Sr. Director of Quality and Continuous Improvement

Rite-Hite is the global leader in the manufacture and distribution of industrial loading dock and door equipment. Our innovative products and world class sales organization ensure solid, consistent growth, both for our company and our staff. We are always looking ahead to develop innovative new products and services to improve our customers' safety, security, and productivity.

Rite-Hite provides competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package with medical, dental, and vision coverage along with life and paid medical leave. We also provide a retirement savings plan that combines 401(K) with company match and profit sharing. Paid holidays, vacation, and up to five paid personal/sick days per year round out the package.

Rite-Hite is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer offering a drug free workplace for our customers and employees.

Sr. Director of Quality and Continuous Improvement

Location: Hybrid - Milwaukee, WI | Travel: Up to 50%

Rite-Hite is seeking a Senior Director of Quality and Continuous Improvement to lead and elevate our global quality operations. In this position you will be the architect of our quality vision-responsible for ensuring our manufacturing operations meet the highest standards of quality, compliance, and customer satisfaction. While a strong foundation in continuous improvement is essential, the core focus of this role is to drive a quality-first culture across the enterprise.

Quality Leadership & Regulatory Compliance

• Develop and lead the global implementation of consistent quality policies, procedures, and standards across all manufacturing facilities.
• Design and implement the Rite-Hite Quality Management System (QMS) aligned with ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and other standards.
• Ensure enterprise-wide regulatory compliance; lead audits, nonconformance processes, and corrective actions.
• Embed customer-focused quality practices throughout operations and product development.

Supplier Quality & Risk Management

• Oversee supplier quality programs, audits, and corrective action efforts.
• Conduct supplier audits, implement scorecards, and lead corrective action initiatives to safeguard quality throughout the supply chain.
• Collaborate with procurement to improve vendor performance and minimize risk.

Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement

• Champion Lean, Six Sigma, and other improvement methodologies to enhance operational efficiency.
• Lead Kaizen events and root cause analysis to eliminate defects and improve efficiency.
• Establish, track, and report key quality metrics alongside operational KPIs.
• Promote data-driven decision-making using quality analytics and real-time dashboards to continuously identify areas for improvement.

Process Optimization & Technology Integration

• Lead CapEx initiatives focused on automation and smart manufacturing.
• Implement AI-driven inspection, IoT sensors, and analytics to enhance quality control.
• Integrate digital quality across cross-functional teams (engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and IT).

Change Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement

• Build a high-performance, quality-driven culture through coaching and training.
• Serve as a strategic partner to executive leadership, communicating goals and progress.

What You'll Bring

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality, or related field (Master's or MBA preferred).
• 10+ years in quality leadership within global manufacturing.
• Expertise in ISO standards, QMS, audits, Lean, and Six Sigma (Green Belt required; Black Belt preferred).
• Experience with low volume/high mix manufacturing (sheet metal/steel fabrication a plus).
• Familiarity with ERP systems, digital quality tools, and AI inspection platforms.

What Sets You Apart

• Leadership: Proven ability to influence at all levels and foster a high-performance, quality-centric culture.
• Strategic Vision: Ability to design and execute quality strategies aligned with business goals.
• Analytical Thinking: Strong root cause analysis and problem-solving capabilities.
• Communication: Clear, persuasive communicator with experience presenting to executive leadership.
• Change Management: Adept at leading transformation initiatives and instilling lasting cultural change.

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