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 and R&D lab (at applicable facilities) 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:

• Manage a quality department that supports operations and activities at a manufacturing facility that possesses a higher level of complexity typically derived from one or more of the following: - Operation of multiple presses - Operation of multiple finishing lines - Operation of multiple laboratories (i.e. quality control and R&D) - Manufacture of multiple engineered wood products that possess independent quality systems (i.e. OSB and siding, LVL and plywood, OSB and LSL, etc.)
• Perform all work in accordance with safety rules and regulations and participate in facility health & safety activities as assigned. 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 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 calibration of lab equipment in accordance with the calibration plan.
• Manage R&D lab (at applicable facilities) - Provide leadership for R&D activities for corporate, business and/or plant level initiatives - Schedule and supervise work of R&D technician(s) - Coordinate, plan, and oversee R&D related trials and tests - Lead research projects within areas of expertise - Identify and reduce causes of experimental error - Analyze test results, prepare reports and data summaries, including statistical analysis
• Actively participate in plant capital planning and execution processes.
• Develop and execute 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.
• Support, participate and/or lead in Lean Six Sigma projects and activities.
• Participate as a member of the Lean Six Sigma sponsor team.
• Minimal travel required (less than 10%)

What do I need to be successful?

• Minimum 7 years of quality experience in manufacturing environment
• Minimum 5 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
• Thorough knowledge of quality systems.
• Thorough knowledge of manufacturing capabilities and process optimization.
• Demonstrated knowledge of statistical analysis and experimental design.
• 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
• Working knowledge of statistical software applications.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Forest Products, Engineering, or 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.

Work Environment

OSB Manufacturing Plant