Quality Assurance Manager

Job Title: Quality Manager

Location: Hazlehurst, GA

Reports to: Plant Manager / Director of Operations

Department: Quality Assurance

Position Summary

The Quality Manager is responsible for overseeing and driving all quality assurance and control activities within our advanced textile manufacturing facility, which specializes in composites and technical fabrics. This role ensures that all materials, processes, and finished products meet strict internal specifications, customer requirements, and industry standards. The Quality Manager will lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of the quality management system (QMS), while fostering a culture of quality across the organization.

Key Responsibilities

Quality Strategy & Compliance

Develop and implement the company’s Quality Management System (QMS) in compliance with ISO 9001 or other relevant certifications.

Establish, monitor, and maintain quality metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs) to drive continuous improvement.

Ensure compliance with customer requirements, industry regulations, and applicable environmental and safety standards.

Leadership & Collaboration

Lead and develop the quality assurance team, including inspectors, lab technicians, and auditors.

Partner with R&D, production, engineering, and sales teams to ensure quality is considered in product design, development, and manufacturing.

Act as the primary liaison with customers and suppliers on quality-related issues, complaints, and audits.

Process & Product Control

Define and enforce raw material and finished product specifications.

Oversee product testing and validation for composites and technical textiles, including strength, durability, and performance testing.

Lead root cause analysis (RCA) and corrective/preventive action (CAPA) processes for non-conformances.

Continuous Improvement

Drive lean manufacturing and Six Sigma initiatives to reduce variability and improve product consistency.

Lead internal audits and facilitate external audits with third parties, customers, and certifying bodies.

Maintain and improve documentation for procedures, test results, and regulatory submissions.

Training & Communication

Train employees on quality control procedures, new standards, and best practices.

Promote a culture of quality awareness and accountability across all departments.

Qualifications

Required:

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Materials Science, Textile Engineering, or a related field.

5+ years of experience in quality management in a manufacturing environment, preferably in textiles, composites, or technical materials.

Strong knowledge of quality standards (ISO 9001, ASTM, AATCC, etc.) and tools (SPC, FMEA, DOE, RCA).

Experience with quality testing equipment and laboratory procedures relevant to textile or composite materials.

Preferred:

Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) or Six Sigma certification.

Experience with ERP systems and quality modules (SAP, Oracle, etc.).

Familiarity with regulatory compliance in aerospace, automotive, or industrial textile sectors.

Working Conditions

Majority of time spent in a manufacturing environment; some lab work and office-based tasks.

Occasional travel to customers, suppliers, or off-site manufacturing partners.