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# Director of Quality Assurance


Are you a visionary leader with an unwavering commitment to quality and operational excellence? Do you possess the strategic acumen to elevate quality assurance systems and drive continuous improvement within a dynamic manufacturing environment?
JRG Partners is seeking an exceptional Director of Quality Assurance to join a leading innovator in high-volume, precision manufacturing. This pivotal role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of product quality, ensure robust regulatory compliance, and foster a culture of excellence across all facets of our client’s operations.
Our client is a recognized industry leader, renowned for its cutting-edge products and commitment to delivering unparalleled reliability and customer satisfaction. As the Director of Quality Assurance, you will be instrumental in maintaining and enhancing this reputation, leading a dedicated team, and implementing world-class quality strategies that align with ambitious business goals.
This is more than a management role; it’s a strategic leadership position where your expertise will directly influence product integrity, operational efficiency, and market competitiveness.
If you thrive in an environment where your leadership can make a tangible difference, where innovation is encouraged, and where the pursuit of perfection is a shared value, then we invite you to explore this outstanding opportunity.
Located in the vibrant manufacturing hub of Chicago, IL, this role demands a professional who is not only a technical expert in quality systems but also a compelling leader capable of inspiring teams and collaborating effectively across diverse functions.
Role Overview for Director of Quality Assurance
The Director of Quality Assurance will be the strategic architect and operational leader of all quality initiatives. This executive-level position holds ultimate responsibility for developing, implementing, and maintaining a robust Quality Management System (QMS) that meets and exceeds industry standards and regulatory requirements.
You will be tasked with embedding a proactive quality culture throughout the organization, from design and development through manufacturing, supply chain, and post-market support. Your leadership will ensure that all products consistently meet stringent quality specifications, customer expectations, and global regulatory mandates.
Reporting directly to senior leadership, the Director will be a key member of the executive team, contributing to overall business strategy and decision-making processes. This role involves not only overseeing the day-to-day operations of the QA department but also driving long-term strategic planning, identifying emerging quality trends, and implementing innovative solutions to enhance product reliability and process efficiency.
You will be responsible for defining quality metrics, analyzing performance data, and leveraging insights to drive continuous improvement initiatives. The successful candidate will be a strong advocate for quality, capable of influencing stakeholders at all levels and fostering a collaborative environment where quality is everyone’s responsibility.
This role demands a leader who can balance strategic vision with hands-on operational oversight. You will guide your team in executing comprehensive quality control procedures, managing internal and external audits, and addressing any non-conformances with speed and precision. Furthermore, you will play a critical role in supplier quality management, ensuring that our client’s supply chain adheres to the same high standards of quality and compliance.
Your ability to lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing QA team will be paramount to success, ensuring that the department is equipped with the skills and resources necessary to meet evolving business needs and industry challenges. This is a critical role for our client’s continued growth and reputation for excellence.
Key Responsibilities of Director of Quality Assurance

Strategic Quality System Development & Implementation: Design, implement, and continuously improve the company’s Quality Management System (QMS) to ensure compliance with relevant international standards such as ISO 9001:2015, and other industry-specific regulations. Develop and execute a comprehensive quality strategy that aligns with corporate objectives and drives operational excellence.
Team Leadership & Development: Lead, mentor, and manage a high-performing team of quality assurance professionals. Foster a culture of accountability, continuous learning, and professional growth. Conduct performance reviews, provide constructive feedback, and identify training and development opportunities to enhance team capabilities.
Regulatory Compliance & Audit Management: Ensure all products and processes comply with applicable national and international regulatory requirements (e.g., FDA, CE, industry-specific standards). Oversee all internal and external audits, including customer, supplier, and certification audits, ensuring successful outcomes and timely resolution of findings.
Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence: Champion and drive continuous improvement initiatives using methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, and 8D problem-solving. Implement robust corrective and preventive action (CAPA) systems to address non-conformances, identify root causes, and prevent recurrence.
Supplier Quality Management: Establish and manage a comprehensive supplier quality program, including supplier qualification, performance monitoring, audits, and corrective action processes. Collaborate closely with procurement and supply chain teams to ensure the quality of incoming materials and components.
Product Lifecycle Quality Oversight: Integrate quality processes throughout the entire product lifecycle, from design and development (Design for Quality, FMEA) through manufacturing, testing, and post-market surveillance. Ensure robust validation and verification activities are performed.
Data Analysis & Reporting: Develop and monitor key quality performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics. Analyze quality data, identify trends, and generate comprehensive reports for senior management, providing actionable insights for decision-making and strategic planning.
Risk Management: Implement and manage robust risk assessment and mitigation strategies related to product quality, manufacturing processes, and regulatory compliance. Proactively identify potential risks and develop contingency plans.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate effectively with R&D, Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Sales, and Customer Service departments to integrate quality principles, resolve quality-related issues, and ensure customer satisfaction. Act as the primary quality liaison for internal and external stakeholders.
Customer & Complaint Management: Oversee the customer complaint handling process, ensuring timely investigation, resolution, and communication. Utilize customer feedback to drive product and process improvements.

Requirements for the Director of Quality Assurance

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality Management, Science, or a related technical field is required. A Master’s degree (MBA or MS in a relevant field) is highly preferred.
Experience: A minimum of 10-15 years of progressive experience in Quality Assurance roles within a high-volume, precision manufacturing environment, with at least 5-7 years in a senior leadership or directorial capacity.
Industry Experience: Demonstrated experience in a regulated industry such as automotive, aerospace, medical devices, electronics, or other advanced manufacturing sectors with stringent quality requirements.
Quality Management Systems Expertise: Deep and demonstrable expertise in developing, implementing, and managing Quality Management Systems (QMS) in accordance with international standards, particularly ISO 9001:2015. Experience with other relevant standards (e.g., AS9100, ISO 13485) is a significant plus.
Methodological Proficiency: Proven expertise in quality methodologies and tools, including Statistical Process Control (SPC), Root Cause Analysis (e.g., 8D, Fishbone), FMEA, Lean Manufacturing principles, and Six Sigma (Green Belt required, Black Belt certification highly preferred).
Regulatory Knowledge: Comprehensive understanding of national and international quality regulations and compliance requirements pertinent to the industry.
Leadership & Management Skills: Exceptional leadership abilities with a proven track record of building, motivating, and developing high-performing quality teams. Strong strategic thinking, decision-making, and problem-solving capabilities.
Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex quality concepts to diverse audiences, including senior management, technical teams, and external stakeholders. Strong presentation and negotiation skills.
Analytical Skills: Proficient in data analysis, statistical methods, and quality reporting tools. Ability to interpret complex data to identify trends, root causes, and drive effective solutions.
Technical Acumen: Solid understanding of manufacturing processes, engineering principles, and product development lifecycles.
Software Proficiency: Experience with QMS software solutions, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, and standard office productivity suites.

Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client values its employees as its greatest asset and offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support your professional growth, personal well-being, and financial security. As a Director of Quality Assurance, you will be eligible for:

Competitive Compensation: A highly attractive base salary commensurate with experience and a performance-based bonus structure.
Robust Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your family, with options for HSA/FSA accounts.
Financial Security: A generous 401(k) retirement plan with significant company matching contributions to help you build your future.
Work-Life Balance: Ample paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and company holidays, to ensure you have time to recharge and attend to personal matters.
Professional Development: Investment in your growth through continuing education, industry certifications (e.g., ASQ certifications), leadership training programs, and conference attendance.
Relocation Assistance: For qualified candidates moving to the Chicago area, comprehensive relocation support will be provided.
Dynamic Culture: Be part of an innovative, collaborative, and forward-thinking work environment where your contributions are recognized and valued.
Impactful Work: The opportunity to lead critical initiatives that directly influence product quality, customer satisfaction, and the company’s market leadership.
Employee Assistance Program: Confidential support and resources for personal and professional challenges.

How to Apply
If you are a proven Quality Assurance leader ready to take on a challenging and rewarding role with a leading manufacturing innovator, we encourage you to apply.
Please submit your detailed resume and a cover letter outlining your relevant experience and qualifications to JRG Partners. We are committed to finding the best talent and will review all applications thoroughly.
To learn more about how JRG Partners excels in connecting top talent with leading companies in the quality sector, please Explore Quality Assurance & Regulatory Affairs Executive Search at JRG Partners. We look forward to receiving your application and exploring how your expertise can contribute to our client’s continued success.