Job Description

Want to work and play in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains? Cascade Designs, home to MSR, Therm-a-Rest, Platypus, SealLine, Packtowl and Varilite, is now headquartered in Reno, NV. Just over an hour from Lake Tahoe with 300 days of sunshine each year, this is the perfect work and play destination for outdoor adventurers at every level. We are seeking passionate, driven, curious people who not only love the outdoors but strive to bring the same passion and curiosity into their work with them every day.

Our Brands: 

Therm-a-Rest, MSR, Platypus, SealLine, PackTowl, VariLite

We are currently seeking a Quality Manager

As the leader of the Qualithy Assurnace Team this role will contribute to the growth and profitability of Cascade Designs Inc. (CDI) by managing the Quality Assurance Department.  Responsible to develop, implement and manage a Quality system in accordance with ISO 9001 and local, state and federal requirements for the design, production, sales & distribution of reliable Outdoor, Medical and Military products.   This position will oversee total quality systems starting with product development, into production and distribution through customer feedback in repairs and warranty.

The Quality Manager will be responsible for the advocacy, contributions, and development of the people working in the areas reporting to this position.  The capability to know and understand the needs of the people within the department and to develop and sustain a work environment in which people will choose to participate, contribute and grow is required to achieve the goals and objectives for which this position is accountable.

The ideal person should have a bachelor's degree with 8 – 10 years of experience in progressive leadership responsibility within a multi-product and multi brand manufacturing environment.

To be effective in this role this individual must have experience working with a variety of product quality regulations including medical grade and military grade products.

This position is based in Reno, NV near the Stead Airport.

Position duties / responsibilities:

• Manage the design, implementation, auditing and reporting of our corporate quality management system.
• Provide leadership and technical support on CDI’s product safety and risk management efforts.  This may include ensuring compliance with industry and government regulatory requirements (i.e. CE, FDA, EPA, CSA, RDS, etc), participating in failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA), and coordinating product safety response efforts.
• Direct long term strategic planning for QA/QC of manufactured and sourced materials and finished goods.

• Represent the Quality Assurance function at Cascade Designs in our government, military, and OEM programs.  Ensure that CDI’s quality program is consistent with government Quality Assurance regulations.  Responsibilities may include interfacing with government and supplier QA personnel, coordinating Quality audits, participating in non-conformity (NCR) discussions and root cause analysis, and creating and maintaining Quality Validation Plans.

• Support Product Development (PD) by actively participating in the development of PD processes (i.e. design reviews, creation of specifications and test plans, etc.).  Support product testing as part of Product Development (PD) process.

• Work closely with our Supply Chain team to develop processes to evaluate supplier potential and supplier performance in the operation of quality systems, control of special processes and the accomplishment of effective corrective action.

• Provide the Customer Service and Product Service Center teams with technical and administrative support.  Responsibilities may include: conducting product and quality training, investigating and reporting on potential quality issues on our products in the field, and interfacing with customers, dealers, and CDI Sales, Operations, Engineering, and others as needed.
• Hire, develop and motivate a staff to effectively meet or exceed departmental, personal and company needs and objectives.   Help drive a culture of quality and continuous improvement.
• Prepare and control annual department budget.

Candidate requirements:

• A related 4-year college degree, plus a minimum of 8 years increasingly responsible quality assurance experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience leading quality teams, evaluating performance and giving feedback on performance metrics.
• Experience with ISO 9001, including preparing for and managing required audits, training to the standards and system development, design and maintenance for compliance is preferred.
• Experience with a variety of Quality regulations such as: CE, FDA, EPA, CSA, RDS, & FMEA as wells as coordinating product safety response efforts for any non-conforming parts under these regulations is preferred.
• Experience working with medical and military grade products from a quality regulated perspective is preferred.
• Working knowledge of tool calibration techniques and standards.
• Experience reading and understanding documents such as mechanical drawings, procedures, written specifications or technical operating manuals.
• Proven track record of collaboration between production and quality management.
• Proficient computer skills such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Visio, JDE and CAD.
• Ability to read, write, understand and speak English.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to cooperate, interact and communicate well across all levels of the organization 
• Effective in presenting to groups or customers including training others.
• Experience with Cascade Designs products with an active involvement/passion of outdoor activities are desirable.

Some of our amazing benefits include...

• 3 weeks paid time off per year
• 10 paid holidays
• 3 Floating holidays
• Relaxed Office Environment
• Great health benefits (medical, dental, vision)
• 401(K) with company matching
• Life insurance paid by Cascade Designs
• Activity Gear Loaner Program and discounts on products purchased through Pro Deals
• $100 to spend on Cascades Designs products and an employee discount on all Cascade Designs gear!

The position responsibilities outlined above are in no way to be construed as all-encompassing. Other duties, responsibilities, and qualifications may be required and/or assigned as necessary.

Cascade Designs Inc.

Cascade Designs began in 1972 with the simple desire to provide a more comfortable night outdoors. Since then, we have grown to become the parent company of some of the most respected brands in the outdoor industry. Though much has changed over the years, our methods for achieving excellence have not. We believe that manufacturing many of our products in our own U.S. and European facilities is an essential element in maintaining the quality users deserve, and that by striving to exceed our customers’ expectations of service, we will be successful for many years to come. 

Our core purpose is to provide innovative, useful and long-lasting products that improve the adventures and wellbeing of our customers. 

Cascade Designs Inc. is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, gender, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, genetic information, veteran's status, marital status, pregnancy, disability, or any other basis protected by law.