Occupation · SOC 11-3051.01
Quality Control Systems Managers
Plan, direct, or coordinate quality assurance programs. Formulate quality control policies and control quality of laboratory and production efforts.
Median wage
$121,440
$74,900–$197,310
Projected growth
+1.9%
Slower than average
Annual openings
460
per year
Employed (US)
234,380
Job Zone 4
Typical preparation
Considerable preparation
Stackable credential programs
3,217 mapped
Core skills
Reading ComprehensionQuality Control AnalysisJudgment and Decision MakingWritingSpeakingMonitoringActive ListeningSystems EvaluationCritical ThinkingCoordinationComplex Problem SolvingSystems AnalysisActive LearningTime ManagementSocial PerceptivenessPersuasionOperations MonitoringManagement of Personnel ResourcesInstructingMathematicsLearning StrategiesService OrientationNegotiationOperation and ControlTroubleshootingOperations AnalysisManagement of Material ResourcesManagement of Financial ResourcesScienceTechnology DesignEquipment SelectionProgrammingEquipment MaintenanceRepairingInstallation
Knowledge areas
Production and ProcessingEducation and TrainingEnglish LanguageChemistryCustomer and Personal ServiceAdministration and ManagementMathematicsEngineering and TechnologyPublic Safety and SecurityComputers and ElectronicsPersonnel and Human ResourcesAdministrativeLaw and GovernmentBiologyPhysicsDesignPsychologyMechanicalFood ProductionCommunications and MediaTransportationTherapy and CounselingEconomics and AccountingMedicine and DentistryBuilding and ConstructionSociology and AnthropologySales and MarketingTelecommunicationsGeographyPhilosophy and TheologyForeign LanguageHistory and ArcheologyFine Arts
Technology & tools
ASI DATAMYTE GageMetricsASI DATAMYTE QDAASIDATAMYTE DataMetricsAbbott Informatics STARLIMS:LIMSAdobe AcrobatAtlassian JIRACAMA Software Quality Collaboration By Design QCBDCEBOS MQ1 softwareComputing Solutions LabSoft LIMSCore Informatics Laboratory Information Management System LIMSDatabase softwareEkoEtQ RelianceExtensible markup language XMLHarrington Group HQMSHarrington Group caWebHewlett Packard LoadRunnerIllumina Laboratory Information Management System LIMSInfinity QS ProFicientLablite Laboratory Information Management Systems LIMSLaboratory Automated Quality Control Systems LAQCLabvantage Solutions LIMSLinuxMasterControl softwareMicrosoft AccessMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft ProjectMicrosoft SQL ServerMicrosoft VisioMicrosoft WordMinitabOracle JavaPQ Systems CHARTrunner LeanPQ Systems GAGEpackPQ Systems MEASUREspyPQ Systems SQCpackPearson Education PHStat2
Representative tasks
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesDocumenting/Recording InformationIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsAnalyzing Data or InformationWorking with ComputersEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsGetting InformationMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkProcessing InformationMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationTraining and Teaching OthersDeveloping and Building TeamsProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersCoaching and Developing OthersThinking CreativelyDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesScheduling Work and ActivitiesStaffing Organizational UnitsPerforming Administrative ActivitiesMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesControlling Machines and ProcessesDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentPerforming General Physical ActivitiesSelling or Influencing OthersHandling and Moving ObjectsRepairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentAssisting and Caring for OthersRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Standard operating procedures — review and apply under direct supervision within a manufacturing quality assurance environment.Raw material inspection records — compare against established testing and inspection standards on the production floor with guidance from senior staff.Quality control test results — document and compile into structured reports using document management software under supervisor direction.In-process product samples — assist in collecting and labeling for laboratory testing according to written protocols in a regulated manufacturing setting.Quality assurance manuals — locate and retrieve relevant sections to support inspection activities under the direction of a QC manager.Production defect observations — report identified anomalies to supervisors using desktop communications software in a timely manner.Analytical or scientific software — enter test data and run pre-configured queries to support routine quality checks in a lab environment.Regulatory quality documentation — gather and organize files required for compliance submissions under the guidance of senior quality staff.Production line activities — observe and apply basic monitoring techniques to recognize non-conformance patterns during supervised walkthroughs.Inspection team members — shadow and assist supervisors and laboratory workers during testing cycles to build foundational quality control knowledge.
developing
Quality control test results — analyze and communicate findings to production staff with reduced oversight in a mid-scale manufacturing operation.Standard operating procedures — update and revise sections of QA manuals based on process changes and current regulatory requirements.In-process and finished product samples — verify conformance to established inspection standards across multiple production stages with routine independence.Production stoppages — initiate and document halts when serious product defects are identified, following established escalation protocols.Performance metrics for quality control systems — monitor using industrial control and analytical software to flag inefficiencies in an active production environment.Regulatory inspection documentation — review and prepare quality records to support compliance submissions with moderate supervisory input.Laboratory and inspection personnel — coordinate daily work assignments and provide technical guidance during routine testing activities.Quality defect data — interpret trends and provide structured verbal and written feedback to production management in scheduled review meetings.Compliance software — configure and use to track corrective actions and ensure adherence to quality standards across product lines.Cross-functional teams — coordinate with engineering and production supervisors to resolve recurring quality issues in a fast-paced manufacturing context.
proficient
Quality control systems — autonomously evaluate overall effectiveness and efficiency using systems analysis techniques and enterprise application software across full production cycles.Product testing activities — direct and manage throughout entire production cycles, ensuring alignment with safety, regulatory, and customer specifications.Non-routine quality failures — apply complex problem-solving and deductive reasoning to diagnose root causes and implement sustainable corrective actions in regulated manufacturing.Raw materials, purchased components, and finished goods — verify independently that all stages meet established testing standards without supervisory oversight.Regulatory submissions and inspections — lead review of all required quality documentation, ensuring completeness and accuracy for external auditors and agencies.QA manuals and standard operating procedures — redesign and authorize updates to reflect process improvements, new regulations, and industry best practices.Production management teams — deliver clear oral and written analysis of quality data, translating technical findings into actionable operational decisions.Inspectors, laboratory workers, and quality supervisors — oversee performance, provide coaching, and manage personnel resources to sustain high-quality outcomes.Industrial control and compliance software — configure, validate, and optimize system settings to align quality monitoring tools with organizational quality goals.Serious product defect scenarios — exercise independent judgment to stop production lines and manage stakeholder communication in high-pressure manufacturing environments.
advanced
Organizational quality strategy — develop and implement enterprise-wide quality control frameworks aligned with business objectives and industry regulatory standards.Quality assurance leadership pipeline — mentor and develop quality managers, supervisors, and inspectors to build sustained organizational capability across sites.Enterprise quality systems — lead evaluation and transformation initiatives using systems thinking and benchmarking to drive continuous improvement at scale.Executive and regulatory stakeholders — represent the organization's quality posture in high-stakes inspections, audits, and strategic customer negotiations.Cross-functional quality culture — champion integrity, attention to detail, and cautiousness as organizational values across production, engineering, and supply chain functions.Quality control policy and governance — author and authorize organization-wide standards, manuals, and compliance frameworks that meet evolving regulatory landscapes.Resource allocation for quality operations — direct budget planning and staffing decisions for QC departments spanning multiple production facilities or business units.Enterprise technology investments — evaluate and sponsor adoption of advanced analytical, compliance, and workflow software to modernize quality management infrastructure.Critical production risk decisions — lead senior-level judgment calls on production halts, product recalls, and systemic defect remediation with full organizational authority.Industry and regulatory forums — contribute expertise to external standards bodies, trade associations, and regulatory working groups to shape sector-wide quality practices.
Also known as
19 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Construction Quality Control ManagerProduct Quality DirectorQuality and Food Safety ManagerQuality and Process Improvement ManagerQuality Assurance Coordinator (QA Coordinator)Quality Assurance Director (QA Director)Quality Assurance Manager (QA Manager)Quality Assurance Supervisor (QA Supervisor)Quality Control Director (QC Director)Quality Control Manager (QC Manager)Quality Control Microbiology Supervisor (QC Microbiology Supervisor)Quality Control Supervisor (QC Supervisor)Quality Control Systems Manager (QC Systems Manager)Quality DirectorQuality Management DirectorQuality ManagerQuality SupervisorQuality Systems DirectorQuality Systems Manager