Quality Manager Paper Manufacturing
Location: Niagara Falls, NY
Job Type: Full-Time | Onsite
Position Overview
We are seeking an experienced Quality Manager to join a growing paper packaging manufacturing organization in Niagara Falls, NY. This is a key leadership role within the mill, responsible for driving quality excellence, ensuring product consistency, and maintaining robust quality systems across operations.
As a Subject Matter Expert (SME), you will act as the primary liaison between the plant and customers (internal & external), ensuring that quality standards meet both operational and customer expectations. Reporting directly to the Plant Manager, this role may also include oversight of a Quality Coordinator.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage all quality systems, standards, and processes across the mill
- Ensure product quality consistency, system reliability, and adherence to customer specifications
- Serve as the main point of contact for quality-related communication with internal teams and external customers
- Collaborate closely with Operations, Maintenance, Continuous Improvement, and Corporate Quality teams
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, and other methodologies
- Implement and maintain Quality Management Systems (QMS) and ensure compliance with relevant standards (ISO, etc.)
- Utilize and oversee statistical quality tools including SPC (Statistical Process Control) and MSA (Measurement System Analysis)
- Lead root cause analysis and corrective/preventive actions (CAPA) for quality issues
- Monitor and report on quality KPIs, trends, and improvement initiatives
- Promote a culture of safety, quality, and operational excellence across the facility
- Provide leadership, coaching, and development to quality team members (including potential direct reports)
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality, Science, or related field (or equivalent experience)
- 5+ years of quality leadership experience in a manufacturing environment
- Mandatory experience in the pulp and paper industry (non-negotiable)
- Strong knowledge of quality systems, standards, and problem-solving methodologies
- Proven experience working with QMS, ISO standards, SPC, MSA, and statistical tools
- Excellent analytical, communication, and leadership skills
- Demonstrated ability to lead teams, influence stakeholders, and drive change
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in paper, packaging, converting, or continuous-process manufacturing
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (or higher) or similar continuous improvement certification
Why Join This Opportunity?
- Join a growing and stable paper packaging manufacturer
- Take on a high-impact leadership role with visibility across the organization
- Work as a true SME and decision-maker in quality operations
- Opportunity to influence customer satisfaction and plant performance directly
- Collaborative environment with strong cross-functional engagement
- Career growth potential within a progressive manufacturing organization
Additional Role Insights
- Reports directly to the Plant Manager
- May oversee 1 direct report (Quality Coordinator)
- Highly visible role requiring strong customer interaction and stakeholder management