Quality Control Lab Manager Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

About Cretex Medical: 

Cretex Medical is a leading contract manufacturer of precision components and assemblies for the medical device industry.  Our customers view us as a trusted partner in the areas of injection molding, laser processing, metal stamping and device assembly.  Learn more at www.cretexmedical.com.

Quality Control Manager Position Summary:

The Quality Control Manager (QC Operations) leads Incoming Inspection, In-Process Inspection, Final Inspection, and Quality Laboratory functions while partnering closely with New Product Development (NPD/NPI) and Manufacturing to ensure compliant product realization and operational excellence. This role drives risk-based quality control strategies, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement to deliver high-quality products right the first time. The role requires a hands-on technical leader who can set direction, prioritize workload, coach and develop the team, and effectively interface with plant leadership and cross-functional stakeholders.

• Lead, coach, and develop Inspection and Quality Control teams across Incoming, In-Process, and Final Inspection, as well as Quality Laboratory functions.
• Establish and manage Inspection & QC objectives and KPIs aligned with site quality, safety, delivery, and cost targets.
• Build a high-performance culture focused on compliance, defect prevention, continuous improvement, and accountability.
• Drive workforce planning and resource allocation to support production demand, new product introductions (NPI), and engineering changes.
• Ensure inspector training, certification, and qualification meet regulatory and technical requirements.

Measurement Process Ownership

• Own the end-to-end inspection and quality control lifecycle, from requirements definition through validation, release, and controlled change for production use.
• Establish and maintain standardized work for inspection methods, sampling plans, documentation, and change control within the Quality Management System
• Ensure inspection processes are robust, efficient, and capable, delivering accurate, repeatable, and reliable results.
• Define and govern inspection strategies, including visual, dimensional, functional, and test methods, aligned with engineering requirements and risk-based quality principles.
• Drive standardization of inspection approaches across parts, processes, shifts, and sites to reduce variation, rework, and release cycle time.

Continuous Improvement & Compliance

• Lead initiatives to improve first-time-right quality, reduce cycle time inspection, and lower the cost of poor quality.
• Ensure adherence to regulatory requirements, internal procedures, & customer standards for inspection & product release
• Maintain compliant documentation, including inspection records, DHRs, validation evidence, and controlled procedures.
• Incorporate lessons learned from nonconformances, escapes, and audits into updated inspection methods and controls.
• Apply data-driven tools such as SPC, trend analysis, and risk-based sampling to drive proactive quality improvement.

Stakeholder Management & Communication

• Partner with Design, Operations, Engineering, and Quality to align inspection strategy with manufacturing execution.
• Communicate performance trends, risks, and improvement actions clearly to site leadership.
• Support NPI readiness and engineering changes through inspection planning and execution.
• Represent Inspection & Quality Control in cross-functional reviews and audits.

Quality Control Manager Requirements: 

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, or related field
• 5+ years in Quality Control or Manufacturing Quality
• Strong FDA 21 CFR 820 and ISO 13485 knowledge
• 5+ years of Leadership experience

Quality Control Manager Preferred Requirements: 

• Lean/Six Sigma experience
• High-mix manufacturing environment experience
• Strong data and problem-solving skills

What is it like to work at Cretex Medical?

We recognize the contribution of every individual and promote growth, safety and security for all our employees. Cretex Medical values performance and pays competitive wages along with a rich benefit package. We offer a positive work environment with a focus on continuous improvement.

Here are some of things that employees have said about working for Cretex Medical:

• “The culture at Cretex is collaborative. Everyone here is willing to help you whether it is a director, a machinist, or your boss. Everyone is always willing to help you figure out a project and get it done right.”
• “I would tell potential interns that Cretex is a great company to work for. It has set a high bar for corporate culture as well as the quality of work you can do. I would definitely recommend it.”
• “I learned that I really like the medical device industry. The importance and the gravity of what we do here is felt by the employees. You can have that passion in your work because you know what you are striving for is to save lives.”

We encourage you to explore the many opportunities Cretex Medical can offer you as a valued team member.

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This pay range reflects the base hourly rate or annual salary for positions within this job grade, based on our market-based pay structures. Actual compensation will depend on factors such as skills, relevant experience, education, internal equity, business needs, and local market conditions. While the full hiring range is shared for transparency, offers are rarely made at the minimum or maximum of the range.

Compensation:

This is a bonus eligible postion.

All Employees:

Our 401k retirement savings plan with a company match contribution; onsite health clinics, discretionary holiday bonus program (based on years of service), Cretex University, 24/7 employee assistance program with access to five confidential visits with a licensed counselor at no cost, wellness program with incentives, an employee death benefit, and employee sick and safe leave are available to all Cretex employees. 

20+hours:

Cretex’s medical benefit package includes: comprehensive medical insurance with access to virtual providers; dental insurance (Little Partners Dental benefit covers services 100 percent for children 12 and younger when seen by a Health Partners in network provider); vision insurance; a pre-tax health savings account, healthcare and dependent care pre-tax reimbursement accounts; paid holidays, paid time off; and our discretionary profit sharing program are available to employees working 20+ hours/week. 

30+ hours:

Parental Leave, accident and critical illness benefits, optional employee, spouse, and child life; short and long term disability; company provided life insurance; and tuition assistance programs are available to employees working 30+ hours per week. 

(Some benefits are subject to eligibility criteria.)

Applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, veteran status, marital status, family status, status with regard to public assistance, or any other protected status as required by law.  

Our company uses E-Verify to confirm the employment and eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify.