What is a quality manager?
A quality manager is someone who makes sure everything a company does meets high standards—like making great products or delivering awesome services. This job isn’t limited to one type of business; it’s important in all sorts of places like factories, hospitals, tech companies, and restaurants. They ensure that products are good enough for customers and follow all the rules.
Duties and responsibilities
Here’s what a quality manager does:
- Sets up and keeps an eye on the rules for making products or providing services to make sure everything is top-notch
- Checks regularly to make sure everything is working right and looks for ways to do things better
- Handles complaints about product or service quality and works with other teams to fix issues
- Keeps track of how well the quality control is working and reports on it
Work environment
Quality managers can work in different places depending on what the company does. They might spend their day in an office, a factory, or a lab. They work with lots of different teams like the ones that make products, figure out new ideas, or help customers. They also talk to people outside the company like suppliers and inspectors.
Typical work hours
Most quality managers work regular hours, Monday through Friday, about 40 hours a week. Sometimes, they might need to stay late or come in on weekends, especially if there’s a big inspection or a sudden problem that needs fixing. If they work in a factory or a place that’s open 24/7, their hours might be different because of shifts.
How to become a quality manager
Want to be the person who makes sure products are awesome and services are top-notch? Here’s how you can become a quality manager:
Step 1: Earn a bachelor’s degree
Start by going to college and getting a bachelor’s degree. You don’t need a specific major, but studying something like business management, engineering, or anything related to the field you’re interested in can really help.
Step 2: Work in your industry
Next, get some real-world experience in the industry where you want to work. This could mean different things depending on your field, like working in a food safety lab if you’re into food production or supervising a manufacturing line.
Step 3: Consider a master’s degree
If you really want to level up, think about getting a master’s degree in quality assurance. This isn’t a must, but it can make you stand out when you’re looking for jobs.
Step 4: Get certified
Getting a certification can also boost your resume. Organizations like the American Society for Quality (ASQ) offer certifications like the Certified Quality Auditor or Certified Quality Engineer that show you know your stuff.
Step 5: Manage some projects or teams
Before you can run the quality show, you’ll need some experience leading teams or managing projects. This could mean taking on a supervisory role and getting the hang of leading people and making tough decisions.
Step 6: Apply for jobs
With your education, experience, and maybe some certifications under your belt, you’re ready to start applying for jobs as a quality manager. Make sure your resume shines by highlighting all that cool stuff you’ve done and learned.
How much do quality managers make?
Quality manager salaries will vary by experience, industry, education, location, and organization size. The complexity of the quality management systems they oversee is a significant factor in their total compensation.
Highest paying industries
- Pharmaceuticals: $102,890
- Manufacturing: $98,300
- Aerospace: $97,500
- Technology: $96,720
- Healthcare: $95,400
Highest paying states
- California: $105,125
- New Jersey: $102,891
- Washington: $100,880
- Massachusetts: $99,600
- New York: $98,320
The average national salary for a Quality Manager is:
$89,250
Types of quality managers
Thinking about becoming a quality manager? There are several types you can become, each with its own special focus and cool responsibilities:
Quality assurance manager
These managers make sure products are up to snuff all the time. They write the rules for quality and lead teams that test products to find any defects. You’ll find them in lots of places, like tech companies, factories, and drug-making companies.
Process quality manager
If you like making things better and cutting down on waste, this could be your gig. Process quality managers help companies do things more efficiently by following proven methods. They’re super important in manufacturing jobs.
Quality system manager
These managers are all about setting up and keeping up with systems that make sure a company meets quality standards, like ISO 9001. They do lots of audits, train people, and help everyone stick to the rules.
Product quality manager
If you’re into a specific product or like working on just a few things, this might be for you. Product quality managers focus on making sure specific products are top-notch from the start of development to when they hit the shelves.
Supply quality manager
Perfect for those interested in how things get from A to B. These managers check that all materials and parts coming from suppliers are perfect. They work on inspecting stuff and making sure suppliers are doing their jobs right.
Top skills for quality managers
To be a rockstar quality manager, you’ll need a mix of tech-savvy skills and awesome people skills. Here’s what tops the list:
Know the rules and standards
You need to be a pro at all the rules and standards for your industry. This means understanding all the do’s and don’ts so everything your company makes is up to code and customers are happy.
Analytical skills
Got a knack for numbers and data? Great! These managers need to be sharp when it comes to analyzing info to figure out what’s working and what’s not. This helps them spot problems before they happen and come up with smart ways to fix them.
Leadership and team management
Since you’ll be in charge of a team, knowing how to lead and manage people is crucial. You’ll need to direct your crew, hand out tasks, and make sure everyone’s working together smoothly to meet those quality targets.
Communication skills
You’ve got to be clear and on point when you talk or write. Whether it’s explaining the quality standards to your team or updating the boss, your ability to communicate clearly can make a big difference.
Attention to detail
This one’s a biggie. An eye for detail can help you catch tiny issues that could turn into big problems. It’s all about noticing the little things that others might miss to keep the quality top-notch.
Looking for a new job?
Browse our national database of quality manager job openings and apply today
Quality manager career path
As a quality manager, you’re not stuck in one lane—you’ve got a bunch of cool directions to grow your career. Here’s how you can climb up the ladder or branch out:
Climb higher in quality management
You can move up to big-deal roles like director of quality management or even become a corporate quality executive. These jobs mean you’re making the big plans, leading several teams, and maybe even representing your company at big meetings with industry leaders or government agencies.
Switch to related managerial roles
Your skills are super transferable! You know a lot about how things work, following rules, and making things better, so you could totally rock roles in operations, production, or project management. These jobs are all about keeping the daily grind smooth and efficient, kinda like what you do now but with a different focus.
Become a consultant
If you love new challenges, traveling, and solving problems, think about becoming a consultant. You’d help different companies level up their quality game by checking out their systems, teaching their teams, and giving top-notch advice to their big bosses.
Teach and train others
With all your expertise, you could teach others how to ace quality management. Whether it’s in a classroom, through creating courses, or training folks at companies, sharing your expertise can help pump up quality standards everywhere.
Similar job titles
Position trends and outlook for quality managers
Quality managers are super important in keeping everything up to standard in both manufacturing and services. Let’s check out what’s new and what the future looks like for them:
- Tech takeover in quality management: More and more, they are using cool digital tools that help keep track of everything quality-related easily. These digital quality management systems (QMS) help them get real-time data, talk things through effectively, and keep an eye on quality trends without missing a beat.
- Customers care more than ever: People these days really care about quality, and they’re not shy about it. Businesses are working hard to keep up with what customers expect and these managers need to be on their toes, listening to what customers say and using that feedback to make things better.
- Going green: Companies are starting to see how being sustainable (like using less plastic or reducing waste) can also mean better quality. So, managers are helping to blend quality goals with eco-friendly practices.
Employment projections
According to the latest scoop from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of jobs for quality managers isn’t expected to jump up or down too much soon. But this can change depending on the industry—like tech might need more managers as new gadgets keep coming out.
Quality manager career tips
Know the rules inside out
Stay sharp on all the regulations and quality standards that matter to your industry. Keeping up with these will help your company stay on the right side of the law and avoid any costly mistakes. Always be ready to update your company’s rules as things change.
Make quality everyone’s job
Push the idea that quality isn’t just the job of your department—it’s everyone’s business. Work to make sure that thinking about quality is part of everything your company does, from the ground up.
Keep getting better
Always be on the lookout for ways to do things better, whether it’s making a process smoother or improving a product. Set up ways to check how things are going and find places where you can make improvements.
Connect with other pros
Build a network with other quality managers. Sharing what you know and learning from others can bring new ideas and opportunities your way. Plus, you might get to team up on cool projects.
- American Society for Quality
- The International Society for Quality in Health Care
- Society for Quality Assurance
Never stop learning
Quality management keeps evolving, so your skills should too. Staying current means you’ll always be ready to bring your A-game. Keep learning with courses and certifications like:
- Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence
- Lean Six Sigma
- Total Quality Management (TQM)
- ISO 9001 training
Where the quality manager jobs are
Top employers
- Procter & Gamble
- Johnson & Johnson
- Nestle
- Unilever
- Pfizer
Top states
- California
- New Jersey
- Indiana
- Illinois
- Pennsylvania
Top job sites
- zengig
- Indeed
- Monster
- SimplyHired
FAQs
What skills does a quality manager need to excel in their job?
A quality manager should possess strong leadership abilities, effective communication skills, and a detailed understanding of process management and strategic planning. Analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities are highly beneficial given the nature of the role. It’s also important to have an eye for detail and a strong capacity for critical evaluation.
What does a typical workday look like for a quality manager?
A typical day might involve reviewing quality standards, overseeing testing procedures, managing a team of quality control inspectors, and attending meetings. Since this role involves ensuring products meet certain standards, quality managers must regularly engage in problem-solving, team collaboration, and planning to maintain and improve that quality continually.
Are there any particular industry sectors where quality managers are in higher demand?
The role of a quality manager is critical to many industries but they are especially in high demand within manufacturing, food production, pharmaceuticals, and any other industry where a product’s quality is paramount. Any industry that needs to adhere to strict guidelines and regulations for quality and safety will likely need a quality manager.
What kind of educational background is required for a quality manager?
Generally, employers prefer quality managers with a bachelor’s degree in business management, quality assurance, or a related field. Some positions may require a master’s degree. Additionally, many companies value managers with certifications from recognized institutions that affirm the individual’s knowledge and skills in quality management.
What are some common challenges a quality manager might face in their role?
Quality managers often face challenges like maintaining compliance with changing regulations, implementing new tools and tech, training and supervising employees, and managing risks. They also face the challenge of continuously maintaining and improving quality in a competitive environment where internal and external expectations constantly evolve.
What tools and software do quality managers usually use in their daily work?
Quality managers use various software tools, including statistical process control programs, quality control software, and data analysis tools. Document management systems and project management programs can also be common. The exact tools a quality manager uses can vary widely depending on the industry and specific company.
How does the role of a quality manager differ from a quality assurance manager?
While the roles may seem similar, there is a distinct difference. A quality manager has a broader scope, as they oversee the overall quality process and create quality policies for the entire company. On the other hand, a quality assurance manager typically focuses on the testing procedures that ensure a product or service meets certain criteria before it is marketed or sold.
What kind of personality traits are usually seen in successful quality managers?
Successful quality managers are detail-oriented, decisive, and have strong organizational skills. They are methodical in their approach to work and have an analytical mindset, which helps them scrutinize processes and identify areas for improvement. The ability to work well under pressure and excellent communication skills to liaise with different departments are also valuable traits.
Can a quality manager work remotely, or do they need to be on-site?
Depending on the nature of the business and the scope of the role, a quality manager could work remotely. However, given the nature of their responsibilities, which often include overseeing product testing and working closely with production teams, many managers will need to be on-site at least some of the time.