Quality Manager at Westlake Plastics Co – Lenni, Pennsylvania

We are seeking an experienced and hands-on Quality Manager to oversee and continuously improve our quality control and assurance processes at our multi-site plastics manufacturing facilities. This role is critical in ensuring that our products meet both internal standards and customer expectations for quality, reliability, and performance. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in quality systems, quality control, plastics manufacturing, and team leadership.

Quality Manager Key Responsibilities:

• Develop, implement, and maintain the company's Quality Management System (QMS) in accordance with ISO standards (e.g., ISO 9001, ISO 13485) or customer-specific requirements.
• Properly manage and utilize the company’s eQMS systems.
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective/preventive action processes (CAPA) for product defects, customer complaints, and internal non-conformances.
• Lead the tracking, segregation, disposition and documentation activities for internal Non-Conformances (NCM)
• Oversee incoming, in-process and final inspections Conduct regular in-process inspections and final product audits to ensure compliance with specifications.
• Manage and maintain documentation for quality records, including inspection reports, certifications, and audit results.
• Collaborate closely with production, engineering, and sales teams to ensure quality requirements are clearly developed, communicated and met.
• Train production staff on quality procedures, standards, and inspection techniques.
• Prepare for and lead customer audits and certification audits.
• Support vendor quality assurance programs.
• Work with external parties such as material suppliers, test labs and equipment vendors to coordinate activities necessary for the business.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance product quality and manufacturing efficiency (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma principles).
• Maintain calibration schedules and records for measurement equipment and tools.
• Manage and mentor site teams of quality inspectors or technicians (as applicable).

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (Engineering, Quality Assurance, or similar) or equivalent work experience.
• 3+ years of experience in a quality role within a plastics manufacturing environment; with experience in injection molding, extrusion, or thermoforming being a plus.
• Strong knowledge of ISO 9001, ISO 13485 and ISO 17025 and related quality management system standards.
• Familiarity with eQMS systems, ASTM Test Methods, plastic materials, and testing methods.
• Familiarity with the use of statistics and statistical tools (such as MINITAB) to perform appropriate analyses.
• Experience with quality tools such as SPC, FMEA, Control Plans, and PPAP (Production Part Approval Process).
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Effective communication and leadership abilities.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook); experience with ERP systems is a plus.
• Certification such as CQE (Certified Quality Engineer) or CQA (Certified Quality Auditor) is preferred but not required.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand, walk, and perform inspections on the production floor.
• Lift up to 25 pounds occasionally.
• Comfortable working in a manufacturing environment (noise, heat, plastic materials).
• Occasional travel to other sites within the state is expected.