Overview:
Nakupuna Consulting is seeking a Quality Assurance Quality Control (QA/QC) Manager to lead and enhance ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System (QMS) activities that drive improvements in service quality, operational efficiency, and compliance. This individual will develop and implement standardized quality frameworks to improve the structure, quality, and timeliness of all project requirements and deliverables across our Charleston, Infrastructure, Environmental, and Facilities Services (CHIEF) Line of Business.
This role will directly support Nakupuna project managers, senior leadership, and functional teams by embedding quality principles into daily operations and ensuring repeatable, data-driven processes that align with ISO 9001 best practices. The QA/QC Manager will also provide targeted quality management support for USMC and DARPA programs, particularly in Logistics and Supply Chain Management of IT Assets to enhance delivery effectiveness in mission-critical environments. The ideal candidate is a structured problem solver with deep experience in QMS, process improvement, and data-driven quality assurance—with a passion for helping teams work smarter, faster, and more effectively.
Responsibilities:
The following reflects management’s definition of essential functions for this job but does not restrict the tasks that may be assigned. Management may assign additional duties and responsibilities to this job at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons.
ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System (QMS) Leadership & Process Standardization
- Lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of the ISO 9001:2015 QMS to standardize quality, risk management, and compliance efforts across the LoB.
- Establish consistent frameworks, policies, and procedures to ensure project deliverables meet structured quality standards.
- Develop metrics, KPIs, and reporting mechanisms to track quality performance and drive data-driven decision-making.
- Conduct internal quality audits and process evaluations to identify gaps, inefficiencies, and opportunities for improvement.
- Collaborate with project managers, leadership, and operational teams to ensure quality management principles are embedded into daily workflows.
- Train and coach project teams on ISO 9001:2015 best practices, corrective action planning, and process efficiency strategies.
Improving Structures, Quality, and Timeliness of All Project Deliverables
- Develop quality control frameworks to ensure timely, efficient, and accurate execution of project requirements across the LoB.
- Create repeatable workflows and best practices to improve project execution, reporting, and risk mitigation.
- Identify and implement technology solutions and automation strategies to streamline document control, data collection, and reporting.
- Work closely with leadership to enhance standard operating procedures (SOPs) that drive consistency across Nakupuna's projects and service areas.
- Support continuous process improvements by analyzing trends and developing corrective/preventative actions for recurring quality challenges.
- As required, support quality control processes related to warehouse operations, and facilities management, ensuring compliance with ISO 9001 standards and best practices for inventory handling, security, and space utilization. Support process improvements in receiving, staging, and deployment workflows to enhance operational efficiency.
Logistics and Supply Chain Management of IT Assets (USMC & DARPA Focus)
- Implement quality control processes for shipping, receiving, and IT asset management to ensure accuracy and minimize delays.
- Develop and manage standardized procedures for handling IT assets, including:
- Networking Equipment (Switches, routers, SFPs, network adapters)
- Computers and Laptops used for client project delivery.
- Input/Output Devices (Keyboards, mice, scanners, microphones, webcams, printers, displays)
- Establish best practices for inventory tracking and supply chain optimization to improve efficiency.
- Support USMC and DARPA project managers in logistics process refinement, compliance with DoD standards, and IT asset lifecycle management.
- Use Lean Six Sigma methodologies to improve supply chain visibility, reduce errors, and streamline workflows.
Data-Driven Quality Management & Performance Tracking
- Develop real-time dashboards and analytics tools to monitor quality trends, track defects, and measure performance improvements.
- Conduct root cause analysis and risk assessments to prevent quality issues from recurring.
- Utilize performance data to drive proactive decision-making and inform leadership of key risks and opportunities.
- Create and maintain quality reporting structures to improve accountability and project oversight.
Training, Knowledge Sharing & Continuous Improvement
- Serve as a team lead as required, providing guidance, coaching, and technical support to colleagues on QMS best practices, logistics quality assurance, and compliance requirements. Act as a resource for project managers and operational teams, driving a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration, and accountability without direct supervisory responsibilities.
- Develop and lead quality-focused training programs for project managers, logistics teams, and leadership.
- Maintain QMS documentation, SOPs, and compliance guides to ensure long-term standardization.
- Stay informed on best practices in quality management, logistics, and IT asset optimization to continually improve service delivery.
Qualifications:
Skills/Qualifications: The ideal candidate possesses expertise and experience in project management, especially within infrastructure and environmental services. Key qualifications include:
- 10+ years of experience in Quality Assurance, Quality Control, or Quality Management, with expertise in ISO 9001:2015 QMS implementation.
- Proven ability to develop and optimize enterprise-wide quality management structures to improve service efficiency.
- Experience in logistics, IT asset management, and supply chain process improvement, preferably within government contracting, DoD, or technology environments.
- Strong analytical skills with data-driven decision-making experience—proficiency in Excel, Power BI, Qlik, Appian, or other visualization tools preferred.
- Familiarity with Lean Six Sigma methodologies and their application in quality improvement initiatives.
- Ability to collaborate across leadership, project teams, and functional areas to drive process improvements.
- Strong communication and documentation skills, with experience in SOP development, training, and compliance reporting.
- Experience in working with DoD, USMC, or DARPA projects is a plus.
Education: This position requires at least 10 years of experience. A bachelor’s degree in quality management, Supply Chain Management, Industrial Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field is preferred. Relevant certifications such as ISO 9001 Lead Auditor, Lean Six Sigma Green or Black Belt, or Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) are highly desirable, demonstrating expertise in quality management, process improvement, and supply chain best practices.
Location: This position is remote and reports to our Arlington, Virginia, office or client sites as required.
Clearance Requirements: Ability to obtain a Top Secret clearance is required. Must be a US Citizen.
Physical Requirements: The ideal candidate must at a minimum be able to meet the following physical requirements of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation:
- Ability to perform repetitive motions with the hands, wrists, and fingers.
- Ability to engage in and follow audible communications in emergency situations.
- Ability to sit for prolonged periods at a desk and working on a computer