QA Manager

Roles and responsibilities

• Develop and implement detailed quality control plans and procedures for specific aspects of construction projects, ensuring alignment with overall project goals.
• Lead and actively participate in project meetings, providing expert input on quality assurance and quality control matters to drive decision-making and project success.
• Conduct in-depth inspections and assessments to verify compliance with project specifications, industry standards, and relevant codes.
• Review, approve, and provide recommendations on quality-related documentation, including material submittals, test reports, and inspection records.
• Monitor and assess ongoing construction activities, ensuring they meet approved plans, specifications, and quality standards without requiring constant supervision.
• Identify, document, and manage non-conformance issues, taking initiative to coordinate with project teams and implement corrective actions independently.
• Take ownership of quality audits of subcontractors and suppliers, ensuring their adherence to project and regulatory quality requirements.
• Maintain detailed and accurate records of all inspections, tests, and QA/QC documentation, ensuring traceability and accessibility with minimal oversight.
• Prepare and submit regular reports on QA/QC findings, trends, and recommendations to improve overall project quality performance, independently managing deliverables.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers and site teams on QA/QC processes and standards, without requiring intervention from supervisors.
• Lead quality training sessions or workshops to enhance the understanding and implementation of quality practices within the project team.
• Stay updated on industry standards and regulatory changes, ensuring compliance with evolving codes and best practices.
• Collaborate with project managers, engineers, architects, and subcontractors to promptly resolve quality-related issues, taking initiative in finding solutions.
• Conduct investigations into quality-related issues and defects, recommending solutions and preventive measures, and following through on corrective actions independently.
• Deliver quality outcomes with minimal intervention, demonstrating self-sufficiency and accountability in driving results and ensuring project quality objectives are met.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives, proactively identifying opportunities for process enhancements and greater efficiency in quality management.

Desired candidate profile

1. Quality Management Knowledge

• Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC): Strong understanding of QA processes (proactive, process-oriented) and QC practices (reactive, product-oriented), and how they complement each other to ensure consistent product or service quality.
• Quality Standards and Certifications: Expertise in international quality standards such as ISO 9001, Six Sigma, or industry-specific standards like ISO 13485 (medical devices), AS9100 (aerospace), or GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices).
• Regulatory Compliance: Knowledge of local, national, and international regulations (e.g., FDA, CE marking, UL) that apply to product quality and safety.
• Continuous Improvement: Understanding and implementing methodologies such as Lean, Kaizen, or Total Quality Management (TQM) to drive continuous improvement in processes.

2. Process and Product Auditing

• Internal and External Audits: Conducting regular internal audits to assess compliance with quality standards, identifying gaps, and ensuring corrective actions are taken. Experience in managing third-party audits and inspections.
• Non-Conformance Management: Identifying, documenting, and addressing non-conformance issues, whether in materials, production processes, or final products.
• Root Cause Analysis: Expertise in using techniques like the 5 Whys, Fishbone diagrams, and Failure Mode Effects Analysis (FMEA) to identify and address the root causes of quality issues.

3. Problem Solving and Decision Making

• Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA): Leading teams in identifying corrective and preventive actions to mitigate risks and address issues that impact product quality.
• Problem Resolution: Proactively identifying and resolving product defects, process inefficiencies, or compliance issues.
• Risk Management: Ability to assess risk factors and implement solutions to prevent quality issues from impacting product or service delivery.

4. Data Analysis and Reporting

• Statistical Process Control (SPC): Proficiency in using SPC tools to monitor production processes, analyze data, and identify trends that can help improve quality.
• Metrics and KPIs: Establishing and tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) such as defect rates, customer complaints, returns, and rework rates to monitor and improve product quality.
• Quality Reporting: Preparing detailed reports on quality performance, audits, non-conformances, and CAPA activities, presenting them to senior management, and providing insights for improvements.

5. Leadership and Team Management

• Team Leadership: Leading and managing quality assurance teams, setting clear objectives, and ensuring teams have the skills and resources to meet quality goals.
• Training and Development: Conducting training sessions for staff on quality standards, methodologies, and best practices. Ensuring employees are aware of quality procedures and are actively engaged in maintaining standards.
• Collaboration: Working closely with other departments such as production, engineering, procurement, and supply chain to ensure quality standards are met throughout the organization.
• Stakeholder Management: Building and maintaining relationships with suppliers, customers, and regulatory bodies to ensure alignment with quality expectations.