Quality Manager
Reports To: Director of Product Type: Exempt
Department: Product Location: Chico, CA (required)
Direct Reports: None
Why This Role Matters
At Klean Kanteen, we’re more than a bottle company we’re an independently-owned, mission-driven crew working to eliminate single-use waste and inspire people to bring their own. As our Global Quality & Compliance Manager, you’re the guardian of every product that carries the Klean Kanteen name. You’ll build and lead the systems, people, and processes that ensure our products are safe, compliant, and worthy of our customers’ trust - from factory floors in China to shelves around the world. Your work protects the integrity of our brand and directly supports our mission.
What You’ll Do
Champion Our Mission & Values
- Be an advocate for Klean Kanteen’s mission in every interaction with customers, partners, and teammates.
- Actively support and embody Klean Kanteen values of Respect, Responsibility, and Fun.
- Foster a culture of transparency with the team, retail partners, suppliers, and consumers.
- Follow and continuously improve departmental processes and procedures.
- Measure and monitor progress against quality objectives and performance targets.
Quality Management System
- Develop and implement Klean Kanteen’s quality plan in alignment with strategic, sustainability, and operational goals.
- Lead the corrective action & preventive action (CAPA) process, including root cause analysis, documentation, and solution implementation.
- Oversee the outgoing quality control plan; identify opportunities for improvement and drive corrective initiatives.
- Act as the primary contact for customer quality evaluations and ensure execution of required documentation and corrective actions.
- Collaborate with Customer Service to capture product feedback and returns data, and provide investigative reporting to stakeholders.
- Execute supplier quality audits and partner with Sourcing to drive continuous supply chain improvement.
Quality Planning & Engineering
- Represent Quality in new product development, collaborating with R&D and Product teams to establish quality checkpoints.
- Manage testing of all new products and components to ensure compliance with Klean Kanteen performance and quality standards.
- Evaluate proposed materials and designs against Klean Kanteen’s mission and environmental, health, and safety standards.
- Develop and maintain testing plans and procedures, coordinating with project managers and the product team.
- Visit production facilities to review manufacturing processes and establish appropriate testing methods.
Quality Control
- Oversee the international QC program to ensure all products and packaging meet company standards, customer specifications, and regulatory requirements.
- Oversee QC functions at headquarters (including Co-Brand production), overseas factories, sub-contractors, and international distribution centers.
- Lead product issue investigations, reporting, and corrective actions to ensure customer satisfaction.
- Review supplier production reports and assess performance against Klean Kanteen standards.
- Manage QC data and documentation; prepare and approve deviation reports as needed.
Regulatory Compliance
- Create and manage a system for regulatory review of packaging, labeling, and product materials across all global distribution markets.
- Partner with independent labs for regulatory performance and material-based testing of new and existing products.
- Serve as the technical representative for global regulatory standards applicable to company products and maintain archives of critical company documents.
- Proactively identify regulatory risks and drive continuous improvement to maintain compliance.
Document Control
- Manage document control processes for the review, revision, distribution, and retrieval of company and product information.
- Champion cross-department communication to ensure all stakeholders are informed of document and process changes.
- Communicate quality metrics effectively across all levels of the organization.
Who You Are
- Quality Champion: You believe quality is everyone’s job, and you build systems and culture that make it real.
- Systems Thinker: You design processes that scale globally and catch problems before they reach customers.
- Collaborative Leader: You work across every department and lead with influence, not just authority.
- Detail Oriented: You hold yourself and your team to a high standard of accuracy and documentation.
- Mission-Aligned: You care about sustainability and take pride in building products people can trust.
- Calm Under Pressure: When issues arise, you lead investigations with clarity and move quickly to solutions.
What You Bring
Knowledge & Skills
- Proven expertise in quality management systems, CAPA processes, and regulatory compliance.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to confront tough issues and build buy-in for solutions.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to identify and develop effective, efficient systems to support quality objectives.
- Strong teamwork and interpersonal skills; comfortable working cross-functionally at all levels.
- Ongoing commitment to technical learning and staying current with global regulatory standards.
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Quality Assurance, Engineering, or related discipline.
Experience
- 4-5 years of experience in quality management (required).
- Experience managing domestic and international quality teams (preferred).
- Experience with consumer products, manufacturing, and global regulatory compliance (preferred).
- Proficiency with software programs including Microsoft Excel/Adobe Pro (required)
Tools You’ll Use
- Desktop PC/laptop, standard office equipment.
- Precision measurement tools and tabletop product testing equipment.
- Document control and quality management systems.
Work Environment
- Based onsite in Chico, CA - candidates must reside in Chico or the surrounding area.
- Standard office environment with regular computer use.
- Occasional travel to domestic and international production facilities.
- Requires sitting for extended periods and occasional bending and reaching.
Why You’ll Love Working at Klean
- Join a passionate, purpose-driven company making a real impact on the planet.
- Be part of a workplace culture that values Respect, Responsibility, and Fun - with a whole lot of heart.
- Work in a collaborative, transparent environment where your ideas are valued.
- Lead a team that takes pride in protecting the integrity of a brand they believe in.
- Help spread the Klean Kanteen movement worldwide!
Klean Kanteen is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We are ADA compliant, follow a veterans’ preference policy, maintain a drug-free workplace, and welcome team members who share our passion for leaving the world better than we found it.
