How To Become A Quality Systems Manager: What It Is and Career Path

What is a quality systems manager and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Quality systems managers are responsible for developing the quality strategy and ensuring that manufacturing industries run efficiently. They prepare and conduct plant staff training on quality principles and identify areas to minimize waste and enhance efficiency. They also design, develop, and maintain quality control goals and objectives, earning a median sum of $102,000 annually or $49 per hour.

Quality systems managers ensure accuracy and standardization within all manufacturing industries and perform key contact points for customers on quality issues. They coordinate established objectives with other managers to increase product reliability and reduce costs while ensuring that they are satisfied and happy. Part of their duties also includes overseeing customer complaint analysis and introducing problem-resolving solutions.

Quality systems managers mostly hold a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field. They are expected to have a membership of an industry-related professional body as well as some years of experience in a manufacturing environment, with automotive being the preferred choice. Some employers also prefer candidates with strong knowledge of the latest automotive tools and techniques.

ScoreQuality Systems ManagerUS Average

Salary

7.7

Avg. Salary $102,625

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

9.8

Growth rate 3%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

2.1

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.51%

Asian 9.12%

Black or African American 3.83%

Hispanic or Latino 13.11%

Unknown 3.87%

White 69.57%

Gender

female 29.93%

male 70.07%

Age - 48

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 48

Stress level

9.8

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

9.6

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance

3.5

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a quality systems manager

Explore quality systems manager education requirements

Most common quality systems manager degrees

Bachelor's

68.4 %

Master's

14.6 %

Associate

12.7 %

Start to develop specific quality systems manager skills

Skills	Percentages
Continuous Improvement	7.41%
Quality Management System	7.02%
FDA	5.75%
CAPA	5.47%
Medical Devices	5.10%

Complete relevant quality systems manager training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New quality systems managers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a quality systems manager based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real quality systems manager resumes.

Research quality systems manager duties and responsibilities

Lead Kaizen event to improve receiving inspection area for better product flow.
Develop stability protocols and manage stability studies for drug and device products using FDA guidelines.
Perform supplier audits, GMP company audits, project management, and annual drug reviews.
Coordinate the relaunch of the HACCP program.

Prepare your quality systems manager resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your quality systems manager resume.

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