Quality Manager at Heartland Label Printers LLC – Little Chute, Wisconsin

Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Location: Onsite

Travel: <5%

Position Summary:

The Quality Manager provides leadership for quality systems across manufacturing and commercial operations. This role ensures products consistently meet defined specifications and customer expectations while driving continuous improvement, defect reduction, and operational consistency.

The position leads the Quality team and partners cross-functionally to support training and workforce development initiatives that enhance employee capability, process adherence, and overall performance.

Expected Results:

• Consistent product quality and reduced customer complaints, returns, and defects

• High levels of customer satisfaction through reliable product performance and responsive issue resolution

• Effective quality systems, audits, and corrective actions that ensure specification adherence

• A structured and scalable training program that improves employee capability and performance

• Improved operational consistency through standardized processes and training

• Increased workforce effectiveness through ongoing development and education

• Alignment with company Core Values in leadership and execution

Roles and Responsibilities/ Essential Functions:

Quality Leadership:

• Lead and manage the Quality team, including lab activities, testing protocols, and performance expectations

• Oversee and continuously improve the quality management system, ensuring alignment with customer and internal standards

• Monitor quality performance, analyze trends, and report results against established metrics

• Lead root cause analysis, corrective actions, and continuous improvement initiatives

• Conduct and oversee internal and external audits, ensuring compliance and readiness

• Own and maintain quality standards and documentation control, while supporting the development and maintenance of product specifications in partnership with responsible teams

• Serve as authority to accept or reject product and guide remediation efforts with Production

• Partner cross-functionally with Operations, Sales, Label Support, Purchasing and Customer Service to resolve quality issues and improve outcomes

• Manage customer complaints and returns, ensuring timely investigation, resolution, and communication

Continuous Improvement & Cross-Functional Support:

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives related to quality, process consistency, and workforce capability

• Collaborate with leadership to support strategic initiatives and operational improvements

• Provide tools, techniques, and guidance to improve process adherence and performance

• Build strong cross-functional relationships to ensure alignment and execution

• Support implementation of new processes, systems, and product requirements

• Partner with leadership and functional teams to support training initiatives that improve quality and operational performance

Competencies

• Accountability - Ability to accept responsibility and account for his/her actions.

• Analytical Skills- Ability to interpret data, trends, defects, and root causes.

• Change Management- Drive adoption of new processes, improvements, and standards.

• Coaching and Development- Support training, reinforce standards, improve team capability.

• Communication, Oral & Written - The extent to which an individual communicates with clarity, actively engaging in conversations in order to clearly understand others’ message and intent, and received and processes feedback.

• Customer Oriented - Ability to take care of the customers’ needs while following company procedures.

• Detail Oriented - Ability to pay attention to the minute details of a project or task.

• Problem Solving-Identify issues, determine root cause, and implement solutions.

• Systems Analysis-Understand how processes, materials, and operations interact.

Required Experience:

• 5–7 years of experience in a quality role within a manufacturing environment.

• Experience leading or influencing teams and cross-functional initiatives.

• Demonstrated experience in root cause analysis, corrective actions, and continuous improvement.

Preferred Experience:

• Experience in label, printing, converting, or related manufacturing industry

• Hands-on experience in press operations, converting, or production environments

• Experience working within a formal Quality Management System (e.g., ISO 9001)

• Experience managing customer complaints, returns, and quality investigations

Required Skills, Education and/ or Certifications:

• High school diploma or GED required; additional education or certifications preferred

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook required; PowerPoint preferred)

• Ability to interpret data, trends, and performance metrics

• Strong communication skills (written and verbal)

• Ability to work cross-functionally and influence without direct authority

Preferred Skills, Education and/or Certification:

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Quality, Engineering, Manufacturing, or related field

• Knowledge of flexographic printing, die cutting, and label converting processes

• Familiarity with quality tools and methodologies (e.g., CAPA, root cause analysis, audits)

• Certification in quality or continuous improvement (e.g., ASQ Certified Quality Engineer, Six Sigma Green Belt)