Summary

This position will be responsible for the implementation and management of the company’s total quality management process, developing quality procedures, implementing quality training and communicating the results of the quality efforts for processes, materials, and products.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities :

The essential duties and responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Lead and manage the development, implementation and maintenance of all supplier quality activities including processes and procedures, supplier development and monitoring of existing suppliers.

• Develop and implement quality engineering methods and procedures for inspection, testing and evaluation.
• Establish strategic direction for quality-related activities to align with the company business initiatives. 
• Analyze and evaluate quality processes to identify improvement opportunities and review new processes for possible integration.
• Audit work procedures and QA procedures and promote the standardization of both.
• Conduct technical and statistical investigations to resolve and correct quality-related issues.
• Perform data gathering, analysis, and distribution of quality-related data to aid in identifying improvement opportunities.
• Develop policies and procedures for inspection of products; establish a Vendor Certification Program with Purchasing.

• Lead corrective action teams for customer complaints.
• Lead and manage ISO or other certification programs to ensure compliance.
• Write training policies and manuals on quality issues.
• Promote quality partnerships with suppliers and customers.
• Make Quality comprehensible and sustainable without being cost prohibitive or intrusive to day-to-day operations.

Supervisory Responsibilities                                      

• Sets expectations and ensures accountability for quality department as a group and as individuals.
• Identifies performance issues, addresses them with employees, and communicates said issues to Human Resources. Develops and implements performance improvement plans.
• Analyzes current personnel and technology resources, identifies needs in both, and works with Human Resources and Finance to develop additional capabilities when needed.
• Responsible for setting and maintaining expectations with employees that guarantee results commensurate with the guidelines set by the Head of Quality Department.
• Responsible for the training of new technicians from both a skill set and experienced-based perspective. Works with employees to create short and long-term career development plans.
• Administers personnel functions including recruiting, hiring, review and approval of job descriptions, selection and placement of personnel, performance reviews and evaluations, and compensation planning.

Sphere of Interaction

This position interacts and interfaces with all staff and leadership as well as:

• Strategic Partners
• Subcontractors
• Clients
• Vendors

Competencies                        

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Analytical - Synthesizes complex or diverse information; Collects and researches data; Able to parse large amounts of data and distinguish the pieces with a large impact; Uses intuition and experience to complement data; Designs work flows and procedures; Employs logic when solving problems.
• Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Consistently and continuously identifies ways to validate answers; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
• Technical Skills - Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; Shares expertise with others; Builds knowledge base from research and experience.
• Interpersonal Skills - Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Maintains confidentiality; Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things; Takes responsibility and ownership for mistakes.
• Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings.
• Teamwork - Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; Gains buy-in from others.
• Visionary Leadership - Displays passion and optimism; Inspires respect and trust; mobilizes others to get buy-in and fulfill the vision; Provides clear, consistent vision and inspiration to peers and subordinates; Effectively communicates goals, sets expectations, and defines success; Recognizes success and addresses shortcomings.
• Change Management - Develops workable implementation plans; Communicates changes effectively; Builds commitment and overcomes resistance; Prepares and supports those affected by change; Monitors transition and evaluates results.
• Cost Consciousness - Develops and implements cost saving measures; Conserves organizational and material resources.
• Ethics - Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; Inspires the trust of others; Works in an ethical manner and with integrity; Upholds organizational values.
• Organizational Support – Disciplined in thought and action; Follows policies and procedures; Completes administrative tasks correctly and on time; Supports organization's goals and values.
• Judgment - Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate people in decision-making process; Makes timely decisions.
• Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Plans for additional resources; Sets goals and objectives; Develops realistic action plans. Strives to increase productivity.
• Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments.
• Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own and others work to ensure quality.
• Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures; Reports potentially unsafe conditions.
• Adaptability - Manages competing demands; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
• Attendance/Punctuality - Is consistently at work and on time; Ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent; Communicates conflicting work/personal needs in a timely manner.
• Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Follows up on assigned tasks; Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals.
• Innovation - Meets challenges with resourcefulness; Generates suggestions for improving work; Develops innovative approaches and ideas; Participates and facilitates brainstorming activities; Presents ideas and information in a manner that gets others' attention.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Education and/or Experience                                      

Required:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum of two years of work experience in a QC or QA field, preferably in a manufacturing environment.

Preferred:

• Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics, systems management, measurements and business management, or in a related technical and/or equivalent field.
• Three to five years of experience in managing QA systems in manufacturing environment.
• Familiarity and/or experience with statistical process control.
• Certified AS9100 Internal Quality Auditor/ Six Sigma Certification
• Familiarity and/or experience with statistical methods to improve company and vendor performance. 
• Bilingual (Spanish) a plus

Language Skills

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, blueprints, product and component specifications, data sheets and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively communicate technical details, design concepts, analysis results, and substantiation via verbal or written mediums. Ability to contribute to technical discussions before groups of customers and/or employees.

Computer Skills                                  

To perform this job successfully, an individual should have intermediate PC skills and experience working with internet software and Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint). Must have the ability to operate inspection equipment and general office equipment including copier and fax machine.  

Other Skills and Abilities