What is a Quality Officer?

In brief

A Quality Employee is the guardian of quality within the production process. You ensure that products meet the requirements, that processes run smoothly, that deviations are solved and that suppliers do what was agreed upon. You take care of complaints, audits, analyses, and keeping documentation such as the quality manual up to date.

What does a Quality Officer do?

Duties vary by company, but this is what you can expect:

  • Maintain the quality manual and process descriptions
  • Inspect products and processes for quality
  • Performing measurements and analysis
  • Conduct internal audits and supervise certifications such as ISO 9001
  • Contact with suppliers in case of complaints and discrepancies

What competencies should you have?

These are the qualities that make you excel in this role:

Analytical understanding and accuracy
Eye for detail and process-oriented thinking
Good communication skills
Knowledge of quality standards (ISO 9001, ISO 14001)
Strong administrative skills
Solution-oriented

What does a workday look like?

As a Quality Officer, you often start by reviewing reports and quality data. You then walk the floor to perform checks, take samples or record deviations. You perform measurements and analyses, discuss results with your team and keep the quality manual up-to-date.

In between, you are in contact with suppliers or production colleagues to implement improvements and resolve deviations. You will also prepare internal audits or supervise certification processes. Every day is different: sometimes you are mainly behind data and reports, sometimes you are on the shop floor.

How do you become a Quality Officer?

You can achieve this role through training and experience:

  • MBO or college education in relevant fields such as quality assurance, laboratory engineering or technical subjects
  • Courses in auditing, standards knowledge (ISO 9001 etc.), statistics
  • Practical experience is very valuable - you learn a lot “on the job”

Salary

A Quality employee earns an average of €3,300 gross per month in the Netherlands, depending on experience, sector and responsibilities.

Diploma

A relevant degree (MBO or HBO) is often desired, but not always required. Practical experience and proven knowledge of quality processes may also weigh.

Number of hours

Usually full-time (36-40 hours per week). Sometimes part-time possible if the company offers that.

Working Hours

Generally work office hours/working hours appropriate to production departments. Less often in shifts, unless the company operates 24/7 or has different shifts.

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Your next step?

Quality Officer

Are you ready to ensure quality, keep processes sharp and play a crucial role in the final product?

Frequently asked questions about Work Planner

Do I need a technical background to become a Quality Officer?

No, technical knowledge certainly helps, but what really counts is accuracy, experience with quality control or documentation, and eagerness to learn.

Complaints, deviations in processes, stringent requirements of certifications, as well as having to constantly improve without losing quality.

You work mostly in the office or in the work preparation department, but you are regularly on the construction site or in the production hall to coordinate and check.

Yes, definitely. There are job openings with junior or entry-level positions. Companies then often offer mentoring and training.

ISO 9001 is usually standard. In addition, ISO 14001, HACCP or other industry/sector standards may apply depending on your field of work.