Manager, Corporate Quality

Position Summary:

FuelCell Energy is seeking a motivated individual to fill the Corporate Quality (QMS) Manager position at our growing, dynamic, and innovative company. In this role, the candidate will help ensure our continued success by strengthening and continuously improving the company's quality management systems (QMS), supporting operational excellence, and fostering a culture of accountability and continual improvement. Ensuring that quality processes are established, implemented, monitored, and improved across the organization to support compliance, operational effectiveness, customer satisfaction, and business performance.

Responsibilities:

The Corporate Quality (QMS) Manager is responsible for leading, maintaining, and continuously improving the company's QMS across all sites to ensure compliance with ISO 9001 standards and support operational excellence, customer satisfaction and business performance. They partner with leadership and cross-functional teams to drive a culture of quality, risk-based thinking, accountability, and continual improvement.

• Lead the development, implementation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of the corporate Quality Management System in alignment with ISO 9001 requirements and company objectives.
• Serve as the primary owner and internal subject matter expert for the company's ISO 9001-registered QMS, ensuring ongoing compliance and audit readiness.
• Oversee maintenance and improvement of quality policies, procedures, process maps, work instructions, forms, and records to support effective process control and standardization.
• Plan, coordinate, and manage the QMS internal audit program, including audit schedules, auditor assignments, review audit findings, initiate and oversee corrective actions, and effectiveness verification.
• Coordinate external audits, registrar surveillance audits, and recertification activities, including preparation, response management, and follow-up actions.
• Monitor QMS performance through key performance indicators, quality objectives, management review inputs, trend analysis, and reporting to leadership.
• Define, track, and report on key metrics related to nonconformances and corrective actions.
• Partner with department leaders to review process ownership, clarify responsibilities, and ensure processes deliver intended outputs.
• Facilitate and lead the annual QMS management review to present and evaluate the system's continuing suitability, risk management, effectiveness, continuous improvement, and adequacy of resource requirements.
• Promote customer focus, risk-based thinking, and continual improvement throughout the organization.
• Support training and awareness related to QMS requirements, business processes, internal auditing, corrective action, root cause analysis, problem-solving, and quality best practices.
• Coordinate with the training group to launch updated business processes, procedures, and quizzes within the LMS.
• Oversee QMS related document control and record retention practices to ensure current, accurate, and accessible quality documentation.
• Support supplier quality expectations as applicable, including supplier evaluations, quality requirements, issue resolution, and performance monitoring.
• Collaborate, as needed, with Manufacturing Quality, Product Quality, Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain, Asset Management, and leadership teams to support quality issue resolutions and improve process performance.
• Ensure QMS integrity is maintained when organizational or process changes are planned and implemented.

Qualifications:

• Batchelor's degree in Engineering, Quality or related field
• 5 + years of experience with ISO 9001 QMS implementation and maintenance
• Six Sigma Green Belt or higher (Black Belt preferred); or demonstrated application of statistical concepts (e.g. Lean Six Sigma tool application and Reliability Engineering).
• Strong working knowledge of ISO 9001 requirements, quality management principles, internal auditing practices, and process-based management systems.
• Demonstrated knowledge of document control, management review, corrective action systems, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement methods.
• Ability to interpret standards, procedures, customer requirements, and regulatory expectations and translate them into practical business processes.
• Professional certifications such as ASQ Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence, ASQ Certified Quality Auditor, or ISO 9001 Lead Auditor are preferred.
• Proficiency in Lean methodologies, Six Sigma, risk management, and data analysis methods is preferred.
• Knowledge of ANSI/CSA FC 1 standard for stationary fuel cell power systems is a plus.
• Experience with ERP and database system use preferred. Experience with Microsoft Dynamics 365/ERP Solutions Quality module a plus.
• Excellent computer skills, specifically with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong cross-functional leadership and communication skills.

Requirements:

• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional quality initiatives and influence stakeholders at multiple levels of the organization.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
• Ability to develop metrics, analyze trends, and present actionable recommendations to management.
• Strong facilitation skills for audits, management reviews, and corrective action activities.
• Ability to work independently while also building effective partnerships across departments.
• Commitment to professionalism, integrity, attention to detail, and continuous improvement.
• Ability to travel occasionally for company strategic initiatives, potential customer and partner company audits, and possible support of Manufacturing Quality and Product Quality activities. Potential for temporary travel increase to support business growth and possible new manufacturing facilities.

Physical Requirements / Working Conditions:

• Domestic and possibly international travel required: up to 20%
• Able to travel between CT locations regularly
• Ability to obtain/maintain a valid passport and travel without restriction internationally is required
• Comfortable sitting and working on a computer for stretches of time
• Must be able to occasionally work physically, for short periods, in the manufacturing plant (concrete flooring) or at a construction site (uneven ground), wearing required personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety gloves, hard hats, safety shoes, etc., as designated.

Nearest Major Market: Torrington