Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Quality Coordinator

🎯 Role Definition

The Quality Coordinator is the backbone of the quality department, acting as a central hub for all activities related to the Quality Management System (QMS). This role is fundamentally about ensuring that the organization's products, services, and internal processes meet both customer expectations and regulatory standards. You're not just a record-keeper; you are an active participant in the health of the business, facilitating audits, managing critical documentation, investigating non-conformances, and training staff on quality principles. This position requires a meticulous, proactive individual who can effectively bridge the gap between production floor realities and high-level quality objectives, ultimately championing a culture of quality throughout the entire organization.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Quality Inspector / Quality Technician
Production Team Lead
Documentation Clerk / Administrator

Advancement To:

Quality Manager
Senior Quality Engineer
Supplier Quality Manager

Lateral Moves:

Process Improvement Specialist
Compliance Analyst
Operations Supervisor

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Oversee the entire document control process for the Quality Management System (QMS), including the creation, review, approval, distribution, and obsolescence of controlled documents like SOPs, work instructions, and forms.
Coordinate and actively participate in internal and external quality audits, including preparing audit schedules, gathering evidence, and facilitating communication between auditors and department managers.
Administer the Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA) program, ensuring that all identified issues are logged, investigated, and resolved in a timely manner, and verifying the effectiveness of implemented solutions.
Lead and facilitate root cause analysis investigations for product non-conformances, process deviations, and customer complaints, utilizing tools like 5 Whys, Fishbone Diagrams, and 8D reports.
Manage the non-conforming material process, from identification and segregation of suspect products to coordinating Material Review Board (MRB) dispositions and tracking final outcomes.
Develop and deliver quality-focused training to employees on topics such as QMS procedures, good documentation practices, use of inspection tools, and understanding quality standards.
Monitor, analyze, and report on key quality performance indicators (KPIs) such as scrap rates, first-pass yield, and on-time delivery to identify trends and drive data-based decision-making.
Maintain and manage the calibration program for all measurement and test equipment, ensuring all devices are calibrated on schedule and records are accurately maintained.
Support new product introduction (NPI) and engineering change processes by providing quality input, reviewing documentation, and developing quality control plans for new parts.
Facilitate and prepare documentation for Management Review meetings, presenting data on the performance of the QMS and tracking action items to completion.
Serve as a primary point of contact for customer quality issues and complaints, ensuring they are documented, investigated thoroughly, and communicated back to the customer professionally.
Review and approve supplier quality documentation, including first article inspection reports (FAIRs), certificates of conformance, and material certifications.
Conduct regular process and product audits on the manufacturing floor to verify compliance with established work instructions, safety protocols, and quality standards.
Maintain the Approved Supplier List (ASL), assist in supplier evaluation and qualification processes, and monitor ongoing supplier performance through scorecards and audits.
Champion and participate in continuous improvement initiatives using methodologies such as Kaizen, 5S, and Lean Manufacturing to enhance efficiency and reduce waste.
Ensure the organization maintains compliance with relevant industry standards such as ISO 9001, AS9100, IATF 16949, or ISO 13485, depending on the industry.
Manage the control, storage, and retention of all quality records, ensuring they are legible, readily identifiable, and retrievable to provide evidence of conformity.
Assist in the development, validation, and implementation of new or revised manufacturing processes to ensure they are capable of meeting quality requirements from the outset.
Perform or coordinate final inspection and release of finished products, reviewing batch records and final documentation to confirm all specifications have been met.
Analyze production and quality data using statistical tools to identify systemic issues, process variations, and opportunities for significant quality improvements.

Secondary Functions

Support ad-hoc quality data requests from leadership to inform strategic decision-making and performance reviews.
Contribute to the continuous improvement of the quality department's data collection, analysis, and reporting strategy.
Collaborate with departments like Engineering and Production to translate quality requirements into practical operational procedures and work instructions.
Participate in daily team huddles, project planning sessions, and other agile ceremonies to ensure quality is integrated into all operational activities.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Deep understanding of Quality Management Systems (QMS) principles and practical experience with standards like ISO 9001.
Proven proficiency in applying root cause analysis methodologies (e.g., 5 Whys, Fishbone/Ishikawa diagrams, 8D).
Direct experience with administering and driving a Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA) system.
Expertise in document control principles and hands-on experience with electronic document management systems (EDMS).
Competence in using Statistical Process Control (SPC) techniques for monitoring and controlling processes.
Ability to read and accurately interpret complex technical drawings, blueprints, and engineering specifications.
Practical experience in planning, conducting, and reporting on internal and/or supplier quality audits.
Advanced proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel for data analysis, charting, and pivot tables.
Familiarity with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) for tracking lots and materials.
Competence in using and managing the calibration of various metrology and inspection tools (e.g., calipers, micrometers, CMMs).

Soft Skills

Exceptional attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy and precision in all tasks.
Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines effectively.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills for clear reporting, training, and cross-functional collaboration.
A strong analytical and systematic problem-solving mindset.
A collaborative spirit with the ability to work effectively with team members from all levels and departments.
Diplomacy, tact, and strong interpersonal skills for handling sensitive situations like audits and non-conformance discussions.
A proactive, self-motivated work ethic with a strong sense of personal ownership and accountability.
The ability to influence others and champion a culture of quality without direct authority.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or equivalent; an Associate's Degree is often a baseline preference.

Preferred Education:

Bachelor’s Degree.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Quality Management
Business Administration
Industrial Engineering or Technology
Operations Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

2-5 years of direct experience within a quality assurance, quality control, or regulated manufacturing environment.

Preferred:

Experience in a highly regulated industry (e.g., medical device, aerospace, automotive, pharmaceuticals) is highly advantageous. A professional quality certification from ASQ (e.g., Certified Quality Technician (CQT), Certified Quality Improvement Associate (CQIA)) is a significant plus.