Director of Quality Assurance & CI

Lead the Transformation. Build a Culture of Excellence. Deliver Results That Last. The Director of Quality Assurance & Continuous Improvement provides strategic leadership for the company's quality and continuous improvement functions, ensuring products, processes, and services consistently meet the highest standards of quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction. This role is responsible for developing, implementing, and continuously improving the Quality Management System (QMS) while driving a culture of operational excellence across the organization. Leading enterprise-wide Lean initiatives, Kaizen events, root cause analysis, and structured continuous improvement programs, this position delivers measurable improvements in quality, productivity, cost, and operational performance. Working closely with executive leadership and cross-functional teams, the Director establishes quality strategies, drives compliance with customer and regulatory requirements, and champions sustainable improvements that support the company's strategic growth objectives. What Success looks Like Lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of the company's Quality Management System (QMS), ensuring compliance with customer, regulatory, and industry standards, including ISO certifications. Establish enterprise-wide quality strategies, policies, and governance while serving as the executive leader for quality-related decisions impacting customers, operations, and suppliers. Drive a culture of operational excellence by leading Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, and structured continuous improvement initiatives across all business functions. Develop and execute strategic cost reduction initiatives that improve productivity, eliminate waste, reduce the Cost of Poor Quality (COPQ), and enhance overall operational performance. Partner cross-functionally with Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain, Finance, Sales, and executive leadership to identify, prioritize, and deliver sustainable business improvements. Champion the voice of the customer by leveraging customer feedback, warranty data, and field performance to improve product quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction. Lead enterprise-wide root cause analysis and corrective action processes to resolve quality issues, prevent recurrence, and strengthen operational performance. Oversee internal and external audit programs, ensuring compliance with quality, safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements while proactively managing organizational risk. Build, mentor, and develop a high-performing Quality and Continuous Improvement organization while coaching leaders throughout the business to embed a culture of accountability and continuous improvement. Establish, monitor, and report key performance indicators (KPIs) that measure quality, delivery, cost savings, productivity, customer satisfaction, and continuous improvement performance. Translate strategic business objectives into measurable quality and operational improvement initiatives that deliver sustainable financial and operational results. Build trusted relationships across the organization and with external stakeholders, influencing decision-making and driving alignment to achieve the company's strategic objectives. Qualifications That Shine Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field required; Master's degree or other advanced degree preferred. 15+ years of progressive quality leadership experience, including 10+ years leading people and 5+ years leading corporate or multi-site quality organizations. Proven success developing and leading Quality Management Systems (QMS) within a manufacturing environment, including ISO implementation, certification, and ongoing compliance. Professional certifications such as ASQ Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence (CMQ/OE), Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt, and Lean certification are strongly preferred. Demonstrated success leading Lean transformation, Kaizen events, and enterprise-wide continuous improvement initiatives that deliver measurable business results. Strong knowledge of quality systems, root cause analysis, corrective and preventive actions (CAPA), statistical process control (SPC), and continuous improvement methodologies. Proven ability to influence executive leadership and build collaborative partnerships across operations, engineering, supply chain, finance, and commercial teams. Exceptional communication, presentation, and organizational skills with the ability to translate strategy into execution and drive organizational change. Strategic, data-driven leader with a track record of improving quality, operational performance, customer satisfaction, and financial results through operational excellence initiatives. Why You'll Love Working Here You'll Be Empowered - You'll have autonomy in your role, supported by a team that trusts your judgment You'll Grow With Us - We invest in your training, development, and long-term career path You'll Be Rewarded - Competitive pay, performance incentives, 401(k) with profit sharing, and great benefits You'll Make a Real Impact - Your work supports businesses across North America and shapes the future of finishing technology You'll Join a Great Team - We're growing fast, we value collaboration, and are committed to your success Transparent Rewards At GFS, we recognize the dedication behind every role and ensure that our compensation reflects both your impact and our shared success. Pay Range: $124,518 - $156,746 per year, based on your experience, skills, and qualifications. Bonus Eligibility: This position is eligible for an annual individual incentive based on company performance. Maximum bonus amounts may vary depending on role. Benefits: Eligible for standard company benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k) retirement plan with company match, paid time off, and other employee programs. More detailed information is available at 2026 GFS Benefits . Actual compensation will be determined by factors including experience, education, certifications, skill level, and market conditions. For remote or hybrid positions, the listed pay range applies to applicants in the specified location. About GFS Global Finishing Solutions is the leading manufacturer of paint booths and finishing systems serving automotive, aerospace, industrial manufacturing, marine, military, rail, trucking, and wood finishing markets. We specialize in building custom solutions that meet each customer's unique needs-and we do it with a team that thrives on collaboration and innovation because we're different. What makes us different is our unwavering commitment to our core values of family, respect, partnership, improvement, and integrity. We are a family-oriented organization that still values the little things, creating a workplace where you can thrive, fairness guides every decision, and collaboration drives shared success. Small town in spirit but big-hearted in impact, here you're not just joining a company-you're joining a team that grows together, celebrates together, and builds lasting value together. That's the difference. Join us. Apply now at About GFS Watch Us in Action Connect on LinkedIn Equal Opportunity Employer GFS is proud to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants . We welcome candidates of all backgrounds and do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or any other status protected by law. Employment offers are subject to successful completion of pre-employment drug screening and physicals, consistent with applicable laws. Note to recruiters: GFS only works with agencies that have signed a contract with our HR team. Resumes sent directly to hiring managers without a prior agreement are considered unsolicited and the property of GFS. Placement fees will not be paid without a formal contract. Compensation details: 46 Yearly Salary