Quality Assurance Manager

The Quality Manager will manage the internal quality systems for this plant location and coordinate the quality activities of all plant management, production, and operation workers. Responsibilities include confirming that all departments communicate effectively about quality and all other associated and related plant functions, metrics, and programs. The quality assurance manager will be integral to customer review meetings and will collaborate regularly with operations leadership where needed. Other quality duties may be assigned as needed.

In 1944, Hickory Springs Manufacturing (HSM) started a small production of furniture springs in Hickory, NC. We are a leading supplier of diversified components for the bedding, furniture, and GSA industries. We also produce polyester fiber batting, formed steel wire, flexible polyurethane foam fabrication. Hickory Springs, continues to extend its original product lines to include sleeper mechanisms, adjustable bed bases, roll packed mattresses and fabric encased micro coils. The diversification of our process and products allows us to stay true to our original values promised to our customers by excelling in producing quality and innovative products.

If you're interested in learning more about our company culture, as well as the benefits we offer our employees, please visit our website or social media pages.

• Maintain the QMS and ISO programs and requirements. Be the representative for ISO external audits and schedule and maintain internal auditing and program requirements.
• Organize, manage, and lead internal audits and be the representative for ISO external audits.
• Monitor the quality of material coming in and out of departments—Institute daily plant tracking for effective quality measurement and ongoing improvement.
• Authorization of release of conforming product.
• Responsible for direct communications between customers, suppliers, operations, sales, and other facilities and internal and external quality issues.
• Manage daily testing criteria and equipment necessary to perform production quality validation.
• Manage Corrective Action System (CARs, 8d, etc.) as necessary.
• Investigate non-conformances, monitor operations on the plant floor in conjunction with the quality program, and manage the program’s overall effectiveness.
• CSI and Lean implementation follow through, resulting in conformity and continuity within the facility.
• Facilitate customer service, sales, and the management team in tracking, monitoring, and resolving complaints.
• Provide direction, leadership, mentoring, and coaching to all employees.
• Communicate with the Plant manager on plant issues, problems, planning, updates, and assistance needed from supervision, maintenance, etc.
• Work with Plant Manager to promote and sustain lean initiatives.
• Maintain the plant’s 6S program for effectiveness and consistency.
• Integral participant in the plant’s APQP process, including new product sampling & testing.
• Implement setup sheets, specification sheets, and part numbers.
• Track all scrap.
• Create and maintain multiple spreadsheets for production, cycle counting, etc.
• Other duties are as assigned by the plant manager or quality manager.

• Possess strong knowledge of production processes, quality assurance, safety, cost reduction, and other techniques for effectively manufacturing and processing goods. 
• Must be analytical and able to quickly assess large amounts of information and data. 
• Proven ability to work with cross-functional teams and in a project management environment. 
• Must have the ability to consider and evaluate the relationships between numerous factors. 
• Must possess all other qualities critical for managerial success, including leadership, self-confidence, motivation, decisiveness, flexibility, sound business judgment, and determination.
• Experience with JD Edwards.
• CAD/CAM proficiency preferred.
• Lead Auditor training/experience preferred.

Education/ Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, Manufacturing, or other related engineering field OR 5 years’ experience in Quality Management in a manufacturing environment 
• Minimum of 5 years of previous work experience in a manufacturing setting, 2 years in a Quality Leadership or Supervisory Role in an ISO/TS or AS/Quality System.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong knowledge of ISO 9001, including 2 years of auditing experience
• Strong APQP experience in a TS 16949 or similar quality system. 
• Strong computer skills/experience, including MS Office Suite 
• Strong Root Cause analysis skills and the ability to apply them to achieve results. 
• Strong understanding of Quality Management Systems, ISO compliance, and OSHA regulations and requirements 
• Proven experience communicating with customers and suppliers about quality concerns and/or new product launches. 
• Knowledge and understanding of Lean practices with application experience. 
• Knowledge and understanding of Lean practices with application experience.
• Ability to adhere to company policies and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations, and negotiation.
• Knowledge of production processes, quality assurance, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the ability to find and correct errors.
• Some general knowledge of machines and tools, including their design, usage, repair, and maintenance.
• Knowledge of safety regulations and procedures.

As a Quality Assurance Manager at HSM, you’ll enjoy: 

• 401k Contribution Match up to 4% (100% Vested from Day 1), 9 paid holidays, 3 weeks of Vacation (Prorated after 480 hours), Affordable Total Package Benefits offerings for you and your family, On-Site No-Cost Medical Clinics for you and Covered Dependents, Teladoc 24/7 ($0 copay), Global Healthcare and Tuition Reimbursement & Professional Development Assistance. 

At HSM Solutions our culture is built on a foundation of teamwork, innovation, and celebrating our successes together as a team. We provide our employees with the tools and resources they need to achieve their goals and to make a meaningful impact on our customers, our company, and our communities. If you're looking for a place that's not just a job, but a spot where you can grow and make a real impact, then HSM Solutions is the place for you. 

If you would like to apply for a position, please visit our career site at www.hsmsolutions.com/careers for a prompt response from our recruitment team. If you have any questions or would like to follow up on your application, please don't hesitate to contact us at jobs@hsmsolutions.com.

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HSM prohibits discrimination based on any protected status, workplace harassment/bullying, and retaliation for filing a complaint or providing information related to a complaint. HSM provides equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants without regard to an individual's protected status: race/ethnicity, color, national origin, ancestry, sex/gender, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation,
marital/parental status, pregnancy/childbirth or related conditions, religion, creed, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected status.