Quality & Compliance Manager
Job Description Job Description The Quality & Compliance Manager is a key member of the management team, responsible for ensuring that Quality and Compliance processes support business objectives and organizational growth. This role oversees the development, implementation, and maintenance of compliance programs, ensuring adherence to AS9100/ISO9001 standards, while also supporting CMMC and ITAR registration requirements. As part of our ESOP-driven culture, the Quality & Compliance Manager plays a vital role in fostering a continuous improvement mindset throughout the organization. American Flexible Products (AFP) is a state-of-the-art manufacturing company specializing in the custom conversion of foam, sponge, rubber, EMI/RFI shielding materials, and a wide range of flexible materials. Our solutions address gasketing, bonding, vibration dampening, thermal management, and conductivity challenges across diverse industries. As an AS9100-registered and ITAR-registered company, we uphold the highest standards of quality and compliance, making us a trusted partner for aerospace, defense, medical, electronics, and other high-performance applications. We are also a Preferred Converter for both 3M and Rogers Corporation, giving our customers access to premium materials such as 3M adhesives, VHB tapes, and ROGERS PORON and BISCO Silicones—ensuring optimal performance in even the most demanding environments. With over 35 years of experience, AFP has established itself as a market leader in custom fabrication. Our advanced engineering capabilities, deep material expertise, and diverse manufacturing technologies enable us to deliver innovative, cost-effective solutions—whether for prototyping or high-volume production runs. Located in Chaska, MN, AFP is committed to exceptional quality and outstanding customer service. We are a 100% employee-owned company which means every team member is personally invested in your success. When you partner with AFP, you work directly with an owner—ensuring dedication, expertise, and a shared commitment to delivering top-tier solutions tailored to your needs. American Flexible Products maintains ITAR-compliant operations. Due to ITAR regulations, this role is only open to U.S. Citizens, lawful permanent residents (green card holders) or foreign nationals granted refugee or asylee status. Individuals with temporary visas (e.g. E, F-1, H-1, H-2, L, B, J, TN or OPT) are not eligible for hire in this role. MAJOR AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY: Quality Management System Oversight Maintain an audit-ready AS9100 Quality Management System in compliance with ISO9001/AS9100 standards. Oversee compliance with regulatory and environmental requirements, including REACH, RoHS, sustainability initiatives, and environmental reporting. Manage document storage, record retention, and version control for Quality Management (QM) and Quality Assurance (QA). Schedule and oversee Quality meetings and internal/external audits. Serve as the Management Representative for the company’s Quality Management System, ensuring seamless customer communication regarding quality-related matters. Continuous Improvement & Data Analysis Analyze audit and QMS data to drive continuous improvement initiatives and report key quality metrics. Develop a strong understanding of manufacturing methods, inspection equipment, measurement techniques, and relevant software tools. Directly manage the Quality, Compliance, and Continuous Improvement team members. Perform internal audits, identify areas for improvement, and ensure corrective actions are effectively implemented. Perform regular GEMBA walks to identify opportunities for process optimization and operational excellence. Training & Leadership Provide training to management, departments, and internal customers on quality management system (QMS) requirements and best practices. Mentor AFP Management, Quality and Engineering teams in root cause analysis and corrective action methodologies. Communicate and oversee product and raw material inspection processes, ensuring compliance with vendor and customer standards. Interpret and enforce AFP’s Quality and Compliance philosophy, including the development and oversight of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) related to inspection, testing, and evaluation processes. RESPONSIBILITIES: Lead and manage compliance initiatives for AS9100, ISO9001, ITAR, and support CMMC certifications. Ensure all quality and compliance-related processes align with customer requirements and industry standards. Review flow-down requirements for quote requests and customer purchase orders to ensure compliance with applicable standards and contractual obligations Review customer supplied drawings for inspection capability and conformance Geometric Dimensions and Tolerances standards. Evaluate manufacturing methods and inspection capabilities. Provide quality input to manufacturing processes including inspection and determining key characteristics. Provide assistance with technical diagnosis of root cause analysis and implementation of corrective actions with resolution of customer complaints or field failures. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance quality awareness and integrate best practices across the organization. Serve as the primary liaison with auditors, regulatory agencies, and customers regarding quality and compliance matters. Drive a culture of continuous improvement, leveraging data-driven decision-making to enhance product and process quality. Perform other duties as assigned to support business objectives beyond the typical Quality Manager role. EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE: Engineering Degree or Bachelor’s Degree with ASQ Certification Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in Quality or Compliance roles within a manufacturing environment. Minimum of 2 years in a supervisory or management role. AS9100, ITAR, Government contract review, blueprint reading, and quality inspection process experience required. CMMC experience preferred. Additional certifications related to Quality Management, Compliance, or Continuous Improvement are a plus. REQUIRED SKILLS & COMPETENCIES: Strong knowledge of regulatory requirements, including AS9100, ISO9001, ITAR, and CMMC. Exceptional analytical skills with the ability to interpret quality data and implement process improvements. Effective leadership abilities with experience managing and developing teams. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including training, negotiation, and presentation capabilities. Strong problem-solving skills with a proactive approach to quality assurance and compliance challenges. Ability to influence and collaborate with all levels of the organization.
