Emerald Transportation Solutions is looking for a Quality Assurance Manager to leads and oversee the company’s Quality Department. This position is responsible for managing a team of Quality Inspectors and driving company-wide quality initiatives throughout the truck body manufacturing and upfitting process. The Quality Assurance Manager will also ensure compliance with internal quality standards, customer expectations, DOT /FMVSS regulations, and continuous improvement initiatives while partnering closely with Engineering, Production, Procurement, and Operations leadership. The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader who can develop people, improve processes, and build a culture of accountability and operational excellence. Responsibilities • Lead, mentor, and supervise the Quality Inspection team across all production areas. • Assign daily inspection priorities and ensure proper coverage throughout production operations. • Conduct performance evaluations, coaching, disciplinary actions, and development planning for Quality Inspectors. • Establish departmental KPIs and accountability standards related to quality, defects, rework, and production efficiency. • Foster a culture of continuous improvement, safety, professionalism, and operational excellence. • Coordinate staffing needs, training schedules, and departmental workflow planning. • Serve as the primary escalation point for quality-related concerns within production. Quality Systems & Process Oversight • Develop, implement, and maintain company quality management systems and inspection procedures. • Responsible for standard work instructions, working with engineering / operations when generating new work instructions. Also current work instructions as needed. • Ensure compliance with DOT / FMVSS regulations, internal manufacturing standards, and customer specifications. • Conduct internal layered process audits and monitor adherence to quality control systems and SOPs. • Analyze manufacturing workflows to identify process improvement opportunities and reduce defects. • Lead root cause investigations and implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA). • Develop and maintain standardized inspection processes for fabrication, assembly, electrical, reefer, chassis, and final delivery operations. • Ensure all inspection documentation is accurate, organized, and maintained properly. Inspection & Production Support • Oversee incoming material inspections to ensure components meet specifications and quality expectations. • Manage in-process and final inspections throughout all production stages. • Ensure final product quality prior to shipment and customer delivery. • Collaborate with Production Supervisors and Engineering to resolve quality concerns in real time. • Review and approve non-conformance reports and corrective action plans. • Assist with containment activities and quality holds when defects are identified. • Prepare and present quality reports and metrics to leadership, including defect trends, rework percentages, audit findings, and corrective actions. • Track customer complaints, warranty concerns, and recurring quality issues to drive continuous improvement initiatives. • Utilize quality tools such as Root Cause Analysis, FMEA, Control Plans, 5 Whys, and Six Sigma methodologies. • Support operational excellence initiatives focused on reducing waste, improving throughput, and increasing first-pass quality. • Partner with Safety and Operations leadership to ensure compliance with workplace standards and manufacturing best practices. Qualifications & Requirements • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing, or related field preferred. • Minimum of 5+ years of experience in quality assurance or quality engineering within manufacturing, automotive, truck body, or industrial production environments. • Previous leadership or supervisory experience managing Quality Inspectors or production quality teams strongly preferred. • Strong understanding of manufacturing quality systems, inspections, audits, and process improvement methodologies. • Proficient with measurement tools including calipers, gauges, micrometers, and inspection equipment. • Strong leadership, communication, conflict resolution, and organizational skills. • Ability to work cross-functionally in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. • Proficiency in Microsoft Office and quality reporting systems. • Strong sense of accountability and urgency • Ability to lead through influence and collaboration • Process-driven mindset with strong attention to detail • Effective coach and mentor to team members • Ability to make sound decisions under pressure • Continuous improvement and problem-solving mentality • The optimal candidate has refrigeration upfitting experience / basic understanding of HVAC systems Starting Salary: $95,000 Benefits: (9) Paid Holidays PTO Tuition Reimbursement Medical, Dental, Vision, FSA 401K retirement savings with match Reports To: Director of Engineering |