Director of Quality Assurance

Location: Tennessee or South Carolina
Employment Type: Full-Time
Compensation: Based on experience
Direct Hire 

Superior Skilled Trades is partnering with a client seeking a Director of Quality Assurance to build and implement quality programs across complex construction and industrial projects. This role will lead the development of quality management systems, establish standards and procedures, and build teams that ensure quality throughout the project lifecycle. 

Responsibilities

• Build, develop, and implement quality management programs and systems from the ground up.

• Establish quality management plans, inspection and test plans, procedures, and documentation standards.

• Implement consistent quality processes across multiple projects and project teams.

• Oversee quality assurance and quality control throughout engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning, and final turnover.

• Develop quality audit programs, inspection procedures, and corrective and preventive action processes.

• Identify quality risks, investigate root causes, and implement solutions to prevent recurring issues.

• Track quality metrics and drive improvements that reduce defects, rework, and project risk.

• Ensure accurate inspection records, material traceability, testing documentation, and project closeout records.

• Lead, mentor, and develop quality managers, engineers, inspectors, and field personnel.

• Coordinate with project leadership, engineering teams, subcontractors, clients, and external quality consultants.

• Manage third-party quality consultants and external support resources.

• Support project pursuits, proposals, preconstruction planning, risk assessments, and client presentations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Quality Management, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.

• 15+ years of progressive experience leading quality programs on complex construction or industrial projects.

• Demonstrated success building and implementing quality management programs from the ground up.

• Experience establishing quality systems, procedures, inspection processes, audit programs, and corrective action plans.

• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary quality teams across multiple projects.

• Strong knowledge of quality assurance, quality control, inspections, testing, commissioning, turnover, and regulatory compliance.

• Experience managing third-party quality consultants or external support teams.

• Familiarity with digital quality management systems and document control platforms.

• Strong leadership, communication, problem-solving, and stakeholder management skills.

Preferred Industries

Candidates with experience in the following industries are encouraged to apply:

• Nuclear and nuclear power generation — strongly preferred

• Energy and power generation

• Industrial construction and large-scale infrastructure

• Advanced manufacturing and semiconductor facilities

• Mission-critical facilities and data centers

• Pharmaceutical and life sciences

• Aerospace and defense

Preferred Certifications

• Certified Quality Engineer (CQE)

• Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence (CMQ/OE)

• ISO 9001 Lead Auditor

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate has built and implemented quality programs, established systems and procedures, and led quality teams in complex project environments. They can develop a quality program from the ground up, establish accountability, and work with project leadership to integrate quality requirements into every stage of project execution. Candidates with nuclear experience and a strong understanding of quality requirements in highly regulated environments are especially encouraged to apply.

Work Environment

This position involves a combination of office-based responsibilities and active construction site environments. Flexibility may be required to support project milestones, site activities, and client deadlines.

Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.