Quality assurance managers play an integral role in ensuring that quality standards are met throughout the production process. They ensure that the product meets the customer's expectations and complies with all relevant regulations.
KEY Takeaways
A quality assurance manager ensures that the company adheres to all applicable laws and regulations, including health and safety, environmental protection, and consumer rights. The manager also ensures that the company has adequate resources to meet its obligations.
The primary responsibility of a quality assurance manager is to oversee the implementation of quality control procedures at each stage of manufacturing or distribution. For this, a quality assurance manager works closely with various groups within the organization. These include marketing personnel, engineers, purchasing agents, human resource specialists, legal counsel, financial analysts, etc.
A quality assurance team consists of several members who perform different functions. These include the quality control manager, quality assurance engineer, quality assurance analyst, quality assurance supervisor, quality assurance inspector, quality auditor, quality assurance technician, quality assurance manager, quality assurance coordinator, quality assurance specialist, quality process analyst, quality assurance associate, quality assurance assistant, quality assurance officer, quality assurance director, quality assurance manager, supplier quality manager, and quality assurance supervisor.
Routine Roles and Responsibilities of a Quality Assurance Manager
Some examples of routine roles and responsibilities of a quality assurance manager include:
Quality Management Functions:
1. Establish the quality management system and procedures.
2. Work with a third party to certify the organization to ISO 9001 or other applicable standards.
3. Ensure that the quality control procedures are implemented during every step of the production process.
4. Plan and conduct internal quality audits.
5. Establish and implement the Inspection and Test Plan.
6. Ensure the availability of required tools, including calibrated measuring equipment.
7. Take appropriate corrective actions on identified problems.
8. Identify potential sources of error and suggest ways to eliminate them. (Preventive Actions)
9. Perform statistical analysis of test results.
10. Continuous process improvement (Lean, Six Sigma)
11. Reduce waste
Supplier/Contractor Related Functions:
10. Participate in the supplier selection process. This includes reviewing the documents submitted by the suppliers and in-site audit (if required).
11. Review documents prepared and submitted by suppliers and contractors.
12. Periodic evaluations of suppliers' performances
13. Support the supplier performance improvement process
Client Related Functions:
13. Verify that specifications provided by clients have been correctly understood and transferred in the internal documents.
14. Periodic meetings with clients
15. Responding to client complaints related to the product quality, conducting the root cause analysis and taking necessary corrective actions.
Administrative Functions:
16. Maintain quality documentation
17. keep track of quality training attended by staff.
18. Work closely with human resources personnel.
19. Report quality findings and issues to superiors whenever necessary.
20. Consult with legal counsel when required.
21. Serve as liaison between company officials and external agencies (as appropriate).
22. Coordinate efforts among different departments within an organization.
23. Compile quality information needed for the management review.
24. Participate in meetings held at various levels within an organization.
25. Attend conferences or seminars related to their field of expertise.
26. Take part in community projects aimed at improving people's lives.
27. Annual evaluations of subordinates' performances
28. Assist in preparing budgets and financial statements.
Strategic roles and responsibilities of a Quality Assurance Manager
In addition to their day-to-day duties as quality assurance managers, they may be asked to assume other strategic positions such as:
• Managing the overall performance of the quality department;
• Ensuring compliance with government regulations;
• Support the development of new products;
• Developing policies for the quality management system;
• Providing technical support to customers;
• Serving on committees responsible for developing and implementing strategies;
• Evaluating the effectiveness of existing programs;
• Monitoring changes in market conditions;
• Preparing reports about current trends and future plans;
• Conducting research into emerging technologies;
• Working with outside consultants; and
• Help develop marketing strategies designed to increase sales.
• Other tasks assigned by senior executives.
Typical Skills of a Quality Assurance Manager
The following skills may be found helpful in this position:
Communication: The ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Organization: A good sense of orderliness and time management.
Problem-solving – An aptitude for analyzing situations and formulating solutions.
Teamwork – Ability to get along well with others.
Leadership – Leadership qualities such as initiative, self-confidence, assertiveness, decisiveness, and diplomacy.
Creativity – Creative thinking abilities including imagination, originality, resourcefulness, flexibility, adaptability, and inventiveness.
Judgment – Judgmental capabilities include discrimination, discernment, foresight, objectivity, and sound judgment.
Analytical Thinking – The ability to think logically and critically about issues and solve problems.
Inquiry – Curiosity and interest in learning new things.
Decision-Making – Decision-making skills that involve choosing alternatives and evaluating their relative merits.
Planning – Planning skills that enable one to anticipate future needs and devise appropriate courses of action.
Time Management – Time management skills that allow you to organize your activities efficiently and keep on schedule.
Self Control – Self-control refers to the capacity to delay gratification and resist impulses.
Adaptability – Adaptability involves the ability to adjust behaviour to suit changing circumstances.
Attention To Detail – Attention to detail can mean paying close attention to small details while performing routine tasks.
Technical Skills - Technical skills and experience related to the industry.