Quality Assurance Manager

Company Profile:

The Baerlocher Group of companies is one of the world's leading additive suppliers, drawing on experience from more than 190 years of company history. Our products have a worldwide reputation for their high-quality standards and commitment to innovation and sustainability.

We are currently seeking for our US-manufacturing plant a highly motivated, detail-oriented and self-driven Quality Assurance Manager.

Job Summary:

The Quality Assurance Manager plays a crucial role in our organization which values quality and efficiency. Poor quality can cause customer dissatisfaction, reduced revenue, and even legal issues. The Quality Assurance Manager is responsible for overseeing all aspects of quality control within the production facility, ensuring that products consistently meet high standards by implementing quality procedures, conducting audits, analyzing data, identifying issues, and collaborating with other departments to drive continuous improvement initiatives, all while adhering to industry and company regulations and customer expectations.

The Quality Assurance Manager reports directly to the Director of Operations and will directly supervise 3 Quality Lab Technicians.

Required Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

We assume that the possible candidate has the ability to think and act independently and entrepreneurially, that the candidate has a structured way of working, analytical capabilities paired with an instinct for people and is a flexible team-player with a “hands-on” mentality.

In addition, we require:

• Bachelor’s degree in manufacturing engineering, chemical engineering, business management, or a related field
• 8 years of industrial experience in Quality Engineering, Quality Management or Quality Assurance
• 5 years of leadership experience
• Strong technical understanding including excellent knowledge of quality lab practices
• Strong ISO 9001:2015 knowledge
• Competence in problem solving tools such as 8D-methodology, Fishbone, 5 Why, RCA, Pareto Analysis etc.
• Competence in quality tools, and process/production control methods as Control Plans, FMEA, SPC, APQP, PPP/PPAP etc.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, interpersonal, and analytical/math skills required. Able to communicate clearly to resolve issues.
• Computer literate in Microsoft Office programs, such as Word, PowerPoint, MS Excel and Outlook; experience with SAP-QM strongly desired.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a results-oriented, challenging environment
• Proven ability to manage multiple topics within tight timeframes
• Ability to think quickly, take initiative, think creatively and to stay focused under pressure

Key Responsibilities:

• Ensure a safe working environment, drive quality improvements, develop a qualified workforce, reduce operating costs, inventories, and lead times through continuous improvements
• Oversee and manage entire quality assurance processes in operations

• Responsible for establishing and maintaining effective in-process quality processes and controls which ensure product integrity
• Responsibility and authority to ensure customer requirements have been met
• Setting quality objectives for the organization in cooperation with the Director of Operations
• Drive the nonconformance process with the goal to keep blocked inventory as low as possible

• Review and research products/processes for quality improvement
• Manage the customer complaint process including root-cause analysis, definition of corrective actions and corresponding follow-ups
• Write, review, revise, and update SOP’s (Standard Operating Procedures)
• Manage QA records and reports to assure compliance to customer requirements e.g. COA’s
• Perform internal Quality audits to assure compliance to customer requirements
• Supervise and lead Quality Lab Technicians including training and personal development

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including production, technical, customer service, engineering, to maintain quality excellence
• Lead internal RCA-meetings and oversee actions defined - drive performance and accountability
• Cooperate with the Technical Department to develop and implement new testing methods and/or testing equipment
• Prepare and present quality reports, audits, and reviews for internal stakeholders

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
• Professional development and career advancement opportunities.
• Join Baerlocher USA and contribute to a culture of innovation, excellence, and sustainability in the manufacturing sector.