Quality Continuous Improvement Manager - MARS Solutions Group : Job Details

Quality and Continuous Improvement Manager

Location: Richland Center, WI

Reports To: Plant Manager

Overview

The Quality Operations and Continuous Improvement Manager leads the Quality and CI strategy for our Richland Center manufacturing operations. This role drives both tactical execution and cultural transformation helping us evolve from reactive problem-solving to proactive, embedded continuous improvement systems. You'll be a key member of the Operations Leadership Team, responsible for guiding quality assurance programs, advancing Lean maturity, and building systems that deliver lasting results.

This position is fully onsite in Richland Center, WI.

What You'll Do

• Provide leadership and oversight for all aspects of Quality and Continuous Improvement in a plant that is actively maturing its systems, culture, and processes
• Build, guide, and support a team of quality engineers and specialists focused on driving CI adoption, improving performance, and standardizing processes
• Bring a coachable, growth-oriented mindset and thrive in a collaborative, cross-functional environment. Success in this role requires the ability to both lead and learn building systems while actively contributing to a culture of continuous development across all levels of the organization. practices into daily operations, enabling better decision-making and product outcomes across the board
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Engineering, Product Management, and other plants to influence how we design, build, and deliver high-quality solutions
• Develop frontline leaders and CI champions by coaching, mentoring, and building problem-solving capability at every level
• Bring a coachable, growth-oriented mindset and thrive in a collaborative, cross-functional environment. Success in this role requires the ability to both lead and learn building systems while actively contributing to a culture of continuous development across all levels of the organization.
• Act as a change agent in a legacy operation undergoing transformation helping shift mindset, behaviors, and team energy toward ownership and accountability
• Lead the plant through ISO 9001 maintenance and improvement activities, ensuring a compliant and performance-driven QMS
• Analyze customer feedback and post-shipment performance data to improve product quality and drive Voice of Customer (VOC) insights back into the business
• Influence culture through clear systems, strong floor presence, and consistent follow-through, setting a new bar for quality and process excellence
• Manage priorities across the plant while remaining flexible in a dynamic environment that demands both tactical execution and strategic foresight

The Culture You'll Build

• Foster a high-trust environment where coaching is the norm, not the exception
• Engage team members at every level by making CI accessible, understandable, and meaningful
• Help move the site from fix it when it breaks to build it right the first time through system design and leadership consistency
• Lead through ambiguity by guiding teams through change with clarity, empathy, and action

What We're Looking For

Must Have

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
• Proven leadership experience in Quality and/or Continuous Improvement in a manufacturing environment
• Legal authorization to work in the United States

Preferred

• Bachelor's in Engineering, Manufacturing, or related field
• 5 or more years of quality, engineering, or CI experience, with a strong foundation in Lean and Six Sigma
• 2 or more years leading teams or managing functions within a plant or manufacturing setting
• Six Sigma Black Belt, LEAN certification, or other CI credentials
• Familiarity with Engineered-to-Order or Electrical/Electronics manufacturing
• Experience working within ISO 9001 quality systems
• Expertise in driving measurable improvements using root cause analysis, A3 thinking, and visual systems
• Prior experience coaching others to sustain CI and Quality practices beyond single events or project