Overview

Lead the Transformation. Build a Culture of Excellence. Deliver Results That Last. The Director of Quality Assurance & Continuous Improvement provides strategic leadership for the company's quality and continuous improvement functions, ensuring products, processes, and services consistently meet the highest standards of quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction. This role is responsible for developing, implementing, and continuously improving the Quality Management System (QMS) while driving a culture of operational excellence across the organization. Leading enterprise-wide Lean initiatives, Kaizen events, root cause analysis, and structured continuous improvement programs, this position delivers measurable improvements in quality, productivity, cost, and operational performance. Working closely with executive leadership and cross-functional teams, the Director establishes quality strategies, drives compliance with customer and regulatory requirements, and champions sustainable improvements that support the company's strategic growth objectives. What Success looks Like Lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of the company's Quality Management System (QMS), ensuring compliance with customer, regulatory, and industry standards, including ISO certifications. Establish enterprise-wide quality strategies, policies, and governance while serving as the executive leader for quality-related decisions impacting customers, operations, and suppliers. Drive a culture of operational excellence by leading Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, and structured continuous improvement initiatives across all business functions. Develop and execute strategic cost reduction initiatives that improve productivity, eliminate waste, reduce the Cost of Poor Quality (COPQ), and enhance overall operational performance. Partner cross-functionally with Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain, Finance, Sales, and executive leadership to identify, prioritize, and deliver sustainable business improvements. Champion the voice of the customer by leveraging customer feedback, warranty data, and field performance to improve product quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction. Lead enterprise-wide root cause analysis and corrective action processes to resolve quality issues, prevent recurrence, and strengthen operational performance. Oversee internal and external audit programs, ensuring compliance with quality, safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements while proactively managing organizational risk. Build, mentor, and develop a high-performing Quality and Continuous Improvement organization while coaching leaders throughout the business to embed a culture of accountability and continuous improvement. Establish, monitor, and report key performance indicators (KPIs) that measure quality, delivery, cost savings, productivity, customer satisfaction, and continuous improvement performance. Translate strategic business objectives into measurable quality and operational improvement initiatives that deliver sustainable financial and operational results. Build trusted relationships across the organization and with external stakeholders, influencing decision-making and driving alignment to achieve the company's strategic objectives. Qualifications That Shine Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field required; Master's degree or other advanced degree preferred. 15+ years of progressive quality leadership experience, including 10+ years leading people and 5+ years leading corporate or multi-site quality organizations. Proven success developing and leading Quality Management Systems (QMS) within a manufacturing environment, including ISO implementation, certification, and ongoing compliance. Professional certifications such as ASQ Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence (CMQ/OE), Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt, and Lean certification are strongly preferred. Demonstrated success leading Lean tr