Quality Assurance Team Leader en WIELAND DESIGNS INC

Description

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Quality Assurance Team Leader provides first-line leadership to the Quality Assurance team, ensuring consistent execution of inspection processes, fostering development of QA personnel, and serving as the key liaison between manufacturing and Quality Assurance. This role supports the Quality Assurance Supervisor and Manager in enforcing ISO 9001:2015 & ISO 13485:2016 standards, improving cross-departmental communication, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. The Team Leader monitors daily operations, escalates quality issues, and actively contributes to the department’s strategic growth and operational excellence.

CORE COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:

• Proficient in print reading for manufacturing, including complex assembly drawings and tolerance interpretation.
• Skilled in precision measurement techniques using calipers, micrometers, gauges, and other inspection tools.
• Working knowledge of Quality Tools & Techniques: cause-and-effect diagrams, check sheets, Pareto analysis, control charts.
• Experienced in problem-solving frameworks: PDCA, A3 thinking, 5 Whys, and Root Cause Analysis.
• Foundational understanding of Basic Statistical Process Control (SPC) and capability studies.
• Exposure to Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) and Production Part Approval Process (PPAP).
• Awareness of Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) and Control Plan development.
• Competence in Excel for data tracking, trend analysis, and reporting.
• Understanding of ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 13485 (medical devices) requirements.
• Strong leadership and coaching ability; experience guiding a small team of QA personnel.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, conflict resolution, and interpersonal skills.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalent; technical training or associate degree preferred.
• 3+ years in a quality, inspection, or manufacturing role, with at least 1 year in a leadership or mentorship capacity preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and develop QA personnel.
• Clear and effective verbal and written communication skills in English; bilingual is a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to work with cross-functional teams and diverse individuals.
• Comfortable operating in a dynamic, fast-paced production environment.
• Proficiency with computer systems: ERP software, MS Office Suite, database entry, and online resources.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities with minimal supervision.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Leadership & Team Oversight

• Provide day-to-day guidance, support, and coaching to QA Technicians and Inspectors.
• Coordinate inspection coverage, prioritize daily activities, and ensure consistency in process execution.
• Onboard, train, and mentor new QA personnel to maintain high technical proficiency and process compliance.
• Foster a culture of accountability, ownership, and continuous improvement within the QA team.

Inspection & Quality Control Oversight

• Monitor incoming, in-process, and final product inspections to ensure compliance with prints, specifications, and standards.
• Support QA team in open box inspections, repaired/reworked product verification, and documentation of inspection results.
• Ensure measurement tools and inspection methods are applied consistently across the team.

Nonconformance Management

• Serve as first point of contact for production regarding quality concerns or inspection questions.
• Support investigation of nonconformances using root cause analysis and corrective action tools.

• Initiate, document, and track Nonconforming Material Reports (NCMRs) and Discrepant Material Reports (DMRs).
• Track and escalate quality issues to the Quality Supervisor or Manager when appropriate.

Supplier Quality

• Support supplier performance monitoring, SCARs, and RMAs as needed.
• Collaborate on continuous improvement initiatives, process enhancements, and quality system documentation updates
• Assist in developing Control Plans, Standard Work, and Work Instructions in alignment with department standards.

Quality Systems & Documentation

• Support internal audit activities and continuous improvement efforts.
• Assist with Engineering Change Notices (ECNs) and document revisions.

INTERPERSONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Act as a liaison between Quality and functions such as Manufacturing, Engineering, Purchasing, and Customer Service.
• Represent the QA team in problem-solving sessions, continuous improvement initiatives, and cross-functional meetings.
• Deliver quality insights and data to internal teams in a clear, actionable manner.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The physical demands and work environment described below are representative of those encountered by employees performing the essential duties of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

Physical Demands:

• Must be able to stand and remain physically active for 8 to 10 hours per shift.

• Frequent and repetitive use of hands and arms is required to handle, lift, and inspect materials and products.

• Visual acuity is essential, including the ability to distinguish color variations in fabrics, finishes, and materials.

• Must regularly lift and maneuver items weighing 8–10 pounds and occasionally lift items up to 40 pounds.

• Requires bending, reaching, and handling product components throughout the day.

Work Environment:

• Manufacturing environment with moderate, consistent noise levels, primarily from staple guns and other hand tools.
• Exposure to small airborne dust particles generated from fabric and upholstery handling.
• The work area is not climate-controlled; employees must be able to work comfortably in varying seasonal temperatures.
• Standard precautions and protective equipment may be required depending on the inspection area and materials handled.

This role is ideal for a self-driven, technically inclined professional who thrives in leadership, problem-solving, and team development, while maintaining a hands-on approach to quality and process excellence.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalent; technical training or associate degree preferred.
• 3+ years in a quality, inspection, or manufacturing role, with at least 1 year in a leadership or mentorship capacity preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and develop QA personnel.
• Clear and effective verbal and written communication skills in English; bilingual is a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to work with cross-functional teams and diverse individuals.
• Comfortable operating in a dynamic, fast-paced production environment.
• Proficiency with computer systems: ERP software, MS Office Suite, database entry, and online resources.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities with minimal supervision.