Job Description

The BLiSS Quality Manager is responsible for implementing, overseeing, and continuously improving the Quality Management System (QMS) for the Baghdad Life Support Services (BLiSS) contract in direct support of the U.S. Department of State (DOS). This role ensures that all life support functions across multiple task orders are executed in full compliance with contractual requirements, ISO 9001:2015 standards, U.S. Government regulations, Government of Iraq (GOI) laws, and Combating Trafficking in Persons (CTIPs) requirements under FAR 52.222-50.

Operating in a high-security, multicultural environment, the Quality Manager oversees quality assurance activities for both the Baghdad Embassy Compound (BEC) and the Baghdad Diplomatic Support Center (BDSC). The role serves as the primary interface between the Program Management Office (PMO), site leadership, DOS representatives, and Quality Inspectors, ensuring adherence to all quality and ethical conduct standards, including the prevention, detection, and reporting of CTIPs violations.

This position provides leadership for the quality program across multiple geographical sites and functions, making decisions, managing work requirements, and directing a skilled team in an environment that demands flexibility, adaptability, and responsiveness. The duties and responsibilities listed below represent the nature and level of work assigned and are not all-inclusive. The position reports to the BLiSS Deputy Program Manager.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Quality Program Management

• Implement, monitor, and continually improve the QMS in alignment with ISO 9001:2015 standards, contractual requirements, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and DOS quality policies.
• Oversee quality assurance activities across all BLiSS life support task orders at multiple sites.
• Conduct internal audits, inspections, and performance reviews to verify compliance with U.S. Government regulations, GOI laws, and contractual deliverables.
• Ensure corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) are implemented promptly to address non-conformance issues.

2. CTIPs Compliance

• Lead the implementation and monitoring of the DOS Combating Trafficking in Persons (CTIPs) program requirements under FAR 52.222-50.
• Ensure all contractor personnel and subcontractors:
  • Complete mandatory CTIPs training.
  • Comply with prohibitions against severe forms of trafficking in persons, procuring commercial sex acts, and using forced labor.
  • Do not confiscate or deny access to employee identity or immigration documents.
  • Are not subjected to recruitment fees or provided substandard housing.
• Develop and enforce procedures for detecting, preventing, and reporting CTIPs violations.
• Serve as a focal point for receiving CTIPs concerns and ensure they are reported through proper channels in accordance with DOS and company policy.
• Coordinate with HR, security, and program leadership to maintain accurate CTIPs compliance records for audits.

3. Stakeholder Engagement

• Serve as the primary liaison between PMO leadership, DOS representatives, site leadership, and Quality Inspectors to ensure clear communication and alignment on quality and compliance objectives.
• Provide subject matter expertise to site managers and functional leads regarding QMS processes, CTIPs obligations, and compliance best practices.

4. Training and Awareness

• Develop and deliver training programs on QMS procedures, contract compliance, and CTIPs requirements for both direct and subcontractor staff.
• Promote a culture of accountability, ethical conduct, and continuous improvement throughout all BLiSS operations.

5. Audit and Inspection Readiness

• Prepare for and support DOS quality inspections, independent audits, and customer reviews.
• Maintain documentation and records required for demonstrating compliance with QMS and CTIPs standards.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in quality management, engineering, business administration, or related field.
• ISO 9001:2015 Lead Auditor certification preferred.
• Minimum 7 years of experience in quality management within a government contracting environment, preferably in OCONUS or contingency operations.
• Strong knowledge of FAR 52.222-50 and DOS CTIPs compliance requirements.
• Experience conducting audits, managing CAPA processes, and developing compliance training programs.
• Ability to work in high-security and multicultural environments.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and analytical skills.

Work Environment:

• Position is based in Iraq, working across multiple BLiSS sites.
• Requires flexibility to work in a contingency operations environment under high-security conditions.
• May involve travel between BEC, BDSC, and other DOS-supported locations.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in quality management, engineering, business administration.

Licenses and Certifications: ISO 9001:2015 Lead Auditor certification preferred, valid drivers’ license from Home of Record. 

Security Vetting: Candidate must be able to obtain a favorable USG MRPT or Secret clearance.

Language Skills: Proficiency in written and oral English language.

Medical: Successfully complete a medical examination for deployment to Iraq.