Quality Leader

Role Purpose

· Drive execution of the Quality Management System (QMS) while maintaining strong daily presence on the shop floor.

· Bridge technical problem-solving and system-level accountability.

· Ensure quality is built into every process from incoming material through final assembly.

Position Scope

· Reports to: COO

· Span: All production areas (CNC, Doors, Frames, Sanding, Finishing, Assembly, Specialty)

· Systems Ownership: GNC QMS + Lean Operating System integration

· Direct report responsibility. Two inspectors to start.

Core Responsibilities

· Lead daily quality presence across all departments

· Enforce quality gates (GATE checks) at key process steps

· Identify and contain defects in real time

· Ensure QMS procedures are followed and actively used

· Lead structured problem solving (5 Why, Fishbone, Is/Is Not)

· Own Corrective/preventative action execution and ensure permanent corrective actions

· Manage incoming and supplier quality processes

· Manage customer concerns and corrective action

· Track and report key quality metrics (defects, rework, yield)

· Support training, competency validation, and quality culture development

Key Deliverables (First 90 Days)

· Implement and stabilize quality gates across all departments

· Establish baseline defect Pareto (top issues)

· Drive closure of top recurring defects

· Audit and improve QMS adherence

· Implement visual quality audit tracking board (kamishibai)

Decision Authority

· Stop production for quality issues when necessary

· Reject incoming material

· Require corrective actions from supervisors

· Escalate systemic issues to leadership

Success Metrics

· Reduction in internal defect rate

· Reduction in rework hours per cabinet

· Improvement in first-pass yield

· Scrap reduction

· Reduction in finishing defects

· Effective Corrective/Preventative action closure (no repeat issues)

· Audit compliance score

Profile of the Right Person

· Strong hands-on manufacturing experience (wood/finishing preferred)

· Proven problem solver

· Comfortable on the shop floor

· Able to challenge respectfully and drive accountability

· Lean experience preferred (5S, standard work, visual management)

· Basic Excel skills necessary

The ability to listen and to understand information that is being presented through spoken words as well as the ability to read and understand information that is being presented in writing.

The ability to show up for work on time and work extended hours as may be needed.

The ability to work independently.

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person