Plant QA Manager

Job Summary: The Manager, Plant Quality Assurance has overall responsibility to plan, coordinate, and direct all technical and administrative functions of the plant Quality Assurance Department and Quality Assurance Program. Ensures continuous production of products, consistent with established standards, directly or through subordinates. Actively participates as a vital member of the Plant Quality Steering Committee (QSC).

Essential Functions:

• Advises Manager, Corporate Quality Assurance and Plant Manager on all significant matters pertaining to product quality and related functions.
• Supervises all quality control and inspection functions.
• Responsible for maintaining product quality records, files, and required reports. Manages plant Corrective Action Program, both internal and vendor CARs.
• Advises Manger, Corporate Quality Assurance and Plant Manager of personnel and equipment needs.
• Develops training and instruction programs for Quality personnel.
• Works with Product Development Engineering personnel during product design phase for early establishment of product requirements, dimensions, tolerances, and any other pertinent quality requirements.
• Works with Product Development Engineering during prototype and first sample phases to determine conformance to specifications and product requirements.
• Analyzes process capabilities to meet product requirements.
• Investigates customer complaints regarding Quality. Determines root causes and implements corrective and preventive actions to prevent recurrences.
• Works with plant and corporate Purchasing during the selection of major suppliers to provide supplier quality audits and other quality performance data for input into the selection process.
• Performs periodic supplier quality audits of major suppliers and analyzes quality performance of existing suppliers.
• Works with suppliers on quality and inspection requirements and procedures.
• Ensures the implementation of effective and timely calibration programs for all inspection equipment.
• Develops and ensures implementation of procedures and instructions for all phases of the product quality program.
• Interprets corporate quality specifications and informs associated plant departments of these requirements.
• Coordinates quality and inspection requirements, at plant level, with government and customer quality control representatives. Acts as plant Quality representative during government, customer, or certification body audits.
• Evaluates new inspection and measuring equipment and techniques with the goal of providing more efficient inspection techniques. Continuously monitors quality processes for opportunities to streamline without increasing the risk of nonconforming product.
• Acts as plant representative in joint quality activities with corporate personnel, other domestic plants, and international subsidiaries.
• Works with QSC on Plant ISO program. Reviews required documentation to maintain program and ensure quality processes and products.

Supervisory Responsibilities: (Plant Quality Assurance Department personnel)

• Prepares and conducts performance evaluations for Quality Department personnel. Develops and plans training to upgrade personnel skill levels as required. Upholds plant regulations and administers disciplinary actions when required.
• Evalutes manpower requirements semi-annually and advises Manager, Corporate Quality Assurance and Plant Manager of changes.
• Recruits and interviews applicants for plant Quality Assurance Department openings.

Qualifications and Requirements Education:

• B. S. Degree in Quality, Industrial or Mechanical Engineering or equivalent.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

• ASQ Quality Management or Quality Engineer certification helpful.

Required Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in a quality system environment. Quality system development experience required.
• Minimum of five years’ supervisory experience required.
• Knowledge of statistics and experience in statistical analysis software required.
• Knowledge of general manufacturing techniques and systems required.
• Knowledge of material properties and behavior desirable.
• Knowledge of telephone and electrical power industry products desirable.
• Experience with ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems required.
• Experience working with non-US suppliers desirable.

Computer Skills:

• Ability to use a computer and standard business applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and ERP systems.
• Experience in statistical analysis software required.

Travel Requirements: 5%

Other Qualifications/Requirements or Skills:

• Ability to resolve quality-related problems and utilize facts and information.
• Ability to effectively delegate job responsibilities to ensure a successful completion of a given task or assignment.
• Ability to work professionally with all departments within the Company to address required objectives.
• Ability to motivate reporting personnel to achieve superior task results in a timely manner.
• Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of the organization.
• Ability to work irregular hours and be on call outside of normal business hours as needed.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and shall not be construed as a declaration of the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.