Continuous Improvement & Quality Manager

The Continuous Improvement & Quality Manager is responsible for leading both quality assurance and continuous improvement initiatives to ensure our products, services, and processes meet the highest standards of reliability, compliance, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. This role requires a proactive and collaborative leader who drives Lean and process optimization efforts, oversees the Quality Management System, maintains ISO compliance, and develops a high-performing quality team. This position plays a key role in driving excellence across our operations and upholding our commitment to quality as a 100% employee-owned company.

This position is located at our Des Moines, Iowa facility.

Key Responsibilities:

Continuous Improvement & Process Optimization

• Lead cross-functional continuous improvement initiatives to reduce waste, eliminate inefficiencies, and streamline workflows.
• Apply Lean, Six Sigma, and Kaizen methodologies to drive measurable improvements in safety, quality, delivery, and cost.
• Develop and monitor CI metrics to track progress, sustain improvements, and ensure alignment with company goals.
• Facilitate workshops, root cause analysis sessions, and problem-solving events to empower teams at all levels.
• Champion a culture of continuous improvement, promoting engagement, ownership, and employee-driven solutions

Quality Assurance & Standards

• Oversee and improve quality control processes, including inspections, testing, control plans and other key documentation.
• Maintain and support ISO 9001 compliance through regular audits, documentation, and process standardization.
• Ensure compliance with internal standards and external regulatory/industry requirements.
• Implement and manage sampling plans and inspection protocols such as Acceptable Quality Limits (AQL).
• Drive root cause analysis and corrective/preventive actions (CAPA) to resolve quality issues and prevent recurrence.

Resource Management

• Lead, develop, and allocate Quality Technician resources to ensure optimal coverage and skill alignment across projects and manufacturing shifts.
• Balance workloads to meet production deadlines without compromising quality.
• Assign responsibilities based on team strengths to maximize effectiveness.
• Maintain calibration schedules and ensure availability, functionality, and proper use of inspection tools, gauges, and testing equipment.

Strategic Leadership & Team Development

• Identify short and long-term quality risks and opportunities, develop strategies to align quality objectives with overall business goals.
• Build a culture of accountability and collaboration with clear expectations, regular feedback, and shared ownership of outcomes.
• Provide coaching, mentorship, and performance feedback to support technician growth and retention.
• Serve as a change leader, ensuring that improvement efforts are embraced, sustained, and scaled across the organization

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Operations, Engineering, and Production teams to resolve issues and enhance outcomes.
• Serve as a quality subject matter expert for new product launches, customer escalations, and internal resolutions of quality issues.

Culture & Engagement

• Foster a positive and engaged work environment aligned with Ag Express Electronics’ core values.
• Promote a culture of ownership, transparency, and shared success.

Required Skills and Qualifications:

Technical Skills

• Familiarity with Lean and continuous improvement tools (Kaizen, value stream mapping, standard work, 5S)
• Strong working knowledge of quality tools and techniques such as control charts, Pareto analysis, fishbone diagrams, PPAP’s, and failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA).
• Experience with inspection tools and measurement equipment, including calipers, micrometers, multimeters, and specialized electronic testing devices.
• Familiarity with Quality Management Systems (QMS) and ERP systems; ability to document and analyze quality data effectively.
• Proficiency in basic mathematics and statistical methods to support inspections, sampling plans, and data analysis.
• Competency in implementing and maintaining ISO 9001 systems, including document control, internal audits, and corrective/preventive actions.
• Willingness to continuously learn and apply new tools, techniques, and process improvements to elevate quality performance.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documents. The ability to interpret electrical diagrams and schematics is preferred.

Problem-Solving and Efficiency

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to resolve issues in a fast-paced environment.
• Self-motivated with the ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt to changing demands.

Organization and Attention to Detail

• Maintains confidentiality and precision in handling company and customer information.
• Strong analytical, organizational and time management skills.

Interpersonal Skills

• Proven leadership experience with the ability to drive team and process improvement.
• Effective communicator with both internal teams and external partners; able to tailor messaging to audiences at varying levels, from technicians to executive leadership.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team with a positive, professional attitude.

Required Experience/Education/Training/Certifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field required; equivalent experience considered.
• Work Experience:
  • Minimum of 5 years in continuous improvement or quality assurance role preferably in a manufacturing or electronics environment.
  • Strong knowledge of quality systems and methodologies (e.g., CAPA, root cause analysis, ISO standards, Six Sigma, continuous improvement).
• Certifications: IPC Certification (IPC/WHMA-A-620); preferred, not required.
• Computer Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft 365 and standard office software.

Physical Demands:

• Manual Dexterity: Ability to manipulate small components, connectors, and wires with precision and accuracy during the assembly and testing of electrical systems.
• Lifting and Carrying: Occasionally, the role may involve lifting and carrying equipment, tools, or materials weighing up to a certain limit.
• Standing and Walking: Some tasks may require standing and walking around the facility for limited periods of time, such as collaborating with coworkers and testing certain equipment.
• Visual Acuity: Good eyesight and visual acuity are important for reading technical diagrams, inspecting electrical components, and identifying small details during the repair and testing process.
• Sitting for Extended Periods: Much of the work may be conducted at a desk or workstation, requiring the ability to sit for extended periods
• Repetitive Motion: Some tasks, electronic assembly or testing, may involve repetitive motions of the hands, arms, or fingers. Ergonomic practices should be followed to minimize the risk of repetitive strain injuries.
• Safety Awareness: Awareness of and adherence to safety protocols and procedures, including ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) protocols, is essential when navigating the organization’s facilities to ensure compliance and minimize the risk of workplace hazards or accidents.

Benefits:

Ag Express Electronics offers a leading benefits package as highlighted below:

• Employer-Sponsored Benefits: Medical, Dental, Group Life, Short-Term Disability (STD) with buy-up options

• Voluntary Benefits: Vision, Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account(s) (FSA), Life Insurance

• 401(k): Safe Harbor 401(k) including an annual 3% company contribution and Profit Share funded annually at the discretion of Ag Express Electronics.

• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP): Contribution funded annually at the discretion of Ag Express Electronics.

• Paid Time Off (PTO): PTO allowance to support work-life balance and provide employees with opportunities for rest, relaxation, and personal pursuits.

• Holiday Benefits: Recognition and observance of holidays by Ag Express Electronics, allowing employees to celebrate.

• Flexible Hours: Flexible work hours empower employees to have greater control over their work schedules, fostering a better work-life balance and increased flexibility to accommodate personal commitments.

• Educational Assistance: Support for employee development through educational assistance, including financial support for further education or professional certifications relevant to their roles, ensuring continuous learning and growth opportunities.

• Casual Dress Environment: Enjoy a casual dress environment at work, with company-provided branded clothing to promote comfort and a sense of belonging among employees.

Ag Express Electronics is an Equal Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, sex, gender, identity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law.

About Us:

Ag Express Electronics is a leading provider of innovative electrical solutions for agricultural, construction, and industrial applications. We specialize in designing custom electrical harnesses and distribution systems to meet the unique needs of our clients. Our team is dedicated to delivering high-quality, reliable, and efficient solutions that exceed customer expectations.