Quality Control Manager

Classification: Exempt

Salary Range: $80,000 - $150,000/Year Salary +Bonus

Reports To: General Manager

Date Job Description Was Last Reviewed: July 2026

Job Summary: The Quality Control Manager is responsible for performing final quality control inspections on all completed vehicle upfits to ensure they meet Blue Collar Customs' workmanship standards, customer specifications, applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS), and all other applicable regulatory requirements.

This role serves as the final technical checkpoint before vehicle delivery by conducting comprehensive inspections of completed vehicles, verifying the quality and functionality of all installed components, confirming that each upfit complies with applicable FMVSS requirements, and ensuring all required documentation is complete and accurate. The Quality Control Manager identifies workmanship deficiencies, safety concerns, and compliance issues, coordinates corrective actions with the production team, and verifies that all deficiencies have been satisfactorily resolved prior to vehicle release.

The Quality Control Manager is entrusted with protecting the safety of our customers, the integrity of our workmanship, and the reputation of Blue Collar Customs. As the independent authority for final vehicle inspections, this position has the responsibility and authority to place any vehicle on Quality Hold and prevent its release until all identified quality, safety, and compliance concerns have been fully corrected. This role is focused exclusively on post-production quality control and regulatory compliance and does not include responsibilities related to quoting, engineering design, sales support, or production supervision.

Responsibilities & Duties:

· Final Quality Control Inspection: Conduct comprehensive final inspections of all completed vehicle upfits to verify workmanship, installation quality, system functionality, appearance, and adherence to Blue Collar Customs' quality standards prior to vehicle release.

· FMVSS & Regulatory Compliance: Verify that all completed vehicle modifications comply with applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) and other applicable federal, state, and local regulations. Ensure all required safety devices, warning labels, and compliance-related documentation are present and accurate.

· Quality Hold Authority: Serve as the independent final authority for vehicle release. Place vehicles on Quality Hold when workmanship, safety, or compliance deficiencies are identified, and authorize release only after all deficiencies have been satisfactorily corrected and verified.

· Deficiency Documentation & Corrective Actions: Document inspection findings, communicate deficiencies clearly to production personnel, coordinate required corrective actions, and verify the effectiveness of all repairs or rework prior to approving vehicle release.

· Documentation Review: Verify the accuracy and completeness of layout worksheets, quality control documentation, compliance records, inspection checklists, and customer-specific documentation included with each completed vehicle.

· Continuous Quality Improvement: Identify recurring quality concerns, installation trends, and compliance issues. Work collaboratively with production leadership to recommend process improvements, update quality standards, and reduce rework and warranty issues.

· Standards & Procedure Development: Assist in the development, maintenance, and continuous improvement of quality control procedures, inspection checklists, and standardized inspection processes to ensure consistency across all vehicle builds.

· Technical Support: Serve as a technical resource for production personnel regarding FMVSS requirements, installation best practices, and Blue Collar Customs quality expectations during the inspection and corrective action process.

· Road Test & Functional Verification: Perform or oversee road tests and functional testing of completed vehicles, when required, to verify proper operation of installed equipment and identify concerns that may not be evident during a static inspection.

Essential Functions:

· Perform Final Quality Inspections: Conduct comprehensive inspections of completed vehicle upfits to verify workmanship, installation quality, functionality, and compliance with Blue Collar Customs' quality standards prior to vehicle delivery.

· Verify FMVSS Compliance: Inspect completed vehicles to ensure all modifications comply with applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) and other applicable regulatory requirements.

· Inspect Installed Equipment: Verify that all components are properly mounted, wired, secured, adjusted, labeled, and functioning as intended in accordance with manufacturer specifications and company standards.

· Document Inspection Results: Complete quality control checklists, inspection reports, compliance documentation, and other required records accurately and completely.

· Identify & Communicate Deficiencies: Document quality, safety, and compliance deficiencies, communicate findings to the appropriate production personnel, and verify all corrective actions have been completed.

· Exercise Quality Hold Authority: Place vehicles on Quality Hold when deficiencies are identified and authorize vehicle release only after all quality, safety, and compliance concerns have been satisfactorily corrected.

· Perform Functional Testing: Conduct operational testing and road tests, when required, to verify the proper operation of vehicle systems and installed equipment.

· Support Continuous Improvement: Identify recurring quality concerns and recommend improvements to inspection procedures, production processes, and quality standards to reduce rework and improve overall product quality.

· Maintain Technical Knowledge: Stay current on applicable FMVSS requirements, industry best practices, manufacturer installation guidelines, and Blue Collar Customs quality procedures to ensure inspections remain accurate and compliant.

· Perform Other Duties: Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned in support of the Quality Control function and overall company operations.

Qualification and Skills:

· Education: High school diploma or equivalent required. Associate's degree or technical training in Automotive Technology, Diesel Technology, Mechanical Engineering Technology, or a related field preferred.

· Experience: Minimum of 5 years of experience in automotive, commercial vehicle, fleet, or truck equipment installation, service, inspection, or quality control. Experience with vehicle upfitting or commercial fleet equipment is strongly preferred.

· Technical Knowledge: Strong understanding of commercial vehicle electrical systems, mechanical systems, upfit equipment, and installation best practices. Working knowledge of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS), OEM body builder guidelines, and applicable vehicle safety regulations preferred.

· Quality Control Experience: Experience performing detailed inspections, identifying workmanship deficiencies, troubleshooting installation issues, and verifying corrective actions.

· Attention to Detail: Exceptional attention to detail with the ability to identify quality, safety, cosmetic, and compliance issues that may impact customer satisfaction or vehicle safety.

· Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to clearly document inspection findings and effectively communicate corrective actions to production personnel and management.

· Problem Solving: Demonstrated ability to evaluate technical issues, determine appropriate corrective actions, and make sound decisions while maintaining quality and safety standards.

· Computer Proficiency: Proficient with Microsoft Office and the ability to learn and effectively utilize company software, digital inspection tools, and documentation systems.

· Organization & Time Management: Ability to prioritize inspections, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and consistently meet production schedules without compromising quality or compliance.

· Professionalism & Accountability: Demonstrates sound judgment, integrity, and the confidence to make independent quality decisions, including delaying vehicle release when safety, workmanship, or compliance standards have not been met.

Supervisory Responsibilities: This position does not include direct managerial authority over installation technicians or other personnel. However, the Quality Control Manager exercises functional authority over all quality control and final inspection activities. This includes interfacing directly with production personnel to communicate inspection findings, required corrective actions, and applicable quality and compliance standards. The Quality Control Manager has the authority to place any vehicle on Quality Hold, require corrective action, and withhold vehicle release until all identified quality, safety, and compliance deficiencies have been satisfactorily corrected and verified. Formal personnel management, performance evaluations, scheduling, and disciplinary responsibilities remain the responsibility of the Installation Manager.

Work Environment:

· Physical Setting: The Quality Control Manager works primarily within a well-equipped automotive shop environment, with regular presence on the production floor to conduct inspections, reviews, and compliance checks on light- and medium-duty commercial vehicles. The role requires frequent movement around vehicles at various stages of the upfit process and occasional use of hand tools or inspection equipment.

· Physical Demands: This position requires substantial physical activity, including standing for long periods, bending, kneeling, reaching, and occasionally working in tight or awkward positions. Technicians must be able to lift up to 80 pounds and handle heavy or bulky equipment.

· Environmental Factors: The shop environment may expose technicians to dust, fumes, and other airborne particles. Technicians will work around vehicles, tools, and equipment that may pose hazards if not handled properly. Proper ventilation and safety equipment will be provided to minimize exposure.

· Noise Level: The workspace typically has a moderate to high noise level due to machinery, tools, and vehicle operations.

· Safety Protocols: Strict adherence to safety protocols is mandatory. This includes the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, safety glasses, and hearing protection, as well as following all safety procedures to prevent accidents and injuries.

· Team Interaction: The role requires regular interaction with installation technicians, Installation Management, and Operations personnel to communicate inspection findings, compliance requirements, and corrective actions. While the position operates independently in executing inspections and reviews, collaboration across departments is essential to maintaining quality and compliance standards.

Position Type & Expected Hours of Work:

· Employment Type: This is a full-time position.

· Work Schedule: The normal work hours are Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM.

Travel:

· General Travel Requirements: Attendance at trade shows, conferences, and training events as required.

· Events and Training: Occasional overnight travel may be required to attend industry events, training sessions, or other professional development opportunities to enhance skills and stay updated with industry trends.

Other Duties: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive and may not comprehensively cover all activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at anytime with or without notice, based on the needs of the company and the evolution of the role.

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