If you have high standards, like detailed work and have a scientific background, a career as a Quality Assurance (QA) Manager might be right for you.

The main responsibilities of a QA manager are to develop, maintain, review and execute quality control procedures in a production facility. QA managers play a major role in setting quality standards and making sure that productivity is maintained at acceptable standards. These standards are based on graphs, charts and reports that the manager may prepare.

It is also typically a QA manager’s responsibility to ensure raw materials coming into a company and the goods being produced by the company are meeting quality control standards. This person is also responsible for ensuring that materials meet any and all regulatory standards.

Standard duties include assigning QA workers to monitor a production line to identify possible issues or test materials. QA managers often run random quality tests, evaluate data and share test results with production supervisors, employees or vendors.

Some QA managers consult with sales and marketing staff regarding the demands and expectations of customers. Other managers prepare reports on test results showing material quality, quantity and composition. They may also develop formulas, ratios or production methods based on the results of quality testing.

Finally, a QA manager will coordinate and take part in external quality audits.

In the event of quality loss or noncompliance, a QA manager will review and report the root causes of the problems.

Job Requirements

QA supervisors must have outstanding analytical abilities and be capable of comprehending the step-by-step sequence essential to produce or develop a product or service. Ideal candidates must have great communication skills since they’re always talking with their team and may be asked to write reports on their quality assurance sequence. The capability to use quality assurance and project management software programs may also be needed.

While educational requirements for a QA manager job vary from company to company, most businesses ask that candidates have at least a two-year degree, and many ask for a bachelor’s degree. Educational requirements may be waived if a person has years of experience as a QA worker.

There are many bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in quality assurance at universities and colleges. Bachelor’s degree programs involving coursework in natural sciences, industrial technology and business management prepare students for careers in manufacturing. Many programs include both lab work and independent study to give students both theoretical and practical awareness of the QA field.

Master’s degree programs supply in-depth study of quality systems and standards. These programs also offer training in both leadership and communications skills with respect to manufacturing. Graduate courses may discuss topics like operations management, methods analysis and data systems. Some graduate programs are designed for current supervisors who want to advance or change their career course.

At Action Group, we have a number of great opportunities available at any given time. If you are currently looking to take the next step in your career path, please contact us.