QA Manager (Paper)

JOB PURPOSE: This position is responsible for leading the Continuous Improvement initiatives and Safety initiatives at the Plant. This position will provide leadership, planning, technical direction, communication and coaching skills to ensure safe production of high quality products to meet customer needs in the most cost effective and safe manner. Individual acts as leader and driver of all quality initiatives.

RESPONSIBILITES:

• Directs the Quality Management System at the plant

• Train and educate the organization and implement continuous improvement methodologies such as 6 Sigma, 5S, Lean, OE and others

• Drives Continuous Improvement to quantitatively and qualitatively improve costs, quality and service.

• Drives plant accountabilities in the areas of: tracking vendor performance, resolution and disposition of customer complaints, investigating critical quality defects on in-process and finished products, generation and analysis of quality data and reports

• Insures all customer feedback is promptly dealt with and any complaints are acted upon by the plant using root cause analysis and implementing corrective action

• Ensures product quality. Establishes and manages systems for “right first time” performance and incorporates this philosophy in the continuous improvement teams.

• Focuses on plant wide issues and inter-plant initiatives including developing synergies and business opportunities to optimize other manufacturing plants

• Commit to overall safety of the plant and procedures.

• Participate in monitoring, managing and controlling expenses throughout the year.

• Perform strategic thinking and actively participate in plant and company processes.

• Conduct meetings with employees to communicate company goals, objectives, initiatives and progress to date.

• Build and retain a “customer focused” environment; including internal and external customers.

• Adhere to all plant Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), operating procedures (SOPs). Manage, drive and oversee continuous improvement programs.

• Communicate the needs of all quality operation functions to the Production Manager and or Plant Manager and local Management team on an as needed basis.

• Develop and analyze new methods of reducing/avoiding costs, improving products and assuring a safe working environment.

• Create a departmental vision and translate into action items with specific completion dates and delegation of responsibilities to appropriate direct reports.

• Assist the HR Manager in the hiring and interviewing of production personnel as related to quality requirements.

• Comply with company policies and procedures.

• Additional duties as assigned by management.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS, SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES:

• Leadership and Management

• Systemic problem solver, implement solutions to solve root cause problems

• Inspires team spirit and loyalty to organization

• Able to handle multiple, complex priorities and balance the needs of each according to business impact

• Strong business and technical skills and processing, packaging and logistics

• Coaching, Motivating and Mentoring- Sets expectations, tracks and communicates results, and creates environment for accountability for results and actions

  • Understands and uses individual and team development tools
  • Confident to give employees space to learn and make mistakes
  • Strong written, oral and communication skills
  • Excellent listener. Ability to translate operational issues into corrective action procedures

• Creative and change oriented. Continuous Improvement process skills

• Strong ability to learn

• High energy, assertive, energetic and a self-starter

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• College degree in manufacturing, engineering, logistics or equivalent work experience
• Experience in a variety of manufacturing areas (production, logistics)
• Experience in quality system management or mfg/corrugated leadership preferred
• Competent with MS Office and Statistical software
• Previous ISO certification desired
• Six Sigma Green Belt certification desired

Requirements

Computer literacy. Must be proficient with Microsoft Office especially Excel, Access and Powerpoint. High school graduate or equivalent with related college degree and/or technical courses or associate (two-year) college degree. Minimum of three years of experience in a related field and knowledge of LEAN manufacturing, ISO, Six Sigma preferred.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Able to read a tape measure with speed and accuracy. Able to calculate figures and amounts such as percentages, measurement, volume and rate. Able to apply concepts of high school math.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Employee is regularly required to walk and talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to stand; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to sit. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Vision requirements include: close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, moving mechanical parts, and fumes or airborne particles. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Minorities/Females/Disabled/Veterans

You should be proficient in:

• Quality Inspection Experience
• Continuous Improvement
• Troubleshooting Skills
• 5 Why (Root Cause Analysis Method)
• Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP)
• Manufacturing Instruction (MI)
• AS9100
• Kaizen
• Tolerance Analysis
• Quality Control Data Analysis

Machines & technologies you'll use:

• ERP Software