Richard van Toorenburg · Qforge
I help manufacturing businesses bring quality under control, resolve persistent problems and develop stronger quality teams. My approach combines senior quality leadership, technical depth and experience from the factory floor.
How I can help
When quality needs direction, recurring problems need solving, or a team needs support, I help you find a practical way forward.
Interim leadership
I take responsibility for the quality function during a leadership gap, organisational change or difficult quality performance. I set priorities with management, then work with engineers, operators and suppliers to put the necessary changes into practice.
Understand recurring defects, investigate causes and improve the process where the work happens.
Assess supplier capability, address quality risks and develop practical improvements together.
Clarify roles, strengthen capability and help the quality team work effectively with the wider organisation.
Translate project requirements into quality plans and practical acceptance criteria for equipment and facilities.
How I work
I connect management priorities with what is actually happening in the process. I check the measurements, investigate causes and work with the team to verify improvements and build them into everyday work.
Listen to the team, see the process and agree what needs attention.
Look beyond symptoms and connect the evidence with practical experience.
Work with the people involved to make changes that address the causes.
Make the new approach part of everyday work, with clear ownership.
The person behind Qforge
I started at Philips in Drachten as an operator, soldering specialist and trainer. My career developed through production and supplier quality into international leadership as Director of Supplier Quality for Personal Health.
Through Qforge, I now work with management teams and the people closest to the process, connecting strategic priorities with technical investigation, clear responsibilities and practical improvements.
Working together
Excerpts from people I have worked with.
“Richard worked in my leadership team as head of supplier quality assurance and did an outstanding job. He provided pro-active input and ensured that supplier quality assurance was perceived as an important business enabler. Richard is willing to challenge the status quo and his pragmatic attitude resulted in several process simplifications.”
“But more than his professional achievements, what truly sets Richard apart is his remarkable interpersonal skills and leadership style. He always went above and beyond to support and encourage his team, providing guidance, mentorship, and unwavering support even during the most challenging times.”
“Having worked with Richard for over three years, I must say he is a standout leader and a Quality professional at heart. He helped me feel welcomed in the team and gave valuable advise on how to better serve our customers.”
“Richard is very organized and has a good sense for details. He also knows how to challenge the team and bring the best out of them. He is a nice person to work with, he has strong opinion, but also can listen to others very well.”
“Richard is very experienced, knowledgeable, composed, respectable and truly empathetic leader who one can always rely on for strong support and mentorship.”
“I would really recommend him for a operational both execution and leadership position.”
Let’s talk
Tell me what is happening in your organisation. We can explore where support would make a difference.