Quality Manager - Waukegan

About AkzoNobel

Since 1792, we’ve been supplying the innovative paints and coatings that help to color people’s lives and protect what matters most. Our world class portfolio of brands – including Dulux, International, Sikkens and Interpon – is trusted by customers around the globe. We’re active in more than 150 countries and use our expertise to sustain and enhance the fabric of everyday life. Because we believe every surface is an opportunity. It’s what you’d expect from a pioneering and long-established paints company that’s dedicated to providing sustainable solutions and preserving the best of what we have today – while creating an even better tomorrow. Let’s paint the future together.

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© 2024 Akzo Nobel N.V. All rights reserved.

Job Purpose

We are dedicated to delivering products that our Aerospace customers can trust—every time, without compromise. From sourcing materials to final delivery, we believe excellence is achieved through precision, accountability, and a shared commitment to doing things right the first time.
As our Quality Control Manager, you will safeguard integrity of our product. Your leadership will ensure that every item leaving our facility meets the highest standards of compliance, and performance. You’ll not only safeguard our reputation but also drive a culture of continuous improvement, empowering teams to take pride in the quality of their work.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee all quality control operations, from incoming raw materials to final product inspections.
• Develop, implement, and maintain quality assurance protocols in compliance with our quality management system. Stays abreast of changes to management system standards, and ensures these changes are reflected in the department’s business process.
• Looks for opportunities for improvement through utilization of lean principles (ALPS).
• Conduct root cause analyses and lead corrective/preventive action initiatives to resolve quality issues.
• Collaborate with production, engineering, and supply chain teams to ensure quality is built into every process.
• Train and mentor QC staff, fostering a proactive approach to problem-solving and process improvement.
• Prepare and present quality performance reports to senior leadership, highlighting trends and actionable insights.
• Partner with suppliers to ensure consistent quality and adherence to specifications.
• Must follow all established safety rules and procedures.
• Must demonstrate integrity while performing duties as per company’s Code of Conduct.
• Leads and directs the work of multi shift QC department.

Job Requirements

• Proven experience (5+ years) in quality control or quality assurance, preferably in manufacturing or production environments.
• Strong knowledge of quality management systems (QMS), ISO standards, and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Proficiency in quality tools such as Six Sigma, SPC, and FMEA.
• Exceptional analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and translate findings into actionable improvements.
• Strong leadership and communication skills, with a track record of building high-performing teams.
• A meticulous eye for detail and a passion for delivering excellence.

Education and Experience
BS, MS or Ph.D in Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Engineering or an alternate field of specialization will be considered depending on the nature of the degree, work experience in Paints and Coatings field, or other training or combination thereof. Knowledge of 2PK polyurethane and epoxy/amine chemistries is highly desirable

• Minimum of 7 years of quality systems experience/education.
• Process mapping and development, statistical tools such as Gage R&R, DOE and other MSA tools are required.
• Excellent working knowledge of Microsoft suite products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Visio) is a must.
• Experience in an SAP environment desirable.
• Team oriented problem-solving skills and large team leadership experience is required.
• Must understand the fundamentals of business management systems and the standards that govern them (e.g., ISO9000, TS16949, etc.).
• Excellent written and oral communication skills are a requirement, especially as this relates to the writing work instructions or PowerPoint Presentations for training, etc.
• Manufacturing experience, especially in a quality role with quality systems implementation experience.

Compensation & Benefits

Base salary range for this role is: $115,000 to $135,000. This is the range that we in good faith anticipate relying on when setting wages for this position. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range. This salary range may also be modified in the future.

401K retirement savings with 6% company match
Medical insurance with HSA
Dental, Vision, Life, AD&D benefits
Generous vacation, sick and holiday pay
Short & Long term disability
Paid Parental leave after 1 year
Career growth opportunities
Active Diversity & Inclusion Networks
Employee referral bonus
Employee appreciation days

Competencies

Accepting Direction

Accepting Responsibility

Acquiring Information

At AkzoNobel we are highly committed to ensuring an inclusive and respectful workplace where all employees can be their best self. We strive to embrace diversity in a context of tolerance. Our talent acquisition process plays an integral part in this journey, as setting the foundations for a diverse environment. For this reason we train and educate on the implications of our Unconscious Bias in order for our TA and hiring managers to be mindful of them and take corrective actions when applicable. In our organization, all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age or disability.

Requisition ID: 51998

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