Quality Operations Leader
Location: Greater Houston, TX Area (Hybrid, with quarterly travel to Chicago)
Industry: Advanced Manufacturing & Industrial Technology
Job Type: Full-time
About the Opportunity
A leading innovator in energy and industrial technology is seeking a Quality Operations Leader to spearhead quality systems and continuous improvement initiatives across their U.S. operations. With a strong foundation in regulatory compliance and a reputation for engineering excellence, this company is driving critical innovation in power distribution and connectivity solutions. The person in this role will be pivotal in enhancing operational standards, shaping quality culture, and driving high-impact outcomes across the organization.
If you're a hands-on leader passionate about quality, continuous improvement, and collaboration across manufacturing, operations, and R&D, this is the perfect opportunity to make a tangible impact while growing your career.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Quality Vision
- Establish and champion a robust quality strategy aligned with operational goals and regulatory standards.
- Drive the execution of enterprise-wide quality management initiatives to foster a culture of quality and excellence.
Compliance & Risk Management
- Ensure organizational adherence to ISO 9001 and other relevant regulatory frameworks (e.g., CE, ATEX).
- Develop proactive risk mitigation plans and prepare the organization for successful audits, certifications, and inspections.
Quality Systems Management (QMS)
- Lead the development, implementation, and evolution of quality systems to ensure compliance and operational consistency.
- Continuously refine internal policies and procedures to reflect industry trends and best practices.
Process Improvement & Root Cause Analysis
- Lead and execute continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, and other methodologies.
- Oversee implementation of CAPA processes to identify, document, and resolve recurring quality concerns.
Team Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Mentor, train, and develop a high-performing quality team.
- Partner with engineering, supply chain, and customer support teams to resolve product quality issues and improve outcomes.
Supplier Quality Management
- Oversee supplier quality programs to maintain consistency and reliability across sourced components and materials.
- Collaborate with vendors to resolve quality issues and elevate supplier performance.
Performance Metrics & Reporting
- Establish KPIs for quality performance including defect rates, product returns, compliance scores, and customer satisfaction.
- Present findings and improvement roadmaps to senior leadership and cross-functional teams.
Qualifications
Education & Experience
- Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related technical field.
- Advanced degree or MBA is a plus.
- 7+ years in quality management or manufacturing operations, with at least 3 years in a leadership capacity.
Technical Skills
- Proficient in quality tools: root cause analysis, FMEA, Pareto analysis, SPC, and CAPA processes.
- Demonstrated success with QMS implementation and oversight (ISO 9001, GMP, Six Sigma, etc.).
- Deep knowledge of regulatory standards and certification protocols.
Leadership Competencies
- Strong communication, team-building, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to engage with all levels of the organization and external partners.
- Agile, detail-oriented leader with a continuous improvement mindset.
Additional Requirements
- Must be based in the Greater Houston area.
- Travel required 1-2 times per quarter to the company's strategic hub in Chicago.
- Must be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance (if required).
Why Join?
This is a high-impact leadership role at a company that values precision, progress, and people. You'll join a supportive team where your expertise will directly shape operational excellence and product quality. With strong backing from senior leadership and a culture of innovation, this is your opportunity to lead, influence, and grow.
About Blue Signal:
Blue Signal is an award-winning, executive search firm specializing in various specialties. Our recruiters have a proven track record of placing top-tier talent across industry verticals, with deep expertise in numerous professional services. Learn more at bit.ly/46Gs4yS