Quality Manager
This profile displays a summary of the competence of a typical Quality Manager. It describes the typical tier of competence for each of the 18 components of the Profession Map across the five elements of Context, Governance, Assurance, Improvement, Leadership.
Click on the component label (CA, CB etc) to view the detailed description of each component of competence.
CA4: Customers and the market place
You can lead, develop or advise on approaches used to review, scan and forecast for sector trends, changes, risks and opportunities
You can lead, develop or advise on methods for using knowledge of customers and the marketplace to sustain and improve quality
What does each Tier mean?
Each tier represents a distinct level of competence as defined by The Profession Map , ranging from foundational to advanced capabilities. For instance, a Tier 1 indicates a developing level of knowledge and skills, while Tier 4 reflects advanced competence often seen in senior professionals subject matter specialists, and those in advisory and consulting roles. Each tier is aligned with specific responsibilities, functions and expectations within quality, helping professionals assess where they stand and where they can grow.
Refer to https://www.quality.org/the-profession-map/frequently-asked-questions for specific definitions of each tier.
How did we determine the appropriate tier of competence for each typical role profile?
Each profile was created using a combination of self-assessment data and rigorous statistical analysis. The data provided by quality professionals in specific roles helped identify the mode –the most commonly identified tier of competence – for each component of The Profession Map. This approach ensures that the tier assigned to each component within a profile accurately reflects the competence typically found in that role.
How have you ensured that the profiles are an accurate representation of the typical competence of a quality professional in each role?
The profiles are based on self-assessment data from a representative sample of quality professionals in each role. Extensive statistical testing was conducted to verify the reliability of each component of each profile, and confidence intervals were used to account for possible variations within the sample.
Each profile was tested and verified by a Project Guidance Panel of quality professionals.
Why is my role missing from the Career Pathways Map?
The Career Pathways Map currently includes a selection of roles that represent the most common roles within the quality profession, based on CQI membership data. If your specific role title is missing, it may be due to its lower frequency among members or because it overlaps with another listed role. We plan to expand the map as more data becomes available, ensuring broader representation in the future.
Where do I direct any general enquiries about Typical Competence Profiles?
Please email [email protected].
More FAQs
Click here for our dedicated FAQ page, containing answers to our most commonly asked questions
What is a Quality Manager?
A typical Quality Manager is responsible for ensuring an organisation's quality governance, assurance, and improvement processes are effective and aligned with strategic objectives. Their role extends beyond compliance, focusing on driving both performance and continuous improvement across the organisation.
Quality Managers play a leadership role, working with senior management to embed a culture of quality, guiding teams, and influencing operational decisions. They are instrumental in ensuring that quality standards contribute to business performance, not just regulatory compliance.
By providing assurance that processes are followed and recommending improvements, they support the organisation's long-term goals, improve operational effectiveness, and mitigate risks. Their leadership is key in advancing quality as a business function that enhances overall performance and customer satisfaction.
Job titles
Job titles associated with the role Quality Manager include but are not limited to:
- QA/QC Manager
- Quality Specialist / Quality Coach / Quality Lead
- Quality and Process Control Manager
- Quality Systems Manager
- Operational Excellence Manager
- Project Quality Manager
- Head of Quality
- Senior Quality Consultant
- Quality Improvement Manager
- Quality and Training Manager
Activities
Typical Activities undertaken by quality managers may include but are not limited to:
- Monitoring the progress and effectiveness of the quality management system
- Leading on management system certifications
- Advancing quality achievement throughout the organisation
- Recommending and implementing improvements
- Developing and implementing quality plans
- Reviewing qualifications and training requirements
- Reviewing contractors’ quality systems and quality plans
- Monitoring schedules
- Preparing quality reports
- Managing teams