Apply on Employer Site

Johnson Outdoors · 2 days ago

Senior Director Quality

Mankato, MN

Full-time

Hybrid

Director/Executive

10+ years exp

Johnson Outdoors is home to some of the world’s most innovative outdoor recreation brands, and they are seeking a highly dynamic Senior Director of Quality. This role involves providing global oversight of quality systems across multiple manufacturing sites and ensuring compliance with quality standards while collaborating with senior executives and cross-functional teams.

FitnessSporting GoodsSports

Responsibilities

Develops and oversees a comprehensive global quality strategy that aligns with the organization’s vision, values, and operational objectives

Ensures supplier quality standards are met and maintained, fostering strong relationships with suppliers to drive continuous improvement

Oversees quality assurance processes in manufacturing operations to ensure products meet company standards and regulatory requirements

Oversees, implements, and maintains robust quality management systems (QMS) and continuous improvement methodologies to enhance process quality

Monitors and improves field quality, ensuring customer feedback is incorporated into processes and consistently exceeding customer expectations

Partners with engineering, product integrity, R&D, and other cross-functional teams to integrate quality assurance processes into new product development

Ensures compliance with industry regulations and customer requirements. Leads initiatives to ensure conformance to internal global and regional quality standards across all manufacturing facilities and supply chains

Collaborates with engineering, product integrity, R&D, operations, supply chain, marketing, and other key functions to identify opportunities for process improvement, seamless integration of quality principles and optimized pre-production processes

Drives continuous improvement initiatives in quality processes and practices. Leads the identification, prioritization, and execution of quality improvement projects across the organization to improve operational efficiency, product reliability, and customer satisfaction

Builds, leads, and mentors a diverse, high-performing team of quality professionals across regions to foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and excellence

Leads the identification of potential risks related to product quality, safety, and compliance, and develops strategies for risk mitigation

Acts as the voice of the customer, ensuring feedback is incorporated into processes and consistently exceeding customer quality expectations

Leads internal and external quality audits, maintaining a state of audit readiness at all times, and effectively managing any findings or corrective actions

Establishes and tracks key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure quality outcomes, operational performance, and strategic alignment

Performs other duties as assigned

Performs human resources responsibilities for staff, which includes but is not limited to the following: hiring and terminating employees, promotions/pay adjustments, staff development, performance evaluations, resolution of employee concerns, and disciplinary counseling

Develops and manages the budget in conjunction with senior leadership for the business unit

Develops and approves departmental policies, procedures, and guidelines to meet business needs

Qualification

Quality Management Systems (QMS)Continuous Improvement MethodologiesRegulatory Compliance StandardsNew Product DevelopmentRisk ManagementSupplier Quality ManagementCross-Functional CollaborationMicrosoft Office SuiteStatistical Analysis SoftwareLeadership ExperienceCommunication Skills

Required

Bachelor's degree in engineering, quality management or equivalent

Typically requires a minimum of 10 years of leadership experience in quality management and continuous improvement initiatives within a global organization with a diverse portfolio of brands and complex manufacturing operations

Experience driving organizational quality changes/improvements throughout multiple businesses and across functional areas

Proven ability to identify challenges, develop innovative solutions, and implement them effectively

Comprehensive understanding of quality management systems (QMS), including ISO standards (e.g., ISO 9001, ISO 14001) and industry-specific regulations (e.g., FDA, GMP)

In-depth knowledge of continuous improvement methodologies, such as Lean, Six Sigma, and Total Quality Management (TQM)

Expertise in new product development processes and integrating quality assurance throughout the product lifecycle

Advanced knowledge of global regulatory requirements and compliance standards across multiple regions

Strong understanding of risk management principles and strategies for mitigating quality-related risks

Expertise in managing complex, multi-stakeholder projects with competing priorities

Exceptional verbal and written communication skills to effectively collaborate with internal teams, external partners, and regulatory bodies

Proficiency in using the Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

Proficiency in Mini-Tab (or equivalent) statistical analysis software