusing on their growth and success.
  • Decisive Problem-Solving: The ability to analyze complex situations quickly and make sound, confident decisions under pressure.
  • Cross-Functional Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical issues to a non-technical audience.
  • Influential Collaboration: Strong interpersonal skills to build relationships and influence positive outcomes with peers in Production, Engineering, and other departments.
  • Meticulous Attention to Detail: An exceptional eye for detail and a commitment to precision and accuracy in all tasks.
  • Conflict Resolution: The capacity to manage and resolve conflicts within the team or between departments constructively.
  • Resilience and Adaptability: The ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic manufacturing environment and adapt to changing priorities.
  • Strategic Thinking: Ability to see the bigger picture and connect daily tasks to broader business objectives.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Associate's Degree in a technical discipline OR a High School Diploma combined with significant, directly relevant professional experience.

Preferred Education:

  • Bachelor's Degree.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Industrial Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Quality Assurance
  • Operations Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 3-7 years of progressive experience within a quality assurance function, including a minimum of 2 years in a team lead or direct supervisory capacity.

Preferred:

  • Experience in a high-volume, regulated manufacturing industry (e.g., automotive, aerospace, medical device, electronics) is strongly preferred.
  • Professional certifications such as ASQ Certified Quality Supervisor (CQS), Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), or Six Sigma Green/Black Belt are highly regarded.
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