Quality Manager - KC Jones Plating Company : Job Details

Job Title: Quality Manager

Location: Columbia City, Indiana

Company: KC Jones Plating Company

Job Type: Full-Time

KC Jones Plating Company is a leading provider of advanced electroplating, coating, and surface finishing solutions that enhance durability, protection, performance, and sustainability for manufacturers worldwide. We are committed to innovation, operational excellence, and delivering world-class quality to our customers. Our mission is to set the industry standard in plating and surface finishing by driving innovation, ensuring operational excellence, and fostering a customer-first approach.

We are seeking an experienced and hands-on Quality Manager to lead and oversee the quality assurance processes at our Columbia City, Indiana plant. This role is responsible for ensuring that all plating and surface finishing operations meet or exceed customer specifications, industry standards, and company quality objectives. The Quality Manager will be instrumental in driving continuous improvement, process optimization, and compliance with regulatory and customer requirements. This is a full-time, individual contributor role that does not involve managing a large team.

• Quality Assurance & Compliance: Ensure compliance with ISO, industry standards, and customer-specific requirements.
• Process Control & Improvement: Implement and maintain quality control processes, conducting regular audits and process reviews.
• Customer & Supplier Interaction: Act as the primary point of contact for quality-related customer and supplier interactions, ensuring resolution of concerns and continuous improvement.
• Corrective & Preventative Actions (CAPA): Lead root cause analysis and corrective action initiatives for internal and external quality issues.
• Documentation & Reporting: Maintain and oversee quality documentation, records, and reporting systems.
• Inspection & Testing: Develop and execute inspection plans, ensuring product quality meets defined specifications.
• Training & Education: Support training programs related to quality processes, defect prevention, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Lean & Continuous Improvement Initiatives: Drive quality improvement projects using Lean, Six Sigma, and other quality methodologies.

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, manufacturing, materials science, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a quality-focused role within plating, coatings, surface finishing, or a related manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of ISO 9001 and/or IATF 16949 standards.
• Experience with PPAP, FMEA, SPC, and Root Cause Analysis.
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Ability to interpret and analyze technical drawings, specifications, and plating/coating standards.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to lead CAPA investigations.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with internal teams, customers, and suppliers.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and quality management software tools.

• Ownership & Accountability: Takes full responsibility for quality outcomes and delivers on commitments.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Uses facts and analytics to drive process improvements and decision-making.
• Clear & Transparent Communication: Ensures quality expectations are well-defined and consistently met.
• Customer-Focused Mindset: Works proactively to meet and exceed customer expectations.
• Continuous Improvement & Innovation: Actively seeks opportunities to improve processes and product quality.
• Attention to Detail: Ensures accuracy in quality reporting, documentation, and product inspections.
• Problem Solving & Critical Thinking: Effectively identifies issues and implements sustainable solutions.

• Opportunity to work with a company committed to quality, innovation, and operational excellence.
• Hands-on role with a direct impact on product quality and customer satisfaction.
• Collaborative work environment that values professional growth and development.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• If you are a quality-driven professional with experience in plating, coatings, or surface finishing, and you're looking for an opportunity to make a significant impact, we encourage you to apply!