Senior Director Quality

Johnson Outdoors Inc.Mankato, MN, United States

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Description

Senior Director Quality

At Johnson Outdoors, home to some of the world's most innovative and best-known outdoor recreation brands, we create amazing outdoor experiences - for adventurers, by adventurers. Check out each of the unique Johnson Outdoor brands in Fishing, Watercraft, Camping and Diving !

We are seeking a highly dynamic and forward-thinking Senior Director of Quality to provide global oversight of quality systems across multiple Johnson Outdoors manufacturing sites. With 1,300 employees, 19 global facility locations and selling into over 80 countries, the Senior Director Quality will act as a strategic catalyst for upholding world class quality benchmarks that reflect customer expectations, meet regulatory demands, and reinforce the company's dedication to excellence.

About the Role :

The person in this role spearheads the design, execution, and ongoing refinement of quality standards to drive operational excellence. Works in close partnership with senior executives to align quality strategies with overarching business objectives, ensuring consistent product integrity and regulatory compliance across all divisions. Collaborates cross-functionally to embed quality into every stage of product development - from initial concept through market launch.

This role will report directly to the Chief Operations / Supply Chain Officer of Johnson Outdoors and can be based out of the following locations : HQ Racine-WI, Alpharetta-GA, Mankato-MN or Eufaula-AL. Domestic / International travel up to 50-60%.

Global Quality Strategy : Develops and oversees a comprehensive global quality strategy that aligns with the organization's vision, values, and operational objectives.
Supplier Quality : Ensures supplier quality standards are met and maintained, fostering strong relationships with suppliers to drive continuous improvement.
Manufacturing Quality : Oversees quality assurance processes in manufacturing operations to ensure products meet company standards and regulatory requirements.
Process Quality : Oversees, implements, and maintains robust quality management systems (QMS) and continuous improvement methodologies to enhance process quality.
Field Quality : Monitors and improves field quality, ensuring customer feedback is incorporated into processes and consistently exceeding customer expectations.
New Product Development : Partners with engineering, product integrity, R&D, and other cross-functional teams to integrate quality assurance processes into new product development.
Compliance and Conformance : Ensures compliance with industry regulations and customer requirements. Leads initiatives to ensure conformance to internal global and regional quality standards across all manufacturing facilities and supply chains.
Cross-Functional Collaboration : Collaborates with engineering, product integrity, R&D, operations, supply chain, marketing, and other key functions to identify opportunities for process improvement, seamless integration of quality principles and optimized pre-production processes.
Continuous Improvement / Best Practices : Drives continuous improvement initiatives in quality processes and practices. Leads the identification, prioritization, and execution of quality improvement projects across the organization to improve operational efficiency, product reliability, and customer satisfaction.
Global Team Leadership : Builds, leads, and mentors a diverse, high-performing team of quality professionals across regions to foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and excellence.
Risk Management : Leads the identification of potential risks related to product quality, safety, and compliance, and develops strategies for risk mitigation.
Customer Advocacy : Acts as the voice of the customer, ensuring feedback is incorporated into processes and consistently exceeding customer quality expectations.
Auditing : Leads internal and external quality audits, maintaining a state of audit readiness at all times, and effectively managing any findings or corrective actions.
Performance Metrics : Establishes and tracks key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure quality outcomes, operational performance, and strategic alignment.
Performs other duties as assigned.

Supervisory / Management Responsibilities :

Performs human resources responsibilities for staff, which includes but is not limited to the following : hiring and terminating employees, promotions / pay adjustments, staff development, performance evaluations, resolution of employee concerns, and disciplinary counseling.

Develops and manages the budget in conjunction with senior leadership for the business unit.

Develops and approves departmental policies, procedures, and guidelines to meet business needs.

What you need to succeed :

Bachelor's degree in engineering, quality management or equivalent.

Typically requires a minimum of 10 years of leadership experience in quality management and continuous improvement initiatives within a global organization with a diverse portfolio of brands and complex manufacturing operations.

Experience driving organizational quality changes / improvements throughout multiple businesses and across functional areas.

Proven ability to identify challenges, develop innovative solutions, and implement them effectively.

Comprehensive understanding of quality management systems (QMS), including ISO standards (e.g., ISO 9001, ISO 14001) and industry-specific regulations (e.g., FDA, GMP).

In-depth knowledge of continuous improvement methodologies, such as Lean, Six Sigma, and Total Quality Management (TQM).

Expertise in new product development processes and integrating quality assurance throughout the product lifecycle.

Advanced knowledge of global regulatory requirements and compliance standards across multiple regions.

Strong understanding of risk management principles and strategies for mitigating quality-related risks.

Expertise in managing complex, multi-stakeholder projects with competing priorities.

Exceptional verbal and written communication skills to effectively collaborate with internal teams, external partners, and regulatory bodies.

Proficiency in using the Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Proficiency in Mini-Tab (or equivalent) statistical analysis software.

A few pointers about our culture :

Entrepreneurial spirit and innovation are in our bones! We authentically innovate trusted equipment that gets people out in the great outdoors.

We are laser-focused on our consumers, and passionate about providing superior solutions flexible to meet any event's needs or mission requirements.

We strive to create meaningful, healthy change in the world as individuals and as a family of brands.

We value team members who are willing to wear many hats; who take personal initiative, anticipating what needs to be done, and figuring things out to make them happen; but who are also willing to ask help, to assist others and work together.

What you will receive :

Share in the company's success with competitive base salary with additional earning potential through participation in the management bonus program, and eligibility for annual pay increases.

Find work / life balance with generous Paid Time Off and holiday benefits, a full benefits package, and broad range of employee support and fitness and wellness plans.

Further your career with performance development and training opportunities, including our tuition assistance program.

Have fun at work, enjoying a collaborative and casual work environment, participating in fun company events, and taking advantage of great employee discounts on all our outdoor recreational products.

Plan for your future with our 401(k) with company match and deferred retirement contributions, Sons & Daughters Scholarship program, college savings program, life and LTD insurance, and more.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment at Johnson Outdoors (and all subsidiaries) without regard to race; creed; color; religion; national origin; sex; age; disability; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; genetic predisposition or carrier status; veteran, marital, or citizenship status; or any other status protected by law. Johnson Outdoors is proud to be an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, please contact Human Resources at HRSpecialAccommodations@johnsonoutdoors.com to let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.

JOHNSON OUTDOORS is a leading global innovator of outdoor recreation equipment and technologies that inspire more people to experience the awe of the great outdoors. The company designs, manufactures and markets a portfolio of winning, consumer-preferred brands across four categories : Watercraft Recreation, Fishing, Diving and Camping. Johnson Outdoors' iconic brands include : Old Town canoes and kayaks; Ocean Kayak; Carlisle paddles; Minn Kota fishing motors, batteries and anchors; Cannon downriggers; Humminbird marine electronics and charts; SCUBAPRO dive equipment; Jetboil outdoor cooking systems. Founded in 1970 by Samuel C. Johnson, the Company has delivered double-digit compound annual growth over its history, evolving from a single brand into a nearly $663 million global enterprise with around 1,300 employees across 20 countries.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Protected Veterans / Individuals with Disabilities

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.

For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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Director Quality • Mankato, MN, United States