Quality Assurance (QA) Manager

Description

Leaf Forge is a cutting-edge tobacco processing facility based in Pryor, Oklahoma. With construction completed in 2024, this facility spans 250,000 square feet and is adjacent to its parent company, Xcaliber International. This state-of-the-art processing facility employs advanced manufacturing and processing technologies to transform raw tobacco into the finished product used in cigarette production. With over twenty years of experience in manufacturing, Leaf Forge's parent company, Xcaliber International, has a garnered a reputation as being one of the top employers in northeastern Oklahoma. 

SUMMARY

The Quality Assurance (QA) Manager for Leaf Forge is responsible for leading and managing the quality assurance activities to ensure that all products meet the highest standards of quality, safety, and regulatory compliance. This role involves developing and implementing QA policies and procedures, overseeing QA staff, and collaborating with other departments to resolve quality issues and drive continuous improvement.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Quality Assurance Program Management:

• Help develop, implement, and maintain the organization’s quality assurance policies and procedures. Ensure that all QA activities comply with regulatory requirements, industry standards, and company policies.
• Establish and monitor quality assurance metrics to assess the effectiveness of QA programs and identify areas for improvement. 

Team Leadership and Management:

• Recruit, train, and manage QA staff, providing leadership and mentorship to ensure a high level of performance. 
• Conduct performance evaluations and develop professional development plans for QA team members. 
• Foster a culture of quality, collaboration, and continuous improvement within the QA team. 

Quality Control and Inspection:

• Oversee the inspection and testing of raw materials, in-process products, and finished tobacco products to ensure they meet quality standards and specifications. 
• Develop and implement quality control procedures and protocols, including sampling plans and test methods. 
• Analyze and interpret quality data to identify trends, root causes, and opportunities for improvement. 

Audit and Compliance: 

• Aid the Sr. Director of R&D in internal audits of QA processes and systems to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and company policies. 
• Prepare for external audits and inspections by regulatory bodies and customers. 
• Address audit findings and implement corrective and preventive actions to resolve quality issues and prevent recurrence.

Documentation and Reporting: 

• Maintain accurate and comprehensive documentation of all QA activities, including test results, inspection reports, and audit findings. 
• Prepare and present quality reports to senior management, highlighting key metrics, trends, and areas for improvement. 
• Ensure that all quality records are properly maintained and accessible for regulatory and customer audits. 

Continuous Improvement: 

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance product quality, reduce defects, and improve processes. 
• Collaborate with other departments, such as R&D, production, and customer service, to identify and implement quality improvements. 
• Stay current with industry trends, best practices, and advancements in quality assurance methodologies. 

Customer and Stakeholder Engagement:

• Serve as the primary point of contact for quality-related inquiries and issues from customers and other stakeholders. 
• Work closely with customers to understand their quality requirements and ensure that products meet or exceed their expectations.
• Resolve customer complaints and quality issues in a timely and effective manner. 

Risk Management:

• Identify and assess quality-related risks and develop strategies to mitigate them. 
• Implement risk management processes to proactively address potential quality issues and prevent defects. 

Requirements

Education: 

• Bachelor’s degree in quality assurance, engineering, chemistry, or a related scientific field. 

Personal Attributes: 

• High level of integrity and ethical standards. 
• Strong commitment to quality and continuous improvement. 
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. 
• Excellent organizational and time management skills. 

Physical Requirements: 

• Ability to work in a laboratory and production environment, including standing for extended periods and handling materials. 

Travel:

• Ability to travel as needed to attend conferences, training sessions, and customer meetings.

BENEFITS

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance.
• Life and AD&D Insurance.
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance.
• Paid Vacation, Sick Days and Holiday.
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with a Generous Company Match.