Quality Assurance Manager

Job Summary

Manages the Quality and Chemistry Departments to enhance the quality performance and process efficiency throughout the facility. Coordinates department responsibilities within the framework of company policy, philosophies, and our Quality Management System. Challenges established methods and ideas to stimulate progressive results.

Essential Job Duties/Responsibilities

· Define and develop quality procedures and specifications, testing, and inspection methods in alignment with customer and certification requirements.

· Directly interacts with Customers to discuss and resolve issues.

· Assists Sales and Customer Service with technical questions or concerns, tours of the facility and technical seminars. Provides support for the technical training of all personnel.

· Ensures the Quality Management System is proactively managed to meet and exceed certification standards through continuous monitoring of performance against Quality systems and guidelines. Responsible for managing customer, certification, internal and supplier audits.

· Evaluates and performs reviews of quality and chemistry department personnel and creates development plans for direct reports. Creates and maintains annual training plans for all departmental personnel.

· Partners with Technologies to develop and implement “Best Practices” to meet the program requirements.

· Lead risk reviews and collaborate with Technology and Operations to develop robust control plans that ensure the quality and manufacturability of new products or process designs.

· Engage in product onboarding and/or development activities and provide project direction to ensure continued compliance with all applicable regulatory, statutory and customer requirements.

· Responsible for change/configuration management process and the effective implementation of changes to the Quality Management System.

· Measures Cost of Quality and identifies actions to improve business performance and customer satisfaction.

· Responsible for maintaining the performance of site chemistry and associated processes (tank management, testing, waste-water treatment).

· Maintains a partner relationship with vendors and manages the procurement of all process chemicals. Works collaboratively with supply chain to qualify new vendors and monitor their performance.

· Strives to ensure that PMF is taking advantage of the latest technology. Evaluates new process technology or chemistry as they relate to quality, cost reductions, safety, impact on regulatory and environmental requirements.

· Provide “Boots on the ground” production support on process compliance, product quality and safety. Supports the continuous improvement process through development and training of the work force. On-call for process related problems and resolution.

· Manages the Quality and Chemistry department to ensure analytical equipment is working efficiently and a preventative maintenance schedule is followed. Is responsible for developing financial analysis to justify payback on investments in analytical equipment.

· Manages the company’s compliance with governmental and environmental regulations with all regulatory agencies. On-call for chemical-related emergencies. Assists in the completion of all environmental reports.

Education/Qualifications

· Bachelor of Science in Chemistry or related technical field or equivalent work experience with a direct supervisory and quality management background.

· Minimum of 3 years Quality Engineering / Management experience.

· ISO 9001:2015 and knowledge / experienced required.

· Experience leading organizations through the quality journey to develop a culture of quality and attain ISO certification.

· ITAR knowledge / experience preferred.

· Experience leading and participating in internal and external audits required.

· Certified ISO 9001:2015 auditor preferred.

· Certified Quality Engineer or Manager, preferred.

· Demonstrable knowledge and experience with Manufacturing Process tools/methodologies including Process Change Assessment, Risk Management (Hazard Analysis), Process FMEA, Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T), Process Capability, Process Control, Process Qualification, Design of Experiments, Gauge R&R, and Inspection/Test Method Validation.

· Well-versed in Quality tools such as Lean manufacturing, TPE, Mistake proofing, Kaizen, and 5-S

· Strong knowledge of statistical analysis.

Personal Attributes

· Hands-on approach to managing.

· Strong organizational and time management skills.

· Ability to resolve issues quickly and recommend preventive solutions.

· Negotiation skills, including understanding of escalation paths.

· Strong computer skills; skilled in Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Minitab, Smartsheet.

· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Physical/Environmental/Chemical Hazards

· Sharp parts, sharp tooling, heavy carts, occasional hot and cold temperature and humidity levels, heat from ovens, moderate noise levels, limited hand and air tool use, compressed air (must use hearing protection).

· Must be able to lift 30-50 lbs. unassisted.

· Must be able to differentiate between color variances.

· Potential splash exposure near process lines.

· Various process chemicals.