What Does a Quality Administrator Do?

The Quality Administrator plays an essential role in maintaining the standards that ensure products and services meet established quality criteria. This position involves coordinating and supporting the activities related to the quality system within an organization. By managing documentation, conducting audits, and facilitating continuous improvement processes, the Quality Administrator helps in aligning operational practices with regulatory requirements and industry standards. Their efforts contribute to the organization’s ability to consistently deliver quality, thereby enhancing customer satisfaction and trust. Through meticulous attention to detail and a comprehensive understanding of quality assurance principles, the Quality Administrator supports the foundation for excellence in all aspects of the organization’s output.

Quality Administrator Job Duties

• Implement and maintain the company’s quality management system (QMS) to ensure compliance with ISO 9001 and other relevant standards.
• Perform regular audits of processes, products, and services to identify areas for improvement and ensure adherence to quality standards.
• Manage and resolve customer complaints related to quality, documenting the issues and actions taken to prevent recurrence.
• Coordinate with suppliers to ensure the quality of raw materials and components meets the company’s standards and specifications.
• Develop and maintain quality documentation, such as procedures, work instructions, and quality records, to support the QMS.
• Train employees on quality procedures and policies to ensure a consistent understanding and application across the organization.
• Monitor and report on quality performance metrics to senior management, highlighting trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement.
• Facilitate the calibration and maintenance of inspection, measuring, and test equipment to ensure ongoing accuracy and reliability.

Quality Administrator Salary & Outlook

Factors affecting a Quality Administrator’s salary include industry experience, specific knowledge in quality management systems like ISO 9001, proficiency in data analysis and statistical tools, expertise in regulatory compliance, and the size and revenue of the employing organization. Leadership skills and a track record of successful quality improvement projects also significantly influence earnings.

• Median Annual Salary: $55,125 ($26.5/hour)
• Top 10% Annual Salary: $122,000 ($58.65/hour)

The employment of quality administrators is expected to grow at an average rate over the next decade.

This growth is driven by increasing regulatory requirements and the need for businesses to maintain high standards of quality and compliance across various industries. Quality Administrators play a crucial role in overseeing these processes, ensuring products and services meet both customer expectations and legal standards.

Quality Administrator Job Requirements

Education: A Quality Administrator typically holds a Bachelor’s Degree, with majors in Business Administration, Quality Management, or a related field. Coursework often includes statistics, project management, and principles of quality assurance. Advanced positions may require a Master’s Degree, focusing on more strategic aspects of quality control and organizational leadership. Some professionals also pursue specific college courses to deepen their expertise in areas like regulatory compliance, process improvement methodologies, and quality auditing, enhancing their qualifications for this role.

Experience: Quality Administrators typically come from backgrounds rich in hands-on experience within quality control or assurance sectors. Ideal candidates have progressed through roles that demanded meticulous attention to detail, adherence to standards, and continuous improvement initiatives. On-the-job training, often through mentorship or structured programs, plays a crucial role in honing the necessary skills. Experience in coordinating audits, managing documentation, and implementing quality management systems is highly valued. Exposure to industry-specific quality standards and practices through practical application further complements their expertise.

Certifications & Licenses: Quality Administrators typically do not require specific certifications or licenses to perform their duties. However, certifications such as Certified Quality Auditor (CQA) or Certified Quality Improvement Associate (CQIA) from the American Society for Quality (ASQ) can be beneficial for career advancement.

Quality Administrator Skills

Statistical Process Control: Utilizes statistical tools and methods to oversee and regulate manufacturing processes, ensuring product quality and consistency. Through process data analysis, trends are identified, variances are pinpointed, and corrective actions are implemented to uphold production efficiency and effectiveness.

ISO 9001 Compliance: Involves the rigorous implementation and maintenance of processes that meet the requirements of the internationally recognized quality management system standards. Quality Administrators are instrumental in auditing internal processes, promoting continuous improvement, and aligning operations with quality principles.

Quality Audit Coordination: Manages both internal and external audits to ensure industry standards and regulatory requirements are met, while also seeking process enhancement opportunities. Requires meticulous attention to detail and strong organizational skills for managing audit schedules, documentation, and follow-up actions.

Root Cause Analysis: Uses systematic investigation techniques to uncover the origins of discrepancies and non-conformities. This approach ensures that corrective measures address the root issues, preventing recurrence and boosting product quality.

Continuous Improvement Processes: Identifies and implements strategies for operational efficiency and product quality enhancement, using data-driven insights for improvement area identification. This skill set promotes the proactive elimination of waste and defects, encouraging a culture of excellence and innovation.

Document Control Management: Manages the accuracy, accessibility, and security of company documents with a systematic approach to organizing and updating records. This role requires a keen eye for detail to manage document lifecycles from creation to archiving, ensuring efficient information retrieval and data integrity across departments.

Quality Administrator Work Environment

A Quality Administrator typically operates within an office setting, surrounded by the tools and equipment necessary for monitoring and ensuring the standards of products or services. This environment is characterized by a blend of traditional office supplies and specialized software designed to track quality metrics.

Work hours for this role are generally fixed, with some flexibility depending on project demands or deadlines. The dress code leans towards business casual, reflecting a professional yet comfortable atmosphere.

The role demands a moderate level of interaction with others, including team members and possibly external suppliers, necessitating good communication skills. The pace of work can vary, often becoming more intense during audit periods or when addressing quality issues.

Health and safety protocols are observed, especially if the administrator occasionally visits manufacturing areas or warehouses. Noise levels in the office are typically low, contributing to a focused work environment.

Opportunities for professional development are available, encouraging continuous learning and improvement in quality management practices.

Advancement Prospects

A Quality Administrator can progress to roles such as Quality Manager or Quality Assurance Director by demonstrating exceptional organizational skills and a deep understanding of quality standards and regulations specific to their industry. Mastery in managing audits, compliance, and continuous improvement projects is crucial.

Gaining experience in leading quality improvement initiatives and developing expertise in quality management systems (e.g., ISO 9001) can pave the way for advancement. Exposure to cross-functional projects enhances leadership capabilities, making a candidate more suitable for higher managerial positions.

Understanding the technological tools and software used in quality management and being able to leverage data for decision-making are also key competencies for advancing in this career path. Engaging in projects that showcase these skills can highlight a Quality Administrator’s readiness for more significant roles.