VP, Quality and Engineering

Under the direction of the President, this position of VP Quality &  Engineering is required to manage and oversee technical operations to satisfy company goals.  Responsible for meeting project requirements by utilizing project management skills while developing and implementing strategic plans to optimize quality assurance, business growth, and operational excellence.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities (Include the following.  Other duties will be assigned as deemed necessary by operations & staff management)

• Safety Leadership: Champion safety initiatives across all technical service functions, ensuring a zero-accident culture. Develop and enforce safety protocols, conduct regular safety audits, and lead training programs to enhance safety awareness and compliance.
• Continuous Improvement: Drive a culture of continuous improvement by implementing best practices, utilizing lean manufacturing principles, and fostering innovation within the quality, pattern shop, and engineering teams. Lead efforts to streamline processes, reduce waste, and enhance operational efficiency.
• Quality Assurance: Oversee the quality assurance process to ensure products meet or exceed industry standards and customer specifications. Implement robust quality control measures, analyze quality data, and lead corrective actions to address any issues.
• Pattern Shop Management: Supervise the pattern shop operations, ensuring the timely and accurate creation of patterns that meet production requirements. Optimize pattern shop processes and coordinate closely with engineering to ensure alignment with production needs.
• Engineering Oversight: Provide strategic direction to the engineering team, ensuring the development and implementation of effective engineering solutions. Support the design and optimization of foundry processes and equipment.
• Employee Development: Foster a high-performance culture by investing in employee development. Identify training needs, facilitate skill development programs, and provide mentorship to enhance team capabilities and career growth.
• Strategic Collaboration: Work closely with other senior leaders to align quality and engineering service objectives with company goals. Participate in strategic planning and decision-making processes to drive business growth and operational excellence.

Additional Oversight Responsibilities

• Responsible for utilization of all resources to meet safety and housekeeping goals.
• Maintain adherence to Company Policies & Procedures.
• Provides technical and managerial leadership to reduce process variability and quality related losses. Ensure proper manufacturing equipment is procured and utilized.
• Assure that vendors and EEC personnel address quality issues with urgency.
• Drives cost reductions and continuous improvement activities.
• Defines expectations and ensures that all personal performance reviews are done on-time and that his/her team has clear direction on their top priorities. Measures of success are defined by job class and people clearly understand they must meet their targets and execute their duties.
• Assure that ‘customer requested’ documentation is submitted in the proper format and with urgency in order to meet and exceed expectations. (Examples: Customer Certifications, CAR’s, first article approvals, RMA’s)
• Conduct Management Reviews as required.  Develop and implement quality systems to ensure conformity of purchased material and final products that meet and exceed both internal and external quality expectations.
• Ensure the proper training (In unison with departmental managers) of all employees.
• Lead and participate in weekly continuous improvement meetings – assure that all departments are notified of any and all product changes using the Process Change System.
• Provide technical assistance to Sales on new and existing product designs as required.
• Coordinate and oversee calibration and use of laboratory test equipment.  Supervise and provide training to technicians, as necessary.
• Assuring performance standards and results of key suppliers. 
• Make recommendations as to the training needs, hiring, firing, and advancement regarding department employees.
• Assume other activities and responsibilities as directed by Upper Management.

Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated performance to drive continuous improvement.
• Strong technical skills in quality, process controls, metallurgy and engineering.
• Demonstrated leadership skills to plan, organize and communicate expectations.
• High energy.
• Ability to train and develop people.
• Excellent communication skills, listening, verbal and written.
• Must have the ability to prepare and present effective reports / presentations.
• Must be computer literate.

Education and Experience

• Proven experience in a senior technical management role within the iron foundry or manufacturing industry.
• In-depth knowledge of quality assurance, pattern shop operations, and engineering principles.
• Demonstrated expertise in safety management, continuous improvement methodologies, and employee development strategies.
• Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (preferably material science); advanced degree or relevant certifications preferred