Manager Quality Management
QUALITY MANAGER Metal Finishing Industry · Rockford, Illinois CONFIDENTIAL SEARCH | Placed by VanSpeag Group LLC (VSG) OPPORTUNITY OVERVIEW VanSpeag Group LLC (VSG) is conducting a confidential search on behalf of a well-established metal finishing operation in the Rockford, Illinois market. This is a critical leadership role responsible for building and sustaining a high-performance quality culture across a fast-paced, precision-driven manufacturing environment. Due to the confidential nature of this search, the client name will be disclosed only to qualified candidates who advance in the selection process. POSITION SUMMARY The Quality Manager will own the full quality management system — from incoming materials and in-process inspection to final release and customer corrective actions. Reporting directly to plant leadership, this individual will drive continuous improvement, ensure regulatory and customer compliance, and develop a team of quality technicians and inspectors. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Own and maintain the Quality Management System (QMS) including audits, documentation, and certifications (IATF 16949, ISO 9001 preferred) Lead root cause analysis and corrective/preventive action (CAPA) processes for internal and customer-reported quality issues Manage customer portals, PPAPs, Control Plans, FMEAs, and MSA requirements Partner with production, engineering, and maintenance to drive defect reduction and process improvement initiatives Develop and coach a quality team — inspectors, technicians, and lab personnel — through hands-on leadership Establish and monitor KPIs: scrap rate, first-pass yield, customer PPM, internal audit findings Interface directly with customers and suppliers on quality concerns, audits, and qualification activities Support new product launches and process validation activities Champion a zero-defect mindset across the plant floor REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS 5+ years of quality management experience in a manufacturing environment — metal finishing, plating, stamping, or related industry strongly preferred Proven experience managing IATF 16949 or ISO 9001 quality systems Hands-on knowledge of PPAP, APQP, FMEA, Control Plans, and SPC Strong corrective action and problem-solving skills (8D, 5-Why, FisExperience leading and developing quality personnel at the floor level Proficient in quality data analysis, reporting, and ERP/QMS systems Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality, or related field preferred; equivalent experience considered CQE, CQM, or similar ASQ certification a plus WHAT SETS THIS ROLE APART Stable, established client with long-term contracts and customer relationships Direct line to plant leadership — your voice will be heard and your decisions supported Opportunity to build and formalize quality systems with real authority and resources VSG client known for promoting operational leaders from within COMPENSATION & DETAILS Location: Rockford, Illinois (on-site) Employment Type: Direct Hire / Full-Time Compensation: Competitive base salary + benefits package (details shared with qualified candidates) Travel: Minimal HOW TO APPLY This is a confidential search. All inquiries and submissions are handled directly and discreetly by VanSpeag Group LLC. Candidates are encouraged to apply even if their background does not check every box — we evaluate the full picture. To be considered, please submit: Resume / CV Brief summary of your quality management experience in a manufacturing environment Current compensation and availability Contact VSG: VanSpeag Group LLC — Talent Acquisition & Consulting Email: Staffing@vsg.com Web: www.vanspeaggroup.com Subject Line: Quality Manager – Rockford, IL (Confidential)