Education
Fact-checked

At PracticalAdultInsights, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What does a Quality Control Supervisor do?

Sara Schmidt
Sara Schmidt
Sara Schmidt
Sara Schmidt

A quality control (QC) supervisor is responsible for monitoring production, and coordinating the activities of workers who are involved in inspecting materials and ensuring that they meet the quality standards specified by the company. Supervised workers may be responsible for processing a variety of manufactured materials, including foods, glassware, molded components, textiles, fabricated plastic products, electronics, pharmaceuticals, clothing, and motor vehicles.

Though duties will vary by industry and company, some of a quality control supervisor's duties may include drawing sketches to provide examples for product prototypes and standards needed, writing inspection procedures for new products requiring fabrication, measuring different devices needed to carry out these tasks, and pointing out areas requiring additional attention to workers. Following the sketch completion, it is typically distributed, along with production protocols, to various departments, including production control, engineering, and inspection work stations.

Quality control supervisors are responsible for monitoring production, among other things.
Quality control supervisors are responsible for monitoring production, among other things.

Inspections typically occur during all or most stages of a product's development. To do this, a quality control manager may implement various devices, including gauges and shadow comparators. Once defects, if any, are identified in the product, he or she will inform the technician what these specific defects are, as well as what types of adjustments may be necessary in order to correct them. After a new prototype is completed, it too must be examined until it fulfills the quality standards set by the company.

Some quality control supervisors write inspection procedures for new products in industrial settings.
Some quality control supervisors write inspection procedures for new products in industrial settings.

Customer service skills are often a large aspect of the job. A quality control supervisor may need to satisfy customer needs, resolve complaints, and maintain favorable client relationships. He or she may also need to work with subcontractors and suppliers, especially if materials or parts failing to meet company standards are received. To resolve a matter such as this, he or she must be prepared to disclose the reasons for rejecting these parts, and also to request replacements.

Quality control supervisors generally need at least a high school diploma.
Quality control supervisors generally need at least a high school diploma.

To become a quality control supervisor, a high school diploma is generally required. Other education requirements may vary depending on the company and the product being inspected. Good math and communications skills are generally required. Extensive knowledge in assembly, machine operation, and other industry-specific procedures, as well as training in the use of tools such as computers, meters, and gauges is also usually needed. A quality control supervisor should have a thorough understanding of the various production needs, safety requirements, and processes of a company, as well as the products being inspected.

Sara Schmidt
Sara Schmidt

A graduate of Southeast Missouri State University, Sara has a Master’s Degree in English, which she puts to use writing for PracticalAdultInsights and several magazines, websites, and nonprofit organizations. She has published her own novella, and has other literary projects currently in progress. Sara’s varied interests have also led her to teach children in Spain, tutor college students, run CPR and first aid classes, and organize student retreats.

Learn more...
Sara Schmidt
Sara Schmidt

A graduate of Southeast Missouri State University, Sara has a Master’s Degree in English, which she puts to use writing for PracticalAdultInsights and several magazines, websites, and nonprofit organizations. She has published her own novella, and has other literary projects currently in progress. Sara’s varied interests have also led her to teach children in Spain, tutor college students, run CPR and first aid classes, and organize student retreats.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

SauteePan

Sunshine31-A quality inspection involves observing and sampling how the process and procedures are followed.

It is really a way to make sure that no corners were cut and safety procedures are followed. For example, if a quality inspection is taking place at a plant that packages food products you would expect the production staff to wear hairnets and latex gloves.

sunshine31

A quality control supervisor job description includes writing inspection procedures for each aspect of production.

He or she details what measuring tools are used and what specific areas need inspection. He or she also has to supervise a team of quality control technicians to ensure that products meet the company’s safety and quality assurance standards.

Often they perform tests and may have to do re tests to ensure that the problems with the defective products are corrected.

A quality control supervisor salary is about $70,000. Jobs in quality assurance really require an attention to detail because sometimes faulty products can cause a company millions in product liability lawsuits.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Quality control supervisors are responsible for monitoring production, among other things.
      By: uwimages
      Quality control supervisors are responsible for monitoring production, among other things.
    • Some quality control supervisors write inspection procedures for new products in industrial settings.
      By: .shock
      Some quality control supervisors write inspection procedures for new products in industrial settings.
    • Quality control supervisors generally need at least a high school diploma.
      By: Lisa F. Young
      Quality control supervisors generally need at least a high school diploma.
    • A supervisor may implement quality control guidelines to ensure products aren't contaminated at the bottling or packaging facility.
      By: Budimir Jevtic
      A supervisor may implement quality control guidelines to ensure products aren't contaminated at the bottling or packaging facility.