Senior Quality Manager Responsible Person (QMR)
Quality system accountability, management review leadership, and regulatory compliance oversight per ISO 13485 Clause 5.5.2 requirements.
Table of Contents
- QMR Responsibilities
- Management Review Workflow
- Quality KPI Management Workflow
- Quality Objectives Workflow
- Quality Culture Assessment Workflow
- Regulatory Compliance Oversight
- Decision Frameworks
- Tools and References
QMR Responsibilities
ISO 13485 Clause 5.5.2 Requirements
| Responsibility | Scope | Evidence | |----------------|-------|----------| | QMS effectiveness | Monitor system performance and suitability | Management review records | | Reporting to management | Communicate QMS performance to top management | Quality reports, dashboards | | Quality awareness | Promote regulatory and quality requirements | Training records, communications | | Liaison with external parties | Interface with regulators, Notified Bodies | Meeting records, correspondence |
QMR Accountability Matrix
| Domain | Accountable For | Reports To | Frequency | |--------|-----------------|------------|-----------| | Quality Policy | Policy adequacy and communication | CEO/Board | Annual review | | Quality Objectives | Objective achievement and relevance | Executive Team | Quarterly | | QMS Performance | System effectiveness metrics | Management | Monthly | | Regulatory Compliance | Compliance status across jurisdictions | CEO | Quarterly | | Audit Program | Audit schedule completion, findings closure | Management | Per audit | | CAPA Oversight | CAPA effectiveness and timeliness | Executive Team | Monthly |
Authority Boundaries
| Decision Type | QMR Authority | Escalation Required | |---------------|---------------|---------------------| | Process changes within QMS | Approve with owner | Major process redesign | | Document approval | Final QA approval | Policy-level changes | | Nonconformity disposition | Accept/reject with MRB | Product release decisions | | Supplier quality actions | Quality holds, audits | Supplier termination | | Audit scheduling | Adjust internal audit schedule | External audit timing | | Training requirements | Define quality training needs | Organization-wide training budget |
Management Review Workflow
Conduct management reviews per ISO 13485 Clause 5.6 requirements.
Workflow: Prepare and Execute Management Review
- Schedule management review (minimum annually, typically quarterly or semi-annually)
- Notify all required attendees minimum 2 weeks prior
- Collect required inputs from process owners:
- Audit results (internal and external)
- Customer feedback (complaints, satisfaction, returns)
- Process performance and product conformity
- CAPA status and effectiveness
- Previous review action items
- Changes affecting QMS (regulatory, organizational)
- Recommendations for improvement
- Compile input summary report with trend analysis
- Prepare presentation materials with supporting data
- Distribute agenda and input package 1 week prior
- Conduct review meeting per agenda
- Validation: All required inputs reviewed; decisions documented with owners and due dates
Required Attendees
| Role | Requirement | Input Responsibility | |------|-------------|---------------------| | CEO/General Manager | Required | Strategic decisions | | QMR | Chair | Overall QMS status | | Department Heads | Required | Process performance | | RA Manager | Required | Regulatory changes | | Production Manager | Required | Product conformity | | Customer Quality | Required | Complaint data |
Management Review Input Template
MANAGEMENT REVIEW INPUT SUMMARY
Review Period: [Start Date] to [End Date]
Review Date: [Scheduled Date]
Prepared By: [QMR Name]
1. AUDIT RESULTS
Internal audits completed: [X] of [X] planned
External audits completed: [X]
Total findings: [X] major / [X] minor
Open findings: [X]
Finding trends: [Analysis]
2. CUSTOMER FEEDBACK
Complaints received: [X]
Complaint rate: [X per 1000 units]
Customer satisfaction score: [X.X/5.0]
Returns: [X] units ([X]%)
Top issues: [Categories]
3. PROCESS PERFORMANCE
[Process 1]: [Metric] vs [Target] - [Status]
[Process 2]: [Metric] vs [Target] - [Status]
Out-of-spec processes: [List]
4. PRODUCT CONFORMITY
First pass yield: [X]%
Nonconformance rate: [X]%
Scrap cost: $[X]
Top defect categories: [List]
5. CAPA STATUS
Open CAPAs: [X]
Overdue: [X]
Effectiveness rate: [X]%
Average age: [X] days
6. PREVIOUS ACTIONS
Total from last review: [X]
Completed: [X] | In progress: [X] | Overdue: [X]
7. CHANGES AFFECTING QMS
Regulatory: [List changes]
Organizational: [List changes]
Process: [List changes]
8. RECOMMENDATIONS
[Collected improvement opportunities]
Management Review Output Requirements
| Output | Documentation | Owner | |--------|---------------|-------| | QMS improvement decisions | Action items with due dates | Assigned per item | | Resource needs | Resource plan updates | Department heads | | Quality objectives changes | Updated objectives document | QMR | | Process improvement needs | Improvement project charters | Process owners |
See: references/management-review-guide.md
Quality KPI Management Workflow
Establish, monitor, and report quality performance indicators.
Workflow: Establish Quality KPI Framework
- Identify quality objectives requiring measurement
- Select KPIs per objective using SMART criteria:
- Specific: Clear definition and calculation
- Measurable: Quantifiable with available data
- Actionable: Team can influence results
- Relevant: Aligned to quality objectives
- Time-bound: Defined measurement frequency
- Define target values based on baseline data and benchmarks
- Assign data source and collection responsibility
- Establish reporting frequency per KPI category
- Configure dashboard displays and trend analysis
- Define escalation thresholds and alert triggers
- Validation: Each KPI has owner, target, data source, and escalation criteria
Core Quality KPIs
| Category | KPI | Target | Calculation | |----------|-----|--------|-------------| | Process | First Pass Yield | >95% | (Units passed first time / Total units) × 100 | | Process | Nonconformance Rate | <1% | (NC count / Total units) × 100 | | CAPA | CAPA Closure Rate | >90% | (On-time closures / Due closures) × 100 | | CAPA | CAPA Effectiveness | >85% | (Effective CAPAs / Verified CAPAs) × 100 | | Audit | Finding Closure Rate | >90% | (On-time closures / Due closures) × 100 | | Audit | Repeat Finding Rate | <10% | (Repeat findings / Total findings) × 100 | | Customer | Complaint Rate | <0.1% | (Complaints / Units sold) × 100 | | Customer | Satisfaction Score | >4.0/5.0 | Average of survey scores |
KPI Review Frequency
| KPI Type | Review Frequency | Trend Period | Audience | |----------|------------------|--------------|----------| | Safety/Compliance | Daily monitoring | Weekly | Operations | | Production Quality | Weekly | Monthly | Department heads | | Customer Quality | Monthly | Quarterly | Executive team | | Strategic Quality | Quarterly | Annual | Board/C-suite |
Performance Response Matrix
| Performance Level | Status | Action Required | |-------------------|--------|-----------------| | >110% of target | Exceeding | Consider raising target | | 100-110% of target | Meeting | Maintain current approach | | 90-100% of target | Approaching | Monitor closely | | 80-90% of target | Below | Improvement plan required | | <80% of target | Critical | Immediate intervention |
See: references/quality-kpi-framework.md
Quality Objectives Workflow
Establish and maintain measurable quality objectives per ISO 13485 Clause 5.4.1.
Workflow: Annual Quality Objectives Setting
- Review prior year objective achievement
- Analyze quality performance trends and gaps
- Align with organizational strategic plan
- Draft objectives with measurable targets
- Validate resource availability for achievement
- Obtain executive approval
- Communicate objectives organization-wide
- Validation: Each objective is measurable, has owner, target, and timeline
Quality Objective Structure
QUALITY OBJECTIVE [Number]
Objective Statement: [Clear, measurable statement]
Aligned to Policy Element: [Quality policy section]
Target: [Specific measurable target]
Baseline: [Current performance]
Owner: [Name and title]
Due Date: [Target achievement date]
Success Criteria:
- [Criterion 1]
- [Criterion 2]
Measurement Method: [How progress is tracked]
Reporting Frequency: [Monthly/Quarterly]
Supporting Initiatives:
- [Initiative 1]
- [Initiative 2]
Resource Requirements:
- [Resource 1]
- [Resource 2]
Objective Categories
| Category | Example Objectives | Typical Targets | |----------|-------------------|-----------------| | Customer Quality | Reduce complaint rate | <0.1% of units sold | | Process Quality | Improve first pass yield | >96% | | Compliance | Maintain certification | Zero major NCs | | Efficiency | Reduce quality costs | <4% of revenue | | Culture | Increase training completion | >98% on-time |
Quarterly Objective Review
| Review Element | Assessment | Action | |----------------|------------|--------| | Progress vs. target | On track / Behind / Ahead | Adjust resources if behind | | Relevance | Still valid / Needs update | Modify if conditions changed | | Resources | Adequate / Insufficient | Request additional if needed | | Barriers | Identified obstacles | Escalate for resolution |
Quality Culture Assessment Workflow
Assess and improve organizational quality culture.
Workflow: Annual Quality Culture Assessment
- Design or select quality culture survey instrument
- Define survey population (all employees or sample)
- Communicate survey purpose and confidentiality
- Administer survey with 2-week response window
- Analyze results by department, role, and tenure
- Identify strengths and improvement areas
- Develop action plan for culture gaps
- Validation: Response rate >60%; action plan addresses bottom 3 scores
Quality Culture Dimensions
| Dimension | Indicators | Assessment Method | |-----------|------------|-------------------| | Leadership commitment | Management visible support for quality | Survey, observation | | Quality ownership | Employees feel responsible for quality | Survey | | Communication | Quality information flows effectively | Survey, audit | | Continuous improvement | Suggestions submitted and implemented | Metrics | | Training and competence | Employees feel adequately trained | Survey, records | | Problem solving | Issues addressed at root cause | CAPA analysis |
Culture Survey Categories
| Category | Sample Questions | |----------|------------------| | Leadership | "Management demonstrates commitment to quality" | | Resources | "I have the tools and training to do quality work" | | Communication | "Quality expectations are clearly communicated" | | Empowerment | "I am encouraged to report quality issues" | | Recognition | "Quality achievements are recognized" |
Culture Improvement Actions
| Gap Identified | Potential Actions | |----------------|-------------------| | Low leadership visibility | Quality gemba walks, all-hands quality updates | | Inadequate training | Competency-based training program | | Poor communication | Quality newsletters, department huddles | | Low reporting | Anonymous reporting system, no-blame culture | | Lack of recognition | Quality award program, team celebrations |
Regulatory Compliance Oversight
Monitor and maintain regulatory compliance across jurisdictions.
Multi-Jurisdictional Compliance Matrix
| Jurisdiction | Regulation | Requirement | Status Tracking | |--------------|------------|-------------|-----------------| | EU | MDR 2017/745 | CE marking, Notified Body | Technical file, annual review | | USA | 21 CFR 820 | FDA registration, QSR compliance | Annual registration, inspections | | International | ISO 13485 | QMS certification | Surveillance audits | | Germany | MPG/MPDG | National implementation | Competent authority filings |
Compliance Monitoring Workflow
- Maintain regulatory requirement register
- Subscribe to regulatory update services
- Assess impact of regulatory changes monthly
- Update affected processes within 90 days of effective date
- Verify training completion for regulatory changes
- Document compliance status in management review
- Maintain inspection readiness checklist
- Validation: All applicable requirements mapped; no expired registrations
Regulatory Authority Interface
| Activity | QMR Role | Preparation Required | |----------|----------|---------------------| | Notified Body audit | Primary contact | Audit package, personnel schedules | | FDA inspection | Host, escort coordinator | Inspection readiness review | | Competent Authority inquiry | Response coordinator | Technical file access | | Regulatory meeting | Attendee or delegate | Briefing materials |
Inspection Readiness Checklist
| Area | Ready | Action Needed | |------|-------|---------------| | Document control system current | ☐ | | | Training records complete | ☐ | | | CAPA system current, no overdue items | ☐ | | | Complaint files complete | ☐ | | | Equipment calibration current | ☐ | | | Supplier qualification files complete | ☐ | | | Management review records available | ☐ | | | Internal audit program current | ☐ | |
Decision Frameworks
Escalation Decision Tree
Issue Identified
│
▼
Is it a regulatory violation?
│
Yes─┴─No
│ │
▼ ▼
Escalate to Is it a safety issue?
Executive │
immediately Yes─┴─No
│ │
▼ ▼
Escalate to Does it affect
Safety Team multiple departments?
│
Yes─┴─No
│ │
▼ ▼
Escalate to Handle at
Executive department level
Quality Investment Prioritization
| Criteria | Weight | Score Method | |----------|--------|--------------| | Regulatory requirement | 30% | Required=10, Recommended=5, Optional=2 | | Customer impact | 25% | Direct=10, Indirect=5, None=0 | | Cost savings potential | 20% | >$100K=10, $50-100K=7, <$50K=3 | | Implementation complexity | 15% | Simple=10, Moderate=5, Complex=2 | | Strategic alignment | 10% | Core=10, Supporting=5, Peripheral=2 |
Resource Allocation Matrix
| Resource Type | Allocation Authority | Escalation Threshold | |---------------|---------------------|---------------------| | Quality personnel | QMR | >1 FTE addition | | Quality equipment | QMR | >$25K | | External consultants | QMR | >$50K or >30 days | | Quality systems | Executive approval | >$100K |
Tools and References
Scripts
| Tool | Purpose | Usage |
|------|---------|-------|
| management_review_tracker.py | Track review inputs, actions, metrics | python management_review_tracker.py --help |
Management Review Tracker Features:
- Track input collection status from process owners
- Monitor action item completion and aging
- Generate metrics summary for review
- Produce recommendations for review focus areas
References
| Document | Content | |----------|---------| | management-review-guide.md | ISO 13485 Clause 5.6 requirements, input/output templates, action tracking | | quality-kpi-framework.md | KPI categories, targets, calculations, dashboard templates |
Quick Reference: Management Review Inputs (ISO 13485 Clause 5.6.2)
| Input | Source | Required | |-------|--------|----------| | Feedback | Customer complaints, surveys | Yes | | Audit results | Internal and external audits | Yes | | Process performance | Process metrics | Yes | | Product conformity | Inspection, NC data | Yes | | CAPA status | CAPA system | Yes | | Previous actions | Prior review records | Yes | | Changes | Regulatory, organizational | Yes | | Recommendations | All sources | Yes |
Quick Reference: Management Review Outputs (ISO 13485 Clause 5.6.3)
| Output | Documentation Required | |--------|----------------------| | Improvement to QMS and processes | Action items with owners | | Improvement to product | Project initiation if needed | | Resource needs | Resource plan updates |
Related Skills
| Skill | Integration Point | |-------|-------------------| | quality-manager-qms-iso13485 | QMS process management | | capa-officer | CAPA system oversight | | qms-audit-expert | Internal audit program | | quality-documentation-manager | Document control oversight |