Quality Control Manager - Operations

Are you interested in joining a highly successful, fast-growing technology company that brings the world to our customers’ fingertips?

Cyclomedia is a leading provider of geospatial imagery and data solutions, utilizing cutting-edge technology to capture, analyze, and visualize the world around us. With a global presence and a commitment to innovation, Cyclomedia is at the forefront of transforming how organizations leverage spatial information.

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Quality Control Manager to lead our day-to-day quality operations and quality control (QC) function. This is a hands-on leadership role for a GIS and QC expert who can manage a team, keep production quality on track, and continually find better ways to confirm that what we deliver meets what our customers’ quality expectations.

This role partners with our Operations Enablement Team to assist in designing, implementing, and continuously improving a systematic Quality Management System (QMS) that ensures our project execution, data pipelines, partner ‑‑ data, and final deliverables consistently meet the highest standards. The Quality Control Manager provides operational input, pilots new processes with the QC team, and ensures QMS standards are applied in daily work.

The Quality Control Manager will lead our Operations Quality Control team and work closely with Operational leadership, Project teams, Partner Management, Sales, and Finance. This position requires a leader who can combine GIS knowledge and quality assurance experience with strong communication skills and the ability to influence without authority. The ideal candidate thrives in environments moving from ad‑hoc or inconsistent quality practices to a more mature, measurable, and integrated approach.

This role is central to helping us scale, reduce defects, strengthen customer confidence, and drive continuous improvement across the organization.

This position is based in our Middleton, WI office.

Job Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead, coach, and develop the Operations Quality team, including hiring, onboarding, performance management, and career development.

• Set clear goals, priorities, and accountability; plan and balance workload and capacity against project schedules.

• Build a culture of ownership, technical rigor, and continuous improvement through training, mentoring, and regular feedback.

• Maintain GIS and QC skill depth on the team through cross-training, calibration sessions, and consistent application of QC methods.

Quality Operations & Execution

• Own day-to-day QC of geospatial data and deliverables across production workflows, ensuring work meets specifications, acceptance criteria, and delivery commitments.

• Apply GIS expertise to plan, perform, and review QC, including sampling approaches, spatial and attribute accuracy checks, topology and rules-based validation, and automation of repeatable checks.

• Triage quality issues as they arise, direct rapid containment and correction, and escalate risks to Operations leadership.

• Own and monitor quality KPIs and dashboards (such as defect rates, first-pass yield, rework, and on-time delivery) to give visibility into trends and performance.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Partner with the Operations Enablement Team to implement the QMS in operations: provide operational input on procedures and standards, pilot new processes, and drive adoption within the QC team.

• Keep QC work instructions, checklists, and SOPs current and consistent with QMS requirements.

• Work closely with Project Managers and Operations teams to integrate quality planning into project lifecycles.

• Collaborate with Sales and Finance to support accurate scoping, pricing, and risk assessments tied to quality expectations.

Partner Quality & Root Cause Analysis

• Engage directly with delivery partners and suppliers to review quality performance, perform root cause analysis (RCA) on defects, and drive corrective and preventive action (CAPA).

• Work with Partner Management to set clear quality expectations, feedback loops, and performance reviews that ensure partners deliver quality to Cyclomedia.

• Track partner quality trends and recommend actions, including coaching, process changes, or sourcing decisions, when performance falls short.

• 5+ years of experience in quality control or quality management in a GIS, geospatial, or data production environment.

• Expert-level GIS knowledge and hands-on QC experience with geospatial data (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS, FME, or similar tools).

• 3+ years of people management experience, including leading and developing technical teams.

• Demonstrated experience with root cause analysis and corrective/preventive action, including working with external partners or suppliers.

• Analytical Thinking: Ability to analyze data to identify deviations and root causes.

• Communication: Effective communication with team members, management, and suppliers.

• Technical Expertise: Knowledge of industry-specific quality tools.

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in Quality, Engineering, Project Management, Business Administration, GIS or IT.  

• Background with ISO standards, Six Sigma, lean methods, or similar frameworks desired.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office suite, particularly Excel.

• Ability to be dynamic and problem solve when internal or external issues arise. 

• Strong attention to detail, organization, communication and project management skills.

Benefits

Working with Cyclomedia has benefits!

The benefits go beyond assisting others and helping make the world a greener place. Below are just a few of the additional benefits of joining our team.

• Affordable medical, dental, and vision insurance with domestic partner coverage

• 401(k) Plan with company match

• Life and disability insurance

• Paid time off, including your birthday and holidays

• Employee assistance program

• A fun and collaborative team