Senior quality assurance manager

Job Title: Senior Quality Manager

📍 Location: Kortrijk, Belgium

🏢 Department: Quality Assurance & Control

📅 Type: Full-time / Permanent

📈 Experience Level: Senior / 8+ years in Quality or Manufacturing


About the Company

We are a leading manufacturer and solutions provider in the gate and fence hardware industry by developing and manufacturing a wide range of products for access control and security for gates and fences, my clients have a strong commitment to operational excellence, customer satisfaction, and continuous improvement. Our facility near Kortrijk serves as a strategic hub for quality-driven production and innovation.


Role Summary

We are seeking a Senior Quality Manager who combines strategic leadership with a hands-on mindset. You will be responsible for managing all quality assurance and quality control activities, ensuring compliance with international standards, and driving a strong quality culture on the shop floor. This is a visible leadership role requiring regular interaction with production, suppliers, customers, and senior leadership.


Key Responsibilities

* Lead, coach, and develop the Quality Team (including QA/QC Engineers, Inspectors, and Auditors)
* Take ownership of the company’s Quality Management System (QMS) – ISO 9001 and/or other relevant standards (e.g., IATF 16949, ISO 13485)
* Drive root cause analysis, CAPA, and non-conformance investigations
* Implement lean quality tools such as 8D, FMEA, SPC, PPAP, and Control Plans
* Serve as the main point of contact for external audits, customer complaints, and regulatory inspections
* Monitor and analyze quality KPIs; lead quality review meetings with cross-functional teams
* Work closely with the production and engineering teams to improve process control and reduce waste
* Support supplier quality development and audits
* Promote a culture of accountability, safety, and continuous improvement at all levels


Required Qualifications

* Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Engineering, Quality Management, Industrial Sciences, or related field
* 8+ years of experience in Quality Assurance/Control, preferably in a manufacturing environment
* Proven leadership experience in managing teams (minimum 3–5 direct reports)
* Solid knowledge of ISO 9001, and familiarity with IATF 16949 or ISO 13485 is a plus
* Strong problem-solving skills using 8D, DMAIC, or equivalent methodologies
* Experience in dealing with customers, audits, and certifications
* Fluent in Dutch and English (French is a plus)


Key Attributes

* Hands-on leadership style: Visible on the shop floor, not just in the office
* Strong communicator and coach; able to challenge and support teams simultaneously
* Analytical mindset with a practical, no-nonsense approach
* Results-driven and able to operate under pressure in a dynamic environment
* Excellent stakeholder management skills (internal and external)


What We Offer

* Competitive salary with company car and bonus scheme
* Group insurance and hospitalization coverage
* Meal vouchers, eco-cheques, and flexible working options
* Opportunity to make a tangible impact in a medium-sized, fast-growing company
* Collaborative and supportive work environment
* Training and development opportunities tailored to your ambitions