Quality Manager

PURPOSE

Rite-Hite is seeking a Quality Manager to build and maintain a robust quality management system. In this role, you will develop a problem-solving approach to address daily quality concerns at our Horn Lake, MS facility. You will be preparing the location for ISO-compliant business systems and drive operational excellence principles across all functions to support continuous improvement in processes and performance metrics.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Follows through on set processes and ensures adherence to best production practices and product quality standards.

Reviews customer specifications and/or drawings and ensures consistent compliance to customer quality specifications, drawings, etc.

Provide information to Engineering and Purchasing regarding repeated quality issues in terms of production, installation, service, etc.

Develops and implements quality and process improvement plans, programs and procedures using continuous improvement techniques such as the 5 WHYs, 7 Step Problem Solving, PDCA, and other analysis methods.

Coordinates the investigation of problems and develops disposition and corrective actions for recurring discrepancies.

Must be able to use small quality hand tools such as calipers, etc.

Must be able to read and interpret blueprints.

Performs audits as required against the product, product components, subassembly areas, and uses independent judgement for structural and functional aspect of the product.

Performs process audits of production and support functions to identify gaps and validate effectiveness of improvement activities.

Develops, deploys, and maintains the quality management system.

Develops, deploys, and maintains the supplier quality development process in conjunction with the Materials department.

Apply Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma tools and methodology in the implementation of manufacturing excellence initiatives.

Audit business processes to ensure compliance to the management system.

Facilitate employee engagement in problem solving activities and teach problem solving methodologies throughout the organization.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES
Develop and prepare accurate data and reviews summaries with Engineering, Manufacturing, Purchasing and other departments as required.

Inspect and test returned parts to determine disposition.

Lead quality meetings.

Provide descriptions, documentation and recommendations to Purchasing regarding quality concerns / component improvements.

Visit and audit key suppliers to drive improvements in supplier performance of quality, cost, and delivery.

Ensure proper and timely disposal of vendor parts to be returned.

Work with Engineering and Manufacturing to facilitate product and process improvements consistent with Lean Manufacturing practice.

Manages and maintains quality database including the status of each quality improvement issue and resolution the resolution including QIR, QAR, and ECNs.

Conduct trend analysis of quality concerns to establish strategic program direction.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Manages 6-12 direct reports. Is responsible for the overall direction, coordination and evaluation of this unit of the business. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include planning, assigning and directing work; appraising performance via the development of measurable objectives; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS
Six sigma certification or equivalent problem-solving experience is required.

Demonstrated leadership in implementing Lean Manufacturing protocols.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
Bachelor's degree and minimum 5 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and/or experience in a manufacturing environment. The individual must be well organized, with excellent written and verbal communication skills. Working knowledge of Lotus, Microsoft Office, JD Edwards and AS400 is desired. Basic understanding of Excel including charts, graphs and data analysis.

LANGUAGE SKILLS
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, and customers.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS
Ability to comprehend and apply principles of advanced statistical theory as applies to design of experiments and problem solving.

REASONING ABILITY
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand, sit, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to walk; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 65 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and color vision.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, and risk of electrical shock. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.