Product Quality Manager

At Northern Tool + Equipment we get up every day to serve the tradespeople who keep our country running strong and the weekend warriors who want to work like them. It’s our mission to make sure they have the right tools for the job, and an easy, hassle-free experience at our store so they can get in, get out and get on with the job at hand. Your top priority as a Product Quality Manager is to lead quality strategy, systems, and performance across our product engineering and manufacturing operations. This role is responsible for ensuring our products consistently meet or exceed customer expectations by driving systemic improvements, resolving quality issues, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

The ideal candidate is a strategic leader with strong technical expertise, a hands‑on approach, and the ability to collaborate effectively across engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and customer‑facing teams.

Your positive, professional, roll-up-your-sleeves-to-help attitude contributes to our winning culture and makes sure we leave a lasting impression.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Lead the company’s quality strategy to ensure alignment with organizational goals and customer expectations.
2. Drive root cause analysis and corrective actions using structured problem‑solving methodologies (A3, 8D, RPS, etc.).
3. Establish and manage key quality metrics including COPQ, defect rates, and customer satisfaction indicators.
4. Integrate quality into all stages of product development and production through strong cross‑functional collaboration.
5. Build and develop a high‑performing quality team that embodies accountability, empowerment, and a Zero‑Defect mindset.
6. Serve as the internal voice of the customer, ensuring quality standards reflect real‑world expectations.
7. Oversee process controls and monitoring systems across product lines.
8. Communicate effectively with customer‑facing teams and leadership on investigations, priorities, and quality performance.
9. Act as the escalation point for plant quality teams when issues require higher‑level intervention.
10. Manage quality control activities, including inspection, testing, data analysis, and CAPA processes.
11. Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance product quality and operational efficiency.
12. Support supplier quality, NPI quality, and engineering change processes to ensure robust product introductions.
13. Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements (EPA, CSA, UL), industry standards (ISO, ASQ), and internal quality systems.
14. Scope and lead complex quality projects, breaking down issues into actionable steps.

What you will bring to the table:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, quality management, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• 7+ years of leadership experience in product engineering or manufacturing quality.
• Proven track record of improving customer satisfaction and business results.
• Demonstrated hands‑on leadership and ability to drive organizational transformation.
• Experience in NPI quality, supplier quality engineering, operations quality, customer quality, or quality systems.
• Expertise in quality systems, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Strong knowledge of lean principles and waste elimination.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and cross‑functional collaboration skills.

About Us

Northern Tool + Equipment is a family business with roots stretching back three generations to Minnesota’s Iron Range, where our blue-collar work ethic and commitment to serving the people who do the tough jobs was born. Our mission is to be the best in the world at serving the professional tradespeople and those who want to work like them. With over 130 retail stores across 24 states, top national brands and global manufacturing operations designed to create our own specialized tools and equipment, we are busting our knuckles to deliver the products, prices and advice our customers need to succeed. We’re looking for people who share our blue-collar work ethic. If you’re the kind of person who likes to put your nose to the grindstone to help your customers and company succeed, we’d love to talk to you about becoming a member of our team.

Northern Tool + Equipment is proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Top Midsize Employer in 2023. We are committed to creating a workplace where your contributions are valued, and your professional growth is encouraged. When you join our team, you’ll enjoy a comprehensive and competitive compensation package that includes: 

• Competitive Pay: Earn $101,200 to $154,890 annually, with your exact compensation personalized based on your skills, experience, and location. We believe in rewarding top talent with pay that reflects your value. 
• Variable Pay: Variable pay is a component of compensation that can fluctuate based on performance, results, or specific metrics, rather than being a fixed amount like a salary. Annual bonus tied to company performance are paid annually. Incentive plans tied to an achievement-based outcome are generally paid monthly to quarterly.
  • The NTE AIP plan pay ranges from 5% to 100% of base salary. Eligibility is based on grade and roles that manage performance. Eligibility and payouts are outlined in the NTE AIP policy.
• Flexible Work Schedule: Achieve the work-life balance you deserve with our full-time, 8-hour shifts, Monday – Friday, complemented by a hybrid work schedule that allows you to work both remotely and in the office. 
• Comprehensive Benefits Package: Your health and well-being are our priority. We offer a variety of health plans, so you can choose what best fits your needs. Employees working 30+ hours per week enjoy a robust benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, and a 401(k) plan with an enhanced company match to support your financial future. 
• Generous Employee Discount: Love our products? So do we! Enjoy a significant discount on the quality tools and equipment we offer, helping you save on the items you love to use. 
• Get Paid on Your Terms: With our Daily Pay option, you don’t have to wait for payday—access your earnings whenever you need them for added financial flexibility. 
• Paid Holidays: Take time to relax and recharge with 7 paid federal holidays, because we know how important it is to have time for yourself and your loved ones. 
• Incentives: Be rewarded for eligible incentive programs.

When you join Northern Tool + Equipment, you're not just starting a job—you're joining a community that supports your success. Come be a part of a team where your skills, dedication, and passion are recognized and celebrated. Your future starts here!