What Does a Quality Manager Do?
A quality manager oversees an organization’s quality assurance and control operations, ensuring that products, services, and processes meet internal standards and external regulations. They are responsible for developing quality strategies, managing inspection and testing activities, and maintaining compliance with industry-specific requirements.
Quality managers lead teams of quality engineers, analysts, and inspectors while working closely with production, engineering, and executive leadership. Their goal is to implement continuous improvement initiatives, reduce defects, and drive operational efficiency. By setting policies, monitoring metrics, and collaborating with stakeholders, quality managers safeguard customer satisfaction and protect brand reputation.
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Quality Manager Core Responsibilities
- Develop and implement company-wide quality policies and procedures
- Supervise quality teams, including engineers, analysts, and inspectors
- Oversee product inspections, audits, and compliance programs
- Collaborate with suppliers to ensure incoming materials meet standards
- Track quality metrics and present reports to senior leadership
- Drive root cause analysis and corrective action planning for recurring issues
- Ensure adherence to regulatory and industry compliance frameworks (ISO, FDA, AS9100, etc.)
- Promote continuous improvement initiatives using Lean and Six Sigma methodologies
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Expertise in quality management systems and compliance standards
- Proficiency with quality tools such as SPC, FMEA, and root cause analysis
- Ability to manage audits, inspections, and certification processes
- Strong knowledge of ERP or QMS platforms
- Data analysis and reporting skills for quality metrics
Soft skills
- Strong leadership and team management abilities
- Excellent communication and presentation skills
- Problem-solving mindset with strategic thinking abilities
- Organizational skills to manage multiple projects simultaneously
- Ability to influence stakeholders and drive cultural change
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in quality management, engineering, or related technical field
Certifications
- ASQ Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence (CMQ/OE) strongly recommended
- Six Sigma Black Belt or higher certification valued for process improvement initiatives
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree in quality management, business, or engineering
- Experience managing quality in a global or multi-site organization
- Familiarity with advanced analytics tools such as Minitab or JMP
- Proven success in leading quality transformation or continuous improvement programs
- Active involvement in professional quality organizations (ASQ or equivalent)
National Average Salary
Quality manager salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for a Quality Manager is:
$105,258
Sample Job Description Templates for Quality Managers
Assistant Quality Manager
Position Overview
Join our team as an assistant quality manager and help oversee day-to-day quality assurance operations. In this role, you’ll support the quality manager by supervising inspections, maintaining records, and assisting with audits. This position is ideal for candidates with hands-on quality experience who are ready to grow into a management track.
Responsibilities
- Support the quality manager in implementing policies and procedures
- Supervise and guide quality inspectors during daily operations
- Assist with internal audits and prepare documentation for compliance reviews
- Monitor quality metrics and prepare reports for leadership
- Participate in corrective action and root cause analysis efforts
- Provide input on process improvements to increase efficiency
Requirements
Hard skills
- Knowledge of quality management systems and compliance frameworks
- Familiarity with inspection methods and measurement tools
- Ability to maintain detailed quality documentation
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office or ERP systems
Soft skills
- Strong attention to detail
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to supervise small teams effectively
- Organizational and time management abilities
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering, quality, or related field required
Certifications
- Six Sigma Yellow or Green Belt recommended
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in a manufacturing or production environment
- Familiarity with ISO standards and internal audit procedures
Mid-Level Quality Manager
Position Overview
We are seeking a mid-level quality manager to oversee quality control processes, ensure compliance with standards, and manage a team of quality inspectors and engineers. The ideal candidate has proven experience in quality leadership and a track record of improving processes to meet customer and regulatory expectations.
Responsibilities
- Manage day-to-day quality operations across assigned teams
- Conduct internal audits and coordinate with external auditors
- Oversee supplier quality and ensure incoming materials meet specifications
- Track KPIs and report on quality performance to senior management
- Implement corrective and preventive action plans
- Drive process improvements to enhance efficiency and reduce defects
Requirements
Hard skills
- Strong knowledge of quality management systems (QMS)
- Proficiency with root cause analysis and corrective action tools
- Ability to interpret technical drawings and specifications
- Familiarity with statistical process control (SPC) and reporting
Soft skills
- Strong leadership and supervisory abilities
- Effective problem-solving and analytical skills
- Clear communication with technical and non-technical stakeholders
- Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering, quality management, or related field
Certifications
- ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) or Certified Manager of Quality (CMQ/OE) recommended
- Six Sigma Green Belt required; Black Belt preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience managing supplier quality programs
- Background in Lean manufacturing environments
Senior Quality Manager
Position Overview
Our company is looking for a senior quality manager to lead complex quality initiatives and ensure compliance with industry regulations. This role requires advanced technical expertise, strong leadership, and the ability to collaborate with executives to align quality operations with business objectives.
Responsibilities
- Lead audits, inspections, and compliance activities across multiple sites
- Develop and refine quality policies and long-term strategies
- Manage and mentor mid-level quality managers and engineers
- Analyze data trends and present findings to senior leadership
- Oversee supplier audits and enforce vendor compliance
- Drive continuous improvement programs across departments
Requirements
Hard skills
- Advanced knowledge of QMS, compliance standards, and regulatory requirements
- Expertise in Six Sigma and Lean methodologies
- Strong background in data analysis and reporting tools
- Ability to oversee large-scale audits and compliance reviews
Soft skills
- Executive-level communication and leadership skills
- Strong decision-making and strategic thinking abilities
- Ability to mentor and develop quality professionals
- Problem-solving mindset with focus on long-term improvements
Education
- Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree preferred
Certifications
- ASQ Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence (CMQ/OE) required
- Six Sigma Black Belt or higher certification strongly recommended
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience managing quality operations in global or regulated industries
- Proven success leading large-scale process improvement initiatives
Director of Quality Management
Position Overview
We are hiring a director of quality management to provide strategic leadership and oversee the company’s quality functions. This role will establish organizational policies, manage compliance programs, and guide managers and teams in achieving excellence in product and service quality.
Responsibilities
- Define the company-wide vision for quality management
- Lead departmental managers and cross-functional quality teams
- Develop KPIs and monitor organizational quality performance
- Ensure compliance with ISO, FDA, or other industry regulations
- Partner with executives to integrate quality into business strategies
- Drive innovation in quality systems, tools, and methodologies
Requirements
Hard skills
- Expertise in global quality management systems and compliance frameworks
- Proven ability to manage multiple quality teams and operations
- Strong financial and resource management skills
- Experience leading enterprise-wide audits and regulatory interactions
Soft skills
- Visionary leadership and strategic planning abilities
- Excellent communication and influence across executive teams
- Ability to drive cultural change around quality practices
- Strong organizational and project management skills
Education
- Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree strongly preferred
Certifications
- ASQ CMQ/OE required
- Six Sigma Black Belt or Master Black Belt preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience leading enterprise-level quality functions across multiple locations
- Record of success in digital transformation of quality systems
Vice President of Quality
Position Overview
The vice president of quality serves as the executive leader for all quality-related functions across the organization. This role is responsible for shaping long-term strategies, ensuring compliance with global standards, and driving initiatives that enhance product quality and customer satisfaction at the highest level.
Responsibilities
- Define and execute the company’s global quality strategy
- Lead senior managers and directors across quality departments
- Ensure compliance with international regulations and standards
- Present quality performance and strategies to executive leadership and the board
- Oversee supplier quality and risk management programs
- Drive innovation in process improvement, automation, and data analytics
Requirements
Hard skills
- Expert-level knowledge of QMS, compliance standards, and global regulatory requirements
- Proven track record leading large, multi-site quality operations
- Strong financial and strategic planning capabilities
- Experience with advanced analytics and digital quality platforms
Soft skills
- Executive-level leadership and communication abilities
- Strong negotiation and stakeholder management skills
- Visionary mindset with ability to influence company direction
- Ability to inspire trust and drive accountability across teams
Education
- Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree or MBA strongly preferred
Certifications
- ASQ CMQ/OE strongly recommended
- Six Sigma Master Black Belt valued
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience leading global quality operations in manufacturing, healthcare, or aerospace
- Proven success driving cultural transformation around quality excellence