Plant Quality Manager

The Plant Quality Manager leads the laboratory and quality assurance function at an advanced materials manufacturing facility. This role ensures accurate product testing, strong quality control systems, and reliable certification of finished products.

The position maintains independence between laboratory decisions and production operations to protect data integrity, maintain high analytical standards, and ensure compliance with regulatory and customer requirements.

• Establish and manage an independent laboratory function
• Ensure laboratory decisions remain objective and separate from production pressures
• Set and maintain high analytical and quality standards
• Implement strong laboratory governance and quality control procedures

• Lead analytical testing programs for advanced materials
• Ensure test results are accurate, consistent, and defensible
• Implement best-practice testing methods and calibration procedures
• Oversee laboratory equipment maintenance, validation, and upgrades

• Promote a strong safety culture across laboratory operations
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, EPA, and all relevant regulations
• Lead investigations for safety or quality incidents and implement corrective actions
• Maintain environmental permit compliance and required reporting

• Improve inspection and testing processes across the production lifecycle
• Ensure products meet internal specifications and customer requirements
• Lead investigations into product quality issues or non-conformances
• Maintain strong documentation, traceability, and audit readiness

• Build and lead a high-performing laboratory team
• Develop technical expertise within the laboratory staff
• Promote a culture of scientific discipline, data integrity, and continuous improvement
• Collaborate with operations and technical teams while maintaining laboratory independence
• Manage the laboratory operating budget
• Monitor and control laboratory operating costs

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field
• 8+ years of experience leading analytical laboratories in advanced materials, chemical processing, battery materials, or similar industries
• Experience with analytical techniques such as particle size analysis, surface area measurement, spectroscopy, impurity analysis, or thermal analysis
• Strong background in QA/QC systems within regulated or high-specification manufacturing environments
• Experience supporting product qualification and certification processes
• Proven leadership experience managing laboratory or quality teams
• Strong scientific and analytical expertise
• High integrity and independence in decision making
• Strong attention to detail and data accuracy
• Advanced problem solving and analytical skills
• Strong communication skills with technical and operational teams
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced industrial environment
• Strong team leadership and collaboration skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills