Job Description of a QA and QC Manager
Although titles, tools, philosophies and processes may vary slightly, the general focus of the quality management profession involves determining and implementing policies designed to put satisfactory products and services into the hands of customers. The professionals hired to manage a firm's quality efforts use titles such as QA (quality assurance) or QC (quality control) manager.
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Duties
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Quality managers direct a firm's inspection and testing program, as well as its proactive quality assurance procedures designed to prevent defects or improve performance. In pursuing these objectives, they manage their department's employees and interact with other production managers and workers. They often consult with the company's other departments, such as sales, and may communicate with customer's or supplier representatives. They report to upper management.
Skills
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Quality assurance and control managers exercise team leadership, maintain records, facilitate meetings and manage process improvement projects. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), companies now place great importance on a candidate's interpersonal skills. As they interact with individuals at all levels of the organization, successful quality managers know how to communicate effectively, make compromises and negotiate or otherwise persuade people to their way of thinking.
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Methods and Techniques
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Quality managers employ a variety of methods in their pursuit of quality management. They may pursue accreditation to an international quality standard, such as ISO. They may implement methods known as Total Quality Management based on the ideas of such quality leaders as Philip Crosby, Edwards Deming and Joseph Juran. They may focus on Six Sigma, using data and statistics to identify and eliminate defects.
Education and Training
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According to the BLS, employers usually consider college degrees and previous experience as appropriate qualifications for these roles. In addition, managers may need to study international quality standards and continuous improvement philosophies. The American Society for Quality offers numerous resources, training and certifications for quality professionals.
Salary
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The Occupational Information Network states that managers in quality control or quality assurance positions earned a median wage of $40.90 hourly or $85,080 annually in 2009. Prospects in this field may slowly decline from 2008 through 2018 as the manufacturing sector of the United States shrinks.
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References
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