Job Purpose

Accountable for all aspects of plant process and product quality to ensure conformance with internal specifications, certifying agency requirements, and customer expectations. Lead plant continuous improvement efforts that improve process and product consistency. Develop and execute strategic goals that align with business objectives. Lead plant quality department including scheduling, coaching, training, preparation and testing of lab samples, safety and housekeeping, and data reporting.

We’d love to meet you if... 
… you’re energized by big challenges and creating a plan to meet the challenge 
… you enjoy working with others to deliver great work 
… you’re innovative and looking for a values-driven, positive culture and environment

In this position you will have the opportunity to:

•    Perform all duties in accordance with safety rules and regulations.
•    Manage a quality department that supports operations and activities at a manufacturing facility
•    Perform all work in accordance with safety rules and regulations and participate in facility health & safety activities as as signed. Be pro-active in identifying and performing tasks to maintain and improve safety, quality and environmental performance.
•    Ensure plant compliance with all internal product specifications, certifying agency guidelines, and corporate quality policies.
•    Provide leadership on all aspects of Quality to the Plant Business Team, Supervisors, Quality Dept., and throughout operations.
•    Provide management to department employees by effectively coaching, training, mentoring, and monitoring performance.
•    Ensure quality manual(s), control plans, and SOP's exist and updated for all quality related tasks.
•    Ensure required training for department employees is completed and documented appropriately.
•    Develop process quality control plans; ensure plant operations receive proper training on plan execution.
•    Ensure the cahbration of lab equipment in accordance with the calibration plan.
•    Provide leadership in enhancing plant quality culture by identifying skill gaps in operations personnel and department employees.
•    Actively participate in plant capital planning and execution processes.
•    Develop and execute plant strategic goals that align with business objectives.
•    Develop and manage quality systems in alignment with corporate and business goals.
•    Lead and execute process optimization initiatives (i.e. cost reduction, new technology, etc.), new product commercialization, continuous process improvement, and experimental design
•    Manage the department as relates to budget and staffing responsibilities
•    Train, coach, and conduct performance evaluations for department employees.
•    Participates as a key member in plant business team activities.
•    Lead plant quality self-assessment and support internal quality audits. Address issues and ensure corrective actions are taken.
•    Identify, coordinate, and conduct training for employees in areas such as experimental design, statistical process control, process improvement, and quality management systems.
•    Leverage business best practices as appropriate.
•    Perform other duties as necessary

What do I need to be successful?

•    Thorough knowledge of quality systems.
•    Thorough knowledge of manufacturing capabilities and process optimization.
•    Demonstrated knowledge of statistical analysis and experimental design.
•    In depth knowledge of customer requirements, compliance regulations, quality processes and procedures.
•    Skilled in leading, planning, coaching, training, and managing.
•    Proven project management skills
•    Demonstrated ability to implement corporate, business and plant level strategies.
•    Demonstrated ability to evaluate and optimize test procedures.
•    Demonstrated ability to define problems, collect data, and draw valid conclusions.
•    Demonstrated ability to lead and manage multiple projects.
•    Demonstrated ability to operate a computer and supporting software, including Microsoft Office.
•    Working knowledge of statistical software applications.
•    Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in oral and written form.

Education

•    Bachelor's degree in Forest Products, Engineering, or related Science related field is strongly preferred.
•    ASQ Certification, Lean Six Sigma Training, or other applicable training desirable.
•    Or any equivalent combination of education, experience and training that demonstrates the ability to perform the key responsibilities of this position.

Experience

•    Minimum 3 years quality experience in a manufacturing environment
•    Minimum 2 years in a lead or supervisory role
•    Demonstrated experience in implementing plant, business and corporate strategies, such as statistical process control (SPC), quality management systems, and continuous improvement.
•    Demonstrated experience in troubleshooting, problem solving, quality management systems, continuous improvement, and project management.

Work Environment

•    Minimal travel required.
•    Manufacturing and lab environments include exposure to moving parts, fumes, chemicals, airborne particles and high temperatures.
•    Employee must have the ability to climb, bend, stoop, kneel, work in inclement weather, and work with elevated noise levels.
•    Position requires the physical ability to periodically lift items weighing up to 50 pounds.