Quality Systems & Safety Manager

SUMMARY OF JOB FUNCTIONS The Quality Systems & Safety Manager is a hands-on, strategic leader responsible for overseeing all aspects of quality management systems and safety objectives. The Quality Systems & Safety Manager will drive process optimization, cost reduction, and continuous improvement initiatives while managing a high-performing team and fostering cross-functional collaboration.

This position requires a results-oriented leader with expertise in logistics, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence. Under the direction of the Vice President Operations, the Quality Systems & Safety Manager is responsible for planning, directing, and coordinating all activities related to quality & safety certification requirements (ISO 14001, TL 9000, ISO 45001).

This includes development, implementation, and adoption of ongoing maintenance of quality and safety certifications. This is a pivotal quality and safety role working closely with management in maintaining a secure and efficient work environment to uphold safety and operational excellence standards. Achieving overall quality assurance objectives and promoting a cohesive approach to organizational excellence is paramount.

This position encompasses diverse functions such as ensuring workplace safety, regulatory compliance, equipment maintenance and calibration of materials.

Responsibilities include

developing, authoring and implementing safety protocols, emergency preparedness planning, and maintaining accurate records. Collaborating with internal teams, conducting safety training and fostering a culture of safety are essential aspects of this role. This role may have supervisory responsibilities. Other duties as assigned.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

AND DUTIES KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES Quality & Compliance Leadership Lead the development, implementation, adoption of, and maintenance of quality management systems (ISO 14001, TL 9000, ISO 45001) Ensure compliance with federal, state, and industry regulations, including OSHA and environmental health and safety guidelines Drive root cause analysis and corrective action processes to enhance quality control and minimize risks Oversee internal and external audits, ensuring all required certifications and documentation remain up to date Serve as the primary liaison for quality control issues, collaborating with stakeholders to address and resolve concerns Implement, adopt and maintain documentation control systems to ensure consistency, accuracy, and regulatory compliance Quality Systems Management Review certification requirements to determine procedures for accomplishing project, timeframe, funding and staffing requirements, and allotment of available resources to various phases of project Review and understand each set of certification requirements relative to our existing lines of business Establish work plan and staffing for each phase Confer with appropriate staff members to outline work plan and to assign duties, responsibilities, and scope of authority Direct and coordinate activities of project personnel to ensure project progresses on schedule and within prescribed budget Prepare and review status updates and modify schedules or plans as required Prepare project reports for management, client, or others Confer with project personnel to provide technical advice and to resolve problems Coordinate project activities with activities of government regulatory or other governmental agencies Serves as liaison between various levels of management as well as between line level managers in order to ensure on-time completion of tasks Performs other duties as requested or assigned Safety Program Management Develop, author, implement, adopt and manage safety policies, procedures, and programs to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and promote a culture of safety Conduct safety training sessions for employees to increase awareness and understanding of safety protocols and procedures Lead investigations into workplace accidents, incidents, or near misses to determine root causes and prevent recurrence Conduct regular safety inspections and audits to assess compliance with safety standards and identify areas for improvement Develop and author corrective action plans and monitor implementation to address identified deficiencies Facilitate safety committee meetings to discuss safety issues, initiatives, and recommendations for improvement Collaborate with committee members to address safety concerns and promote a proactive approach to safety Health and Safety Compliance Develop, author and implement emergency response plans and procedures Conduct drills and training sessions to prepare employees for emergencies Maintain emergency contact lists and coordinate with relevant authorities during emergencies Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations and standards to maintain a safe and healthy work environment Team Leadership & Talent Development Build and lead a high-performing team, fostering a culture of accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement Develop, author and implement training programs to enhance team skills in logistics, quality assurance, and operational excellence Oversee staffing, scheduling, and workforce planning to align with business needs and peak demand cycles Conduct performance evaluations, provide coaching, and implement corrective actions as needed Champion safety culture by ensuring adherence to workplace safety protocols and responsible for the adoption of regular training sessions Cross-Functional Collaboration & Business Impact Act as a key liaison between operations, quality assurance, finance, sales, and senior leadership teams Partner with internal stakeholders to ensure operations align with broader business goals and customer expectations Provide strategic insights and recommendations to executive leadership on operational improvements and quality initiatives Support new business initiatives, acquisitions, and process transitions to enhance distribution capabilities KEY COMPETENCIES Strong leadership, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills Ability to drive operational excellence and quality control in a fast-paced, high-volume environment Deep knowledge of regulatory compliance, including ISO standards and OSHA requirements Proficiency in Microsoft AX ERP and other inventory management systems Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and make data-driven decisions Experience leading Lean Six Sigma, process automation, and continuous improvement initiatives through focused education and team enablement KEY COMPETENCIES: Knowledge, Proficiency of Acquired Skills, Aptitude, Capability Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals Ability to work with regulatory compliance concepts including environmental, procedural, safety, and legal issues Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form Must be self-motivated and self-disciplined Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills Strong organizational and problem-solving skills Strong time management skills and ability to prioritize Strong attention to detail and accuracy Ability to work effectively individually and as part of a team Demonstrated ability to complete projects under tight deadlines Ability to work in a fast-paced working environment REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: Experience, Education, Certifications, Skills Bachelor’s degree, preferably in Business, Project Manager, or other related field (will accept experience in lieu of degree) College level coursework in or 5 years of equivalent experience Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, enabling effective exchange of information and ideas Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) Experience in emergency response planning and execution, displaying competence in crisis management and personnel safety Comprehensive understanding of safety regulations and best practices, including OSHA standards, PIT safety guidelines, and hazardous materials handling protocols REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS/TRAINING: ISO 14001, TL 9000, ISO 45001 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Emergency Action and Fire Safety Hazardous Material (Hazmat) OSHA Compliance Powered Industrial Truck (PIT) Safety Incident Investigation PHYSICAL DEMANDS – WORK ENVIRONMENT The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by a team member to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job, absent undue hardship. Ability to stand, walk, and move around the facility for extended periods Lifting and carrying equipment or materials, sometimes weighing up to 50 pounds Occasional bending, stooping, kneeling, or reaching to access equipment or perform tasks Ability to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) as required for specific tasks or environments Regular visits to various parts of the facility, including production areas, warehouses, or outdoor spaces, to conduct inspections, oversee operations, and address quality concerns Interaction with employees, contractors, and other stakeholders to coordinate quality initiatives, provide training, and address concerns in a collaborative and proactive manner Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities, tight deadlines, and changing circumstances, requiring adaptability and effective time management skills