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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Quality Control Supervisor

💰 $65,000 - $95,000

Quality AssuranceManufacturingOperationsSupervision

🎯 Role Definition

At its core, the Quality Control (QC) Supervisor is the linchpin of product integrity and a champion for quality standards within the organization. This role is responsible for leading a team of QC technicians and inspectors, ensuring that all products meet and exceed established quality benchmarks, customer specifications, and regulatory requirements. The QC Supervisor orchestrates the daily activities of the quality department, from in-process checks fatoresource allocation, and is pivotal in identifying, analyzing, and resolving quality issues. This position requires a blend of strong leadership, technical expertise in quality systems, and a proactive approach to process improvement to drive a culture of excellence and a zero-defect mindset.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Senior Quality Control Inspector / Technician
  • Quality Engineer
  • Lead Production Operator with a strong quality focus

Advancement To:

  • Quality Assurance Manager
  • Plant Quality Manager
  • Operations Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Production Supervisor
  • Process Improvement Specialist or Continuous Improvement Lead

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Direct, mentor, and supervise a dedicated team of Quality Control Inspectors and Technicians, managing work schedules, conducting regular performance evaluations, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.
  • Oversee all daily quality control activities, including in-process inspections, final product testing, and raw material verification to ensure strict adherence to company and customer specifications.
  • Develop, implement, and maintain comprehensive quality control procedures, work instructions, and inspection plans to standardize processes and ensure consistent product quality.
  • Lead the investigation and resolution of non-conformances, customer complaints, and internal quality issues using structured problem-solving methodologies like Root Cause Analysis (RCA).
  • Manage the Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA) system, ensuring that root causes are effectively identified and that sustainable corrective actions are implemented and verified.
  • Champion and enforce compliance with relevant quality management systems (QMS), such as ISO 9001, and other industry-specific standards (e.g., cGMP, AS9100).
  • Analyze quality data using Statistical Process Control (SPC) and other statistical tools to monitor process stability, identify trends, and drive data-driven decisions for process improvements.
  • Plan and execute internal audits to assess the effectiveness of the QMS and ensure ongoing compliance with established procedures and regulatory requirements.
  • Collaborate closely with Production, Engineering, and Supply Chain departments to address quality concerns, support new product introductions (NPI), and integrate quality at the source.
  • Manage the calibration program for all measurement and test equipment, ensuring all instruments are calibrated, maintained, and in good working order.
  • Develop and deliver comprehensive training programs for the QC team and production staff on quality standards, inspection methods, and the proper use of measurement equipment.
  • Prepare and present detailed quality reports and key performance indicators (KPIs) to senior management, highlighting trends, areas for improvement, and the status of quality objectives.
  • Act as the primary point of contact for quality-related inquiries from other departments, providing guidance and support to ensure a unified approach to quality.
  • Oversee the quarantine and disposition of non-conforming materials, managing the Material Review Board (MRB) process to ensure timely and effective resolution.
  • Evaluate and monitor supplier quality performance, participating in supplier audits and collaborating on corrective actions to ensure the integrity of incoming materials.
  • Maintain meticulous and accurate quality documentation, including inspection records, test results, audit reports, and training logs, ensuring they are readily accessible and compliant.
  • Drive a "safety-first" culture within the QC lab and on the production floor, ensuring all activities comply with environmental, health, and safety (EHS) policies.
  • Identify opportunities for waste reduction and efficiency improvements within the quality control process through the application of Lean Manufacturing principles.
  • Facilitate pre-shipment inspections and the creation of certification packages (e.g., Certificate of Conformance) to meet customer documentation requirements.
  • Stay current with industry trends, best practices, and evolving regulatory standards related to quality control and assurance.

Secondary Functions

  • Participate in the evaluation and qualification of new suppliers and materials to ensure they meet established quality requirements.
  • Support the New Product Introduction (NPI) process by providing quality input during the design and development phases.
  • Assist in budget planning and resource allocation for the Quality Control department, including staffing and equipment needs.
  • Contribute to the company's environmental, health, and safety (EHS) committee and initiatives.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Quality Management Systems (QMS): Deep understanding and practical experience with standards like ISO 9001, cGMP, or AS9100.
  • Root Cause Analysis (RCA): Proficiency in structured problem-solving tools such as 5 Whys, Fishbone (Ishikawa) Diagrams, and Fault Tree Analysis.
  • Statistical Process Control (SPC): Ability to apply and interpret statistical data, control charts, and process capability studies (Cpk, Ppk).
  • Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA): Expertise in managing the full CAPA lifecycle, from initiation and investigation to implementation and verification.
  • Metrology & Calibration: Knowledge of measurement tools (calipers, micrometers, CMMs, etc.) and the principles of equipment calibration and Gage R&R.
  • Auditing: Certified or experienced in conducting internal and/or supplier audits against established quality standards.
  • Lean Six Sigma: Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing and/or Six Sigma (Green Belt preferred) principles to drive process improvement.
  • Technical Documentation: Skill in reading and interpreting technical drawings, specifications, and Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
  • QMS Software: Proficiency in using Quality Management software for documentation, CAPA, and non-conformance tracking.
  • Microsoft Office Suite: Advanced skills in Excel for data analysis and reporting, as well as proficiency in Word and PowerPoint.

Soft Skills

  • Leadership & Mentoring: Ability to lead, motivate, and develop a team of technical professionals.
  • Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly to various audiences.
  • Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills to effectively diagnose and resolve issues.
  • Attention to Detail: Meticulous and thorough approach to inspection, documentation, and data analysis.
  • Decision Making: Confidence in making timely, data-driven decisions, especially regarding product conformity and disposition.
  • Interpersonal Skills: Adept at building collaborative relationships with cross-functional teams, including production, engineering, and management.
  • Conflict Resolution: Ability to tactfully manage disagreements and guide teams toward a consensus.
  • Time Management & Organization: Strong organizational skills to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field or an Associate's Degree combined with extensive experience.

Preferred Education:

  • Bachelor's or Master's Degree.
  • Professional certifications such as ASQ Certified Quality Manager (CQM), Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), or Six Sigma Green/Black Belt.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Industrial or Mechanical Engineering
  • Quality Management
  • Business Administration
  • Biology, Chemistry, or a related science field

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 5-8 years of progressive experience in a quality control or quality assurance role within a manufacturing or regulated environment.

Preferred:

  • A minimum of 2-3 years in a supervisory or team lead capacity.
  • Direct experience in an industry relevant to the organization (e.g., automotive, aerospace, medical device, pharmaceuticals, food and beverage).
  • Proven track record of implementing process improvements and leading successful CAPA initiatives.
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