Kvaliteedijuht

Kvaliteedijuht (quality manager) is a professional responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining an organization’s quality management system to ensure products and services meet specified requirements and customer expectations. The role covers planning, execution, and oversight of quality across processes, products, and supplier networks.

Key responsibilities include establishing quality objectives, designing and sustaining a quality management system (often based on ISO 9001 or sector-specific standards), and tracking performance metrics. The kvaliteedijuht leads continuous improvement efforts, conducts internal audits, coordinates external audits, and oversees nonconformities and corrective and preventive actions (CAPA). They also manage supplier quality, customer complaints, and quality-related risk assessments.

Required skills and qualifications typically include strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, proficiency with quality tools (FMEA, statistical process control, root-cause analysis), project management, and cross-functional collaboration. Effective communication and data-driven decision making are essential. Education commonly involves a bachelor’s degree in engineering, manufacturing, quality management, or a related field, with several years of relevant experience. Professional certifications such as ASQ Certified Quality Manager (CQM), Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), Six Sigma Green/Black Belt, or Lead Auditor are common.

Industry role and career path vary by sector, with kvaliteedijuhts working in manufacturing, healthcare, software, logistics, and services. Career progression often moves from quality analyst or QA engineer to senior QA roles and, eventually, to a quality director or VP of Quality. The position routinely interfaces with operations, product development, procurement, and regulatory teams.

Governance and standards: the kvaliteedijuht ensures compliance with applicable standards and regulations, aligns quality objectives with organizational strategy, and oversees audits, certifications, and supplier compliance.