Quality Manager Injection Molding Jobs in Minnesota

Quality Manager – Plastics Injection Molding Manufacturing (Minnesota)

Our client, a plastics manufacturer in Minnesota, is seeking an experienced Quality Manager to lead their quality organization and drive continuous improvement across the facility.

What You'll Own

• Quality Management System (QMS) governance
• Internal audit programs
• Continuous improvement initiatives
• PPAP submissions and validation activities
• Inspection processes
• Engineering technician oversight
• Project management

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• Own the ongoing maintenance and improvement of the site's QMS.
• Keep the QMS current with the latest ISO standard revisions.
• Run the internal audit program in line with ISO 13485 requirements.
• Lead continuous improvement efforts focused on process optimization and QMS effectiveness.
• Uphold ISO standards across the operation.
• Track product quality performance using metrics and visual management tools to build awareness across the plant floor.
• Partner with every department to make sure customer requirements are clearly captured within the QMS.
• Manage document control so it stays aligned with customer, QMS, ISO, and regulatory requirements.
• Serve as the primary quality contact for customers on PPAPs, validations (IQ/OQ/PQ), complaints, SCARs, CARs, and customer audits.
• Direct all inspection activity — first article, PPAP, validation, in-process, and final inspection.
• Build and maintain quality KPIs.
• Partner with purchasing on supplier development, scorecards, and supplier audits.
• Foster a culture that recognizes contributions and encourages employees to help drive company performance.
• Stay current on quality trends and best practices, applying them to customer needs.
• Work with leadership to set and hit quality-related targets.
• Support engineering with DOE design/execution, product testing, and quoting on new programs.
• Provide project management support for new product introductions as needed.

Leadership Responsibilities

This is a people-leadership role. The Quality Manager will:

• Direct, coordinate, and evaluate the performance of the quality assurance team.
• Carry out supervisory duties consistent with company policy and applicable employment law.
• Handle hiring, training, work planning/assignment, performance reviews, recognition, and discipline for direct reports.

What You Bring

• 15+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment.
• 7–10 years of recent quality management experience, ideally in a senior leadership role.
• 5–10 years of experience specifically in plastic injection molding.
• A self-starter who can motivate a team.
• Comfortable making tough calls, but also willing to delegate decisions when it makes sense.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Solid grounding in manufacturing best practices and quality programs.
• Deep, hands-on experience with QMS frameworks, including ISO 13485 and ISO 9001.
• Track record of building collaborative, team-oriented environments.
• Strong technical knowledge of injection molding processes.
• Proven success implementing continuous improvement, lean, or similar methodologies.
• Strategic mindset with experience using statistical analysis to spot trends.
• Willingness to travel to other sites up to 20% (valid driver's license and personal vehicle required).

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary up to $140,000
• 3 weeks PTO plus 48 hours sick time
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Short-term and long-term disability
• Group basic life insurance
• Voluntary life insurance
• Hospital, accident, and critical illness coverage
• Pet insurance
• Identity theft and legal services coverage
• 401(k) with company match
• Gym membership reimbursement
• Tobacco cessation reimbursement

The ideal candidate is a critical thinker who will proactively improve the quality systems of the company through internal audits, participation in process improvement programs, and interaction with key partners to obtain constructive feedback.

Responsibilities

• Develop standardized production, quality, and customer-service standards
• Identify potential risks before they become a problem, focusing on root cause analysis and preventive action
• Perform internal and external quality audits and compile detailed reports of findings
• Build a strong team through coaching, mentoring, specific training and performance evaluations

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in Engineering
• 5+ years' relevant work experience
• Highly organized with excellent attention to detail