Quality Assurance Manager

Work Location:

OK/TN Department:
Quality

Reports To:

Plant Manager Direct Reports:
Quality Technicians / Inspectors FLSA:
Exempt Wage Type:
Annual Salary (DOE)

The Quality Assurance Manager is responsible for overseeing the quality assurance and control functions within the HDPE manufacturing facility. This role ensures compliance with ISO, ASTM, AWWA, UL, and other applicable standards, while driving continuous improvement and operational excellence across all quality processes. The incumbent leads testing, inspection, and auditing programs to maintain the highest quality of materials and finished products.

• Develop, implement, and maintain a Quality Management System (QMS) compliant with ISO 9001 and applicable regulatory standards.
• Ensure all products meet customer, company, and industry specifications (ISO, ASTM, AWWA, FM, UL, etc.).
• Conduct internal audits, support external audits, and coordinate certification renewals.
• Manage product inspection, data collection, and disposition of on-hold materials.
• Participate in customer and regulatory audits, addressing findings in a timely manner.
• Review and update QA documentation (QTs, SQPs, L4 documents) and support periodic reviews.

• Oversee incoming inspection of PE resin and additives to ensure conformity to specifications.
• Supervise in-process and final product inspections (dimensional checks, hydrostatic pressure, tensile, and impact testing).
• Analyze test data to identify trends and initiate corrective/preventive actions (CAPA).
• Maintain calibration of gauges and testing instruments; manage gauge inventory and database accuracy.

• Partner with Production to monitor extrusion processes and critical control points.
• Establish and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and work instructions.
• Drive Lean and continuous improvement initiatives to reduce scrap, rework, and complaints.
• Actively participate in 5S, BIQC, and preventive quality initiatives.

• Lead and develop the QA team to achieve department and plant objectives.
• Deliver training on quality systems, defect identification, testing methods, and safety.
• Promote a culture of accountability, learning, and teamwork within the plant.
• Support Health & Safety initiatives and ensure adherence to PPE and safety standards.
• Manage customer complaints through structured root cause analysis and CAPA implementation.
• Collaborate with suppliers to maintain material quality and support continuous improvement.
• Provide technical support to customers on product performance and application.

• Minimum 5 years of QA/QC experience in HDPE or plastic manufacturing.
• Strong understanding of HDPE extrusion, molding, and pipe testing methods.
• Proficiency in quality tools (root cause analysis, CAPA, statistical analysis).
• Knowledge of ISO, ASTM, UL, FM, and AWWA standards.
• Experience with ERP systems and MS Office Suite.
• Lean or Six Sigma certification preferred.
• Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.