Quality and Continuous Improvement Manager

Are you a hands-on quality leader who sees problems as opportunities to strengthen systems and processes? Do you thrive on building practical, scalable quality systems, leading improvement initiatives, and embedding data-driven decision-making into an organization’s culture? Do you enjoy partnering across departments to drive measurable results and elevate operational performance?

If so, we are seeking a hands-on Quality and Continuous Improvement Manager to design, implement and leverage a right-sized Quality Management System (QMS) to drive continuous improvement across products, processes, and operations.

The Pond Guy / Airmax, Inc. is the leading manufacturer of pond, lake, and water garden products including aeration systems, fountains, and water treatments. The Pond Guy sells nationwide to both end-users and a network of Airmax distributors. Watch now to learn more about The Pond Guy: https://qrcodes.pro/sIkmTV.  

 Job Description 

As our Quality and Continuous Improvement Manager, you will be responsible for building the organization’s quality systems and continuous improvement practices while leading structured improvement initiatives across products, processes, and operations. In this role, you will create and sustain a practical, right-sized QMS grounded in disciplined, risk-based quality practices, ensuring the appropriate level of inspection and control without unnecessary complexity.

You will analyze quality and performance data to identify trends and systemic risks, translating insights into actionable improvement initiatives that enhance product quality, operational effectiveness, and customer satisfaction. You will provide leadership and mentorship to the Quality team, partner closely with Engineering, Operations, and Support teams, and reinforce the consistent use of structured, data-driven problem-solving methods in daily operations.

Responsibilities

Here are some examples of the actual work your day would include:

• Lead, mentor, and develop the Quality team (4–8 team members) to ensure consistent application of quality standards and continuous improvement practices
• Design, implement, and continuously improve a scalable, Quality Management System (QMS), including supplier quality and inspection processes
• Analyze product performance data (repairs, returns, defects, warranty activity, and customer feedback) and apply structured, data-driven problem-solving methodologies to drive sustainable improvements
• Lead cross-functional continuous improvement initiatives in partnership with Engineering, Operations, and Support teams to ensure execution and measurable results
• Evaluate and prioritize improvement initiatives based on financial impact, including ROI, capital investment, and operational performance
• Establish and standardize best practices to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance product reliability
• Support internal and external quality audits in a practical, non-ISO manufacturing environment

Skill Set

To be successful in this role, you need to have a certain amount of knowledge and skills: 

• 5+ years of progressive experience in Quality and/or Continuous Improvement within a manufacturing or distribution environment
• 3+ years of leadership experience managing teams, projects, and improvement initiatives
• Proven experience designing, implementing, or significantly improving a Quality Management System (QMS)
• Strong structured, data-driven problem-solving capability, including exposure to Lean and Six Sigma principles and root cause methodologies
• Demonstrated ability to analyze operational and financial data to identify trends and drive measurable improvement results
• Hands-on experience with metrology principles and common measurement tools (micrometers, calipers, gauges), including understanding of calibration practices and measurement reliability
• Strong communication and cross-functional influence skills, with the ability to drive alignment across Engineering, Operations, and Support teams
• Practical, results-oriented leadership style with the ability to balance strategic thinking and hands-on execution

This position requires manual dexterity for working with small components, the ability to complete repetitive motions for long periods of time, bending, continual lifting, lowering, and carrying packages that typically weigh 25 - 50 lb., and managing packages up to 150 lb. as well as standing/stooping for long periods of time. 

As the Quality and Continuous Improvement Manager, your time will be split between leading quality and CI initiatives, analyzing performance data, and working directly with teams to implement and sustain meaningful change. You will spend time both at your desk and in operational areas, observing processes firsthand, coaching teams, and ensuring new processes and standards are effectively adopted and maintained.

Availability

The regular schedule is 8 hours per day between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday–Friday. Occasionally, projects may require evening or weekend hours. 

Compensation

This is a full-time salary position with benefits. Benefits include:

• Blue Cross Blue Shield Healthcare
• Blue Cross Blue Shield Dental Insurance
• Blue Cross Blue Shield Vision Insurance
• Short-term Disability Insurance
• Long-term Disability Insurance
• Accident Insurance
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• Holiday pay effective immediately (8 holidays recognized)
• 401 (k) with employer 4% match and revenue sharing
• Employee referral program 
• Additional Training Programs: Career Development and Department Shadows

Company Overview

TPG, Inc. is a growing company with over 160 employees. We are a manufacturing company for pond, lake, and water garden supplies with customers in all 50 states, servicing both wholesale and end-users. We have customers with large ponds used for swimming, fishing, and ice skating, and customers with decorative water gardens containing Koi, waterfalls, and plants. Our mission is to help the world enjoy ponds by being passionate, knowledgeable, and providing innovative solutions.

TPG, Inc. is not just a team--we’re a tribe that is ongoing and more like a family.  We have fun, pursue our goals, and help each other grow. Becoming part of TPG, Inc. means more than getting a job; it’s a career move. We will give you the support you need to grow with us.

Company Divisions

TPG, Inc. encompasses a family of businesses to support customers in all pond aspects. 

Airmax, Inc. – business-to-business and manufacturing. airmaxeco.com  

The Pond Guy, Inc. – direct-to-consumer. thepondguy.com 

The Pond Guy, Inc. – local services division. weknowponds.com 

How To Apply For This Position

Step 1: Submit Your Resume.

Step 2: If selected for further review, you will receive a request to take a ten-minute survey. Please complete the survey within three days of receipt.

Step 3: If selected for further review, you will be contacted for an interview.

 The Pond Guy, Inc. prides itself on the quality of its employees, and as such, candidates who receive a job offer will be required to successfully pass a drug/toxins test and background check.