What are the responsibilities and job description for the QA and CI Manufacturing Manager position at Unified Door & Hardware Group?
Unified Door & Hardware Group (UDHG), a Foundation Building Materials company, is a premier distributor and solutions provider for the commercial door and hardware industry across North America. With a focus on quality, service, and expertise, UDHG partners with contractors, builders, and architects to deliver comprehensive door, frame, and hardware solutions for a wide range of projects. Headquartered in New Jersey, UDHG operates with a strong presence across the United States, supported by a team of dedicated professionals. Our Core Values of Safety, Customer Commitment, Teamwork, Integrity, and Excellence serve as the foundation of our success, driving superior service and trusted partnerships throughout the industry.
Position Overview
The Lean Manufacturing and Quality Assurance (QA) Manager is responsible for enhancing manufacturing processes to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and ensure product quality meets established standards. This dual-role professional will lead continuous improvement initiatives, implement lean methodologies, and oversee quality assurance processes to drive operational excellence and customer satisfaction.
Key Responsibilities
- Process Analysis and Improvement
- Analyze current manufacturing processes to identify inefficiencies and waste.
- Develop and implement lean manufacturing principles such as 5S, Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping, and Just-In-Time production.
- Train and educate staff on lean manufacturing principles and practices.
- Lead continuous improvement projects and Kaizen events.
- Workflow Optimization
- Design and optimize production workflows to improve throughput and reduce cycle time.
- Balance workloads across production lines to enhance efficiency.
- Identify and implement cost-saving opportunities in materials, labor, and overhead.
- Track and report on cost reduction initiatives and their impact on the bottom line.
- Quality Planning and Control
- Develop and implement quality assurance plans and procedures.
- Define quality standards and specifications for products and processes.
- Conduct inspections and tests on raw materials, in-process products, and finished goods.
- Utilize statistical methods and quality control tools to detect and analyze defects.
- Root Cause Analysis and Corrective Actions
- Investigate and determine the root cause of product defects and process non-conformities.
- Implement corrective and preventive actions to address quality issues.
- Maintain detailed records of quality inspections, test results, and corrective actions.
- Performance Monitoring and Reporting
- Develop key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the effectiveness of lean and quality initiatives.
- Monitor and analyze production metrics to ensure goals are being met.
- Prepare reports on quality metrics and trends for management review.
- Compliance and Audits
- Ensure compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.
- Participate in internal and external quality audits and assessments.
Key Accomplishments
- Successfully implemented lean manufacturing programs that significantly reduced production waste and improved efficiency.
- Led cross-functional teams in Kaizen events, resulting in reduced lead times and improved process workflows.
- Developed and executed quality assurance programs that lowered defect rates and enhanced product reliability.
- Conducted root cause analysis and corrective actions that resolved major quality issues and reduced customer complaints.
- Maintained compliance with industry standards.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Manufacturing, Quality Assurance, or related field.
- Proven experience in lean manufacturing and quality assurance within a manufacturing environment.
- Strong knowledge of lean methodologies and quality control tools.
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
- Ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
- Effective communication and training skills.
UDHG Benefits
- A friendly and supportive work environment
- Competitive pay and incentives
- For full-time employees, benefits include Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability, and 401(k) plans.
- Career growth opportunities
