Job Description: Manager Quality (Carpentry & Finishing Works)
Location: Lonavala / Factory Site
Department: Quality Assurance & Quality Control (QA/QC)
Reporting To: Factory Head / VP – Operations
Job Purpose
The Manager – Quality (Carpentry & Finishing Works) is responsible for establishing, maintaining, and enforcing strict quality standards across all high-end woodworking, joinery, and furniture finishing operations. This role acts as the final gatekeeper to ensure that 100% of finished carpentry products meet design specifications, structural integrity standards, and aesthetic benchmarks before being packaged and despatched.
Key Responsibilities
1. Pre-Despatch Inspection (PDI) & Final Sign-Off
- Conduct detailed, multi-point visual, tactile, and dimensional inspections of all finished joinery and furniture prior to packing.
- Verify final finishes including lacquer, PU, polish, paint sheen, veneer matching, edge-banding, and surface smoothness against approved samples.
- Check hardware installation, alignment, soft-close mechanisms, weight capacity, and smooth functionality of drawers, doors, and concealed fittings.
- Issue final QA clearance certificates for outgoing consignments; strictly hold back non-conforming items.
2. Quality Process & Standard Enforcement
- Implement and refine Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Quality Assurance Checklists for cut-to-size, assembly, sanding, polishing, and packing stages.
- Ensure raw materials (hardwood, plywood, MDF, veneers, laminates, adhesives, lacquers, hardware) strictly comply with technical specifications before processing.
- Monitor moisture content in wood/timber using calibrated meters to prevent future warping, swelling, or cracking.
3. Defect Prevention & Continuous Improvement
- Identify root causes of recurring finishing defects (e.g., orange peel, sagging, shade variation, blistering, joint gaps) and implement Corrective & Preventive Actions (CAPA).
- Track and minimize rework/scrap rates in both assembly and polishing departments.
- Conduct regular audit checks on the shop floor to catch errors early in the production cycle rather than relying solely on end-line inspection.
4. Cross-Functional Collaboration & Training
- Partner closely with Production, Design/Engineering, and Assembly teams to resolve design-to-build discrepancies.
- Train, mentor, and supervise shop floor QA technicians and inspectors on quality benchmarks and standard testing protocols.
- Coordinate with the Packaging & Logistics team to ensure that packaging materials (foam, bubble wrap, edge protectors, wooden crates) adequately protect high-gloss and delicate finishes during transit.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Pre-Despatch Rejection / Defect Rate: Target reduction in post-production rework.
- Transit Damage & On-Site Quality Complaints: Zero defect delivery target for site installation teams.
- CAPA Turnaround Time: Prompt resolution and closure of non-conformance reports (NCRs).
- Compliance: 100% adherence to golden sample approvals before packaging clearance.
Candidate Profile & Requirements
- Education: Diploma or Degree in Wood Technology, Production Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Interior Design, or a related field.
- Experience: 8–12+ years of experience in quality control/assurance within high-end luxury furniture manufacturing, bespoke joinery, or interior fit-out factories.
- Technical Skills:
o In-depth expertise in woodworking techniques, wood species, veneers, laminates, and hardware systems (e.g., Blum, Hafele, Hettich).
o Extensive knowledge of finishing processes (PU, polyester, NC, stains, paints, high-gloss, matte) and testing parameters (adhesion, scratch resistance, gloss level).
o Ability to read and interpret 2D/3D shop drawings, CAD layouts, and bill of materials (BOM).
- Soft Skills: High attention to detail, strong leadership, firm decision-making, and proactive communication.
Relevant Field
8-12 Years
HOD
As an when required
