Quality Continuous Improvement Manager

Job Summary

The Manager – Quality & Continuous Improvement is responsible for the development and implementation of policies and procedures to evaluate and enhance product, material, and process quality including overseeing the organization’s Quality Management System, ensuring its effective execution and continuous improvement.

Essential Job Functions

• Oversee and lead the Quality Control Department, coordinating and integrating all activities toward the achievement of established goals and objectives including developing and implementing department policies and procedures
• Leads continuous improvement of Quality Management processes aligned with customer requirements, business needs, and company goals
• Supports implementation of the company’s Quality Assurance and Quality Control programs, standards, procedures, and contract requirements
• Develops and executes measurable quality improvement plans using data analytics to track and trend results
• Monitors production metrics, quality control, and ERP data accuracy to minimize waste and defects
• Drives preventive and corrective actions in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders
• Drives down customer complaints by preventing defective parts being delivered to customer
• Apply Advanced product Quality Planning (APQP) principles to ensure product reliability and compliance throughout development and production
• Recommends actions to maintain quality standards and achieve expected production yields
• Helps to drive a culture of quality through active engagement with all employees
• Drives strategic and tactical initiatives that promote high product standards, operational efficiency, and customer satisfaction
• Uses Root Cause and Corrective Action (RCCA) and problem-solving tools to address and close quality gaps
• Supports personnel through the hiring, onboarding, training, performance management, and succession planning in partnership with team leader
• Maintain documentation of company standards in the Quality Control Manual
• Adheres to work schedule and attendance requirements, including nights and weekends
• Performs other work as directed and required

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of 6S, Kaizen, and LEAN guidelines and policies
• Knowledge of quality control systems and defect prevention
• Knowledge of recording research and sample collection
• Knowledge of the metal fabrication process and production methods
• Knowledge of safety regulations, 6S, LOTO, and environmental compliance
• Knowledge of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T)
• Knowledge of Total Quality Management (TQM) Systems
• Skill in advising and training others
• Skill in use of computer hardware and software, including word processing, database, and spreadsheet programs
• Skill in interpreting blueprints, work orders, and technical documentation
• Skill in data analysis and reporting for production and quality metrics
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and multitask on several projects
• Ability to stand up in front of a class and teach 6S, Kaizen and LEAN guidelines and policies, quality procedures, ticket reading, proper tape measure use, etc.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing
• Ability to establish and maintain effective, courteous working relationships with coworkers and customers
• Ability to remain calm in stressful situations and to take a teamwork approach to the job by cooperating with others, offering to help others when needed, and considering larger organization or team goals rather than individual concerns

Qualifications

Required

• Five (5) years of professional experience in quality control, quality assurance, or similar position in a manufacturing environment
• Two (2) years of experience directly supervising a group of employees

Preferred

• Four (4) year degree from a regionally accredited college or university with a major in a directly related subject
• LEAN, 6S, Kaizen and Six Sigma training
• ISO 9000 & QS 9000 implementation and management certification
• ASQ certification
• PMP Certification & Project Management experience
• Experience with TPS

Note: At the discretion of the hiring manager and/or the Human Resources Manager an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The following physical activities are necessary to perform one or more essential functions of this position. A reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Sits or stands for long periods of time. Communicates effectively in person and/or by using

telecommunications equipment. Grasps, turns, and manipulates objects of varying size and weight, requiring fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Moves, lifts, carries, and places objects weighing up to 40 pounds without assistance. Works in varying temperature conditions. Occasionally will work in high, precarious places and occasionally is exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes, or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud.