Quality Manager / Lab Manager

The Quality Assurance and Laboratory Manager - Spartanburg, SC plays a critical role in support of Manufacturing Operations, Quality Assurance and Quality Control for the PIDC Spartanburg Operation. Responsible for ensuring that the products and services provided meet both external and internal requirements, including legal compliance and customer expectations. The role requires a keen eye for detail, strong analytical skills, and the ability to lead cross-functional teams to achieve quality objectives. Along with the Plant Director, the Quality Manager plays a pivotal role in fostering a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration, and accountability throughout the Spartanburg plant.

The ideal candidate is self-motivated and thrives in a dynamic, industrial environment, with a passion for Quality, Manufacturing and exceeding Customer expectations.

Responsibilities:

In addition to the key responsibilities below, the Spartanburg QA Manager will be responsible for the Analytical Laboratories and the Lab Technicians as direct reports. Collaboration with PIDC Headquarters and to ensure that laboratory operations are consistent with the methods developed for our customers and the materials produced for them.

Key responsibilities also include:

• Support PIDC’s Quality Assurance and Environmental policies and procedures.
• Continued development of the Quality Management System (QMS) and supporting the standards for ISO 9001 and RC 14001.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of Quality Control measures.
• Conduct internal audits and be the point person for external audits.
• Collaborate with engineering and manufacturing teams to address quality issues.
• Lead and train staff in Quality standards, Laboratory standards and best practices.
• Analyze Quality data to identify trends and areas for improvement.
• Ensure compliance with ISO, State, County and local regulations.
• Investigate customer complaints and implement corrective actions.
• Prepare and present reports on Quality performance to senior management.

Quality Manager Qualifications & Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in a Science or Engineering related field or 3-5 years of equivalent experience in quality management or quality control roles.
• Strong understanding and experience with ISO 9001 and quality management systems.
• Strong background in statistical analysis and quality control techniques.
• Attention to detail and systematic approach to problem-solving and decision-making
• Strong leadership and team management abilities.
• Experience in manufacturing and industrial environments.
• Knowledge of Six Sigma and Lean methodologies; Green or Blackbelt a plus.
• Proficiency in quality assurance software and tools.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Project management skills a plus.

Experience with the following Analytical tools & methods preferred but not required

• Bulk Density analysis
• Loss on Ignition (LOI) and Loss on Drying (LOD) analysis
• Precision Scales and Moisture analysis
• Specific Gravity and Density analysis
• Hardness and Crush Strength analysis
• Particle Size and Shape analysis
• Surface Area analysis and Pore volume
• Chemical Analysis via Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES), including Sample preparation and Acid Digestion
• Chemical Analysis via X-ray Fluorescence (XRF), including Sample preparation and bead fluxing
• X-ray Diffraction (XRD), including Sample preparation
• Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (CTE) via Dilatometry