Our client manufactures engineered electrical equipment for utilities and industrial customers across North America. They're growing, and they've retained us to find a Director of Quality who will lead quality across their U.S. operations. This is a hands-on role. If you want to run quality from a conference room, this is not the position for you. We need boots on the ground.
What you'll do
You'll own quality across U.S. manufacturing. The first order of business is stabilizing what's already in place, not launching a wave of new programs. Once the foundation is solid, you'll standardize quality management systems across facilities and build the kind of process discipline that catches defects before they happen instead of relying on inspection to catch them at the end.
You'll spend real time on the floor. You'll partner shoulder to shoulder with operations leadership rather than issuing findings from a distance. You'll lead root cause investigations and CAPA, own the metrics that matter (customer complaints, nonconformance trends, warranty performance, cost of quality), and drive continuous improvement in the day-to-day work.
You'll also lead the quality organization. Building the team is a core part of the job: training programs, cross-training, mentoring less experienced quality staff, and developing the next layer of quality leadership. There's an ERP implementation in the pipeline, and you'll play a major role in integrating quality systems into it.
What we're looking for
An engineering degree is strongly preferred. Seven to ten years of progressive quality leadership in manufacturing, with meaningful operational experience behind it. Previous management experience is required. This is not a step-up role. Engineered-to-order manufacturing background is important. So is comfort working in a growing, less-than-fully-mature organization where you'll build the systems rather than inherit them. Strong project management skills. Proven track record leading change and building collaboration between quality and operations. On the technical side: ISO 9001 implementation and maintenance, root cause analysis, SPC, corrective action systems, and audit leadership.
Backgrounds we're targeting
Power transformers (preferred), distribution transformers, switchgear, motors, drives, or similar engineered electrical manufacturing. Experience with electrical testing, insulation systems, copper and steel, and winding operations translates well.
Nice to have
ASQ CMQ/OE or CQE certification. Six Sigma Green Belt or higher. Internal or Lead Auditor certification. Project management certification.
Who thrives here
Practical leaders who are visible on the floor and comfortable working through ambiguity. People who build teams and systems rather than expecting to arrive and find both waiting for them.
What success looks like in year one
Stabilized quality systems. Clean audits, internal and external. Measurable reductions in scrap, rework, and warranty cost. Fewer customer quality complaints. A quality team that's stronger than the one you inherited.
The longer arc
This role is positioned to grow. As the organization matures and North American quality processes standardize, there's a clear path of advancement for the person who gets results.
Travel: Occasional travel to other North American facilities.
