VP of Quality

The Vice President of Quality provides enterprise leadership for the company's quality strategy, quality management system, customer and supplier quality, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement initiatives. This role builds a prevention-focused quality culture across operations and partners closely with Senior Leadership to set policy, allocate resources, mitigate risk, and achieve short- and long-range business objectives. Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Quality, or related field required. Seven (7)+ years of progressive quality leadership experience in manufacturing required. Five (5)+ years in senior or executive-level leadership role. Demonstrated experience leading ISO-certified systems. Strong background in root cause analysis, structured problem solving, and operational improvement. Experience working with regulatory frameworks applicable to the industry. ASQ certification (CQE, CMQ/OE) and/or Six Sigma Black Belt preferred. DuraTech Industries, a global leader in printing manufacturing, is headquartered in La Crosse, WI. We proudly partner with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) in the automotive, computer, electronics, industrial, and medical markets. As we continue to grow, we're looking for talented, motivated individuals to join our team. We work hard at making a positive, challenging and engaging work environment! We respect and value our people and recognize their diversity as a source of creativity. We value loyalty, dedication, hard work and pride in workmanship. We dedicate ourselves to provide a safe and fun work environment; one that promotes open communication, teamwork, learning and community involvement. Our Team Members are our greatest asset; our leadership in the industries we serve has been achieved because our people are the best. We are adding a VP of Quality to our team! The Vice President of Quality provides enterprise leadership for the company's quality strategy, quality management system, customer and supplier quality, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement initiatives. This role builds a prevention-focused quality culture across operations and partners closely with Senior Leadership to set policy, allocate resources, mitigate risk, and achieve short- and long-range business objectives. Senior Leadership Champions teamwork, innovation and process improvement throughout the departments and provides the team with appropriate leadership, mentoring, guidance, and advocacy to ensure its long-term success. Collaborates with the other members of Senior Leadership to determine and develop the policies and goals in accordance with the direction of the organization. Reviews and approves plans for capital investments and resource allocation. Ensures that all corporate activities and operations are carried out in compliance with local, state and federal regulations and laws governing business operations. Creates, communicates, and implements the organization's vision, mission, and overall direction. Formulates and implements the strategic plan that guides the direction of the business. Responsible for budget development and expense allocation. Maintains awareness of both the external and internal competitive landscape, opportunities for expansion, customers, markets, new industry developments and standards, and so forth. Prepares and delivers presentations and reports to the President, Senior Leadership and owners. Participates in human resource functions within the company including but not limited to selection, training, development and performance review of employees, making recommendations for promotions, transfers, discipline and salary increases. Quality Management Plans and coordinates the organization's initiatives to ensure continued compliance and effectiveness of the quality management system, including ISO 9001 and other applicable customer, statutory, and regulatory requirements. Participates in strategic planning to ensure organization's quality management system is aligned with business objectives. Coordinates the development and communication of the organization's quality principles and policies. Manages projects that support overall strategic goals and continuous improvement. Applies continuous improvement concepts throughout the organization to increase value to the customer and reduce sources of waste. Acts as champion for quality. Leads third-party audits, certification audits, customer audits, and management review processes, and ensures timely, effective closure of audit findings and corrective actions. Owns the internal audit, CAPA, nonconformance, deviation, and change-control processes and ensures they are effective, timely, and risk-based. Establishes quality objectives and KPI targets for the business, including first-pass yield, scrap/rework, COPQ, escapes, complaints, supplier PPM, and audit performance. Operational Quality Leadership Collaborates with Operations to drive defect reduction, cost of poor quality (COPQ) reduction, and process capability improvements. Implements data-driven quality tools (SPC, PFMEA, control plans, MSA, layered process audits, dashboards, etc.) and establishes standard KPI reporting. Lead cross-functional problem-solving initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, or structured methodologies and drives sustainable corrective/preventive action. Leads customer quality escalation and complaint resolution processes, including warranty/field performance trend review and executive communication for significant events. Provides strategic oversight of supplier quality, including supplier qualification, supplier audits, incoming quality strategy, SCAR management, and supplier development. Partners with Operations and Engineering on new product introduction, process validation, risk reduction, and design/process change management to ensure robust launch readiness. Regulatory & Compliance Oversight Ensures compliance with applicable industry regulations and customer-specific requirements relevant to the business (for example OSHA, EPA, RoHS, REACH, PFAS, and other industry-specific requirements, as applicable). Leads risk management and quality-related compliance initiatives. Maintains authority to stop shipment or production, quarantine suspect product, and escalate material quality risks to executive leadership when necessary. Continuous Improvement & Culture Promotes a proactive quality culture focused on prevention rather than detection. Champions Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement initiatives. Develops, implements and maintains training programs related to quality systems and problem-solving. Builds an enterprise-wide quality culture through leader standard work, visible metrics, layered accountability, and capability development at all levels.