Quality Manager

Description

Position Summary:

Ag Express Electronics is seeking a Quality Manager who will be responsible for leading all aspects of quality assurance to ensure our products meet the highest standards of reliability, compliance, and customer satisfaction. This role requires a proactive leader who excels in resource management, continuous improvement, and cross-functional collaboration. The Quality Manager will oversee Quality Management System, implement industry best practices, and lead a team of Quality Technicians to deliver consistent and measurable outcomes. This position plays a key role in driving excellence across our operations and upholding our commitment to quality as a 100% employee-owned company.

This role is located at our Des Moines, Iowa location.

Qualifications

Key Responsibilities:

Resource Management

• Lead, develop, and allocate Quality Technician resources to ensure optimal coverage and skill alignment across projects and manufacturing shifts.
• Strategically balance workloads to meet production deadlines without compromising quality.
• Maintain calibration schedules and ensure availability, functionality, and proper use of inspection tools, gauges, and testing equipment.

Quality Assurance & Standards

• Oversee and improve quality control processes, including inspections, testing, control plans and other key documentation.
• Maintain and support ISO 9001 compliance through regular audits, documentation, and process standardization.
• Ensure compliance with internal standards and external regulatory/industry requirements.
• Implement and manage sampling plans and inspection protocols such as Acceptable Quality Limits (AQL).
• Identify and resolve quality issues using root cause analysis and corrective/preventive action (CAPA).

Process Improvement

• Lead continuous improvement efforts to enhance product quality, reduce rework and scrap, and increase efficiency.
• Establish and monitor quality metrics, using data analysis to drive sustainable improvements.
• Facilitate regular quality audits and feedback loops to promote accountability and alignment.

Strategic Leadership & Team Development

• Identify short and long-term quality risks and opportunities, develop strategies to align quality objectives with overall business goals.
• Assign responsibilities based on team strengths to maximize effectiveness.
• Build a culture of accountability and collaboration with clear expectations, regular feedback, and shared ownership of outcomes.
• Provide coaching, mentorship, and performance feedback to support technician growth and retention.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Operations, Engineering, and Production teams to resolve issues and enhance outcomes.

• Serve as a quality subject matter expert for new product launches, customer escalations, and internal resolutions of quality issues.

Culture & Engagement

• Foster a positive and engaged work environment aligned with Ag Express Electronics’ core values.
• Promote a culture of ownership, transparency, and shared success.

Skills and Qualifications:

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in basic mathematics and statistical methods to support inspections, sampling plans, and data analysis.
• Strong working knowledge of quality tools and techniques such as control charts, Pareto analysis, fishbone diagrams, PPAP’s, and failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA).
• Experience with inspection tools and measurement equipment, including calipers, micrometers, multimeters, and specialized electronic testing devices.
• Familiarity with Quality Management Systems (QMS) and ERP systems; ability to document and analyze quality data effectively.
• Competency in implementing and maintaining ISO 9001 systems, including document control, internal audits, and corrective/preventive actions.
• Willingness to continuously learn and apply new tools, techniques, and process improvements to elevate quality performance.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documents. The ability to interpret electrical diagrams and schematics is preferred.

Problem-Solving and Efficiency

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to resolve issues in a fast-paced environment.
• Self-motivated with the ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt to changing demands.

Organization and Attention to Detail

• Maintains confidentiality and precision in handling company and customer information.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.

Interpersonal Skills

• Effective communicator with both internal teams and external partners; able to tailor messaging to audiences at varying levels, from technicians to executive leadership.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team with a positive, professional attitude.

Education and Experience:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Quality, Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.
• Experience: Minimum of 5 years in quality assurance or quality management, preferably in a manufacturing or electronics environment.
  • Proven leadership experience with the ability to drive team and process improvement.
  • Strong knowledge of quality systems and methodologies (e.g., CAPA, root cause analysis, ISO standards, Six Sigma, continuous improvement).
• IPC Certification (IPC/WHMA-A-620): Preferred, not required.
• Computer Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft 365 and standard office software.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.

Physical Requirements:

• Lifting and Carrying: Occasionally, the role may involve lifting and carrying equipment, tools, packages or materials weighing up to a certain limit.
• Mobility: Occasionally, the role may require the ability to ascend and descend ladders to access high-level shelving where certain equipment and tools are located.
• Standing and Walking: Some tasks may require standing and walking around the facility for periods of time, such as collaborating with coworkers and acquiring inventory.
• Sitting for Extended Periods: Much of the work may be conducted at a desk or workstation, requiring the ability to sit for extended periods.
• Repetitive Motion: Some tasks may involve repetitive motions of the hands, especially prolonged periods of typing on a computer to perform administrative and operational tasks. Ergonomic practices should be followed to minimize the risk of repetitive strain injuries.
• Safety Awareness: Awareness of and adherence to safety protocols and procedures is essential when working with and around electrical systems and equipment to minimize the risk of electrical hazards or accidents.

Ag Express Electronics is committed to providing reasonable accommodation for employees with disabilities and ensuring a supportive work environment. Candidates are encouraged to discuss specific needs during the application process.

Benefits:

Ag Express Electronics offers a leading benefits package as highlighted below:

• Employer-Sponsored Benefits: Medical, Dental, Group Life, Short-Term Disability (STD) with buy-up options
• Voluntary Benefits: Vision, Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account(s) (FSA), Life Insurance
• 401(k): Safe Harbor 401(k) including an annual 3% company contribution and Profit Share funded annually at the discretion of Ag Express Electronics.
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP): Contribution funded annually at the discretion of Ag Express Electronics.
• Paid Time Off (PTO): PTO allowance to support work-life balance and provide employees with opportunities for rest, relaxation, and personal pursuits.
• Holiday Benefits: Recognition and observance of holidays by Ag Express Electronics, allowing employees to celebrate.
• Flexible Hours: Flexible work hours empower employees to have greater control over their work schedules, fostering a better work-life balance and increased flexibility to accommodate personal commitments.
• Educational Assistance: Support for employee development through educational assistance, including financial support for further education or professional certifications relevant to their roles, ensuring continuous learning and growth opportunities.
• Casual Dress Environment: Enjoy a casual dress environment at work, with company-provided branded clothing to promote comfort and a sense of belonging among employees.

Ag Express Electronics is an Equal Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, sex, gender, identity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law.

About Us:

Ag Express Electronics is a leading provider of innovative electrical solutions for agricultural, construction, and industrial applications. We specialize in designing custom electrical harnesses and distribution systems to meet the unique needs of our clients. Our team is dedicated to delivering high-quality, reliable, and efficient solutions that exceed customer expectations.