Associate Manager Quality Manufacturing
Altria · Richmond · $104,900–$152,150 (stated in the posting)
Together We Innovate. Together We Change.
Do you thrive in fast-paced manufacturing environments where quality, precision and problem-solving come together? If so, we want to hear from you!
We are seeking an Associate Manager, Manufacturing Quality Changeover Lead, to help play a critical role in ensuring manufacturing changeovers are executed safely, accurately and consistently. You will work in the Quality group, focused on preventing quality defects and product or material mix-ups during manufacturing product, material and packaging changeovers.
You will coordinate risk-based readiness, verify quality requirements with Operations and support documented startup checks, sampling and traceability. Partnering with Factory Quality Assurance, Production, Direct Materials, Logistics and other technical functions to achieve compliant, reliable changeovers while reducing avoidable quality losses.
What you will be doing:
- Coordinate risk-based pre-changeover readiness with Operations and Quality, reviewing the production sequence, approved changes, prior defects, material availability, inspection needs and unresolved risks before startup.
- Verify and document line clearance under approved procedures, including removal or segregation of previous product, materials, packaging and labels. Confirm current product and material identification to prevent mix-ups.
- Confirm specifications, approved material and packaging versions, identification codes and quality-critical setup requirements with Operations. Verify required checks and records without assuming ownership of machine adjustments.
- Coordinate first-production sampling and inspection against approved plans and acceptance criteria. Document results, communicate exceptions and provide evidence to authorized personnel for startup and release decisions.
- Identify and escalate nonconformances promptly. Initiate or support containment, segregation and production holds within approved procedures and delegated authority; assist material tracing, investigation, root-cause analysis and corrective-action follow-up.
- Develop new changeover quality checklists and standard work with process owners and optimize existing infrastructure. Support training and coaching online clearance, identification, sampling, documentation and escalation; verify understanding through routine floor observations.
- Track changeover defects, rework, scrap, repeat deviations and quality-related delays. Use trend analysis and IWS or other applicable continuous-improvement methods to reduce losses without bypassing required quality controls.
What we want you to have:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Quality, Engineering, Manufacturing, Business or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant experience, is preferred.
- A minimum of 5years in manufacturing or quality-assurance experience required, preferably in a regulated environment, with practical exposure to changeovers, line clearance, material identification, startup inspection and production-floor problem solving.
- Working knowledge of quality management systems, controlled specifications, sampling and inspection, traceability, nonconformance handling, change control and corrective actions.
- Ability to apply risk assessment, basic statistics and structured root-cause analysis; familiarity with SPC, FMEA, Lean or IWS methods is desirable.
- Strong attention to detail, technical writing, recordkeeping and verbal communication, with the ability to coordinate priorities across functions and shifts and influence without supervisory authority.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and ability to learn relevant quality and manufacturing systems. Familiarity with SAP, MES, Product Workbench or Power BI is desirable where used.
The starting salary is based on but not limited to experience, knowledge, and qualifications in determining compensation decisions. The Salary Range for this position is: $104,900.00 - $152,150.00.
Why You’ll Love Building Your Career at Altria
At Altria, we believe a great career starts with feeling supported — both at work and in life. Here’s what you’ll find here:
- Own your time — start with 15 days of paid time off, 13 paid holidays, 2 floating holiday days, and a 37.5-hour workweek so you can recharge and live fully.
- A place where you belong — where your ideas are welcomed, your growth is encouraged, and your impact is real.
- Get recognized for your work — annual merit increases and performance bonus.
- A future you can count on — 401(k) matching from day one; plus Deferred Profit Sharing, an annual company contribution in an amount equal to 13%–17% of your base salary.
- Help with your goals — get help with student loan repayment assistance, attend a conference, or gain a new certification with professional development stipends.
- Support for what matters most — comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family.
- Celebrating your milestones — paid parental and bonding leave for life’s biggest moments.
- Wellness that goes beyond work — programs that care for your whole well-being at whatever stage you are in your life.
- A culture that gives back — paid volunteer days and a shared commitment to making a difference.
At Altria, we offer more than benefits — we offer a career that fits your life, rewards your ambition, and celebrates your impact.
This position is not eligible for sponsorship.