Quality Assurance Manager

This position will require access to ITAR and/or EAR controlled technical data, technology or source code, and requires that all individuals in this role be authorized to access such information

General Description

The Quality Assurance Manager reports to the Director of Operations.  The Quality Assurance Manager is responsible for establishing, monitoring, and maintaining a Quality System that will ensure the products manufactured at REDAR are of the highest quality and meet our customer needs.  The position requires a strong understanding of the quality assurance methods and systems used within the defense manufacturing setting.  The position requires good managerial, supervisory, organizational, and problem solving skills.  On a daily basis, the Quality Assurance Manager interacts with all levels of the organization, customers, vendors, and government representatives.  Good communication, interpersonal, and group interaction skills are essential.

Primary Responsibilities

• Coordinates and leads the site’s quality assurance strategy and its execution to ensure the production of quality products consistent with applicable requirements and standards
• Function as Management Representative for AS-9100 Quality Management System
• Oversee the performance of the Quality Assurance Department
• Effectively balance representing the Voice of the Customer with being an overall business partner

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree within a technical field will be considered
• 10+ years Quality Assurance management experience in a manufacturing environment required. Experience in rubber and/or composites field preferred.
• Minimum three (3) years of experience within DOD setting
• ASQ Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence or Certified Quality Engineer required
• Experience creating and ensuring quality system documentation, including work instructions, departmental policies, and procedures are current and compliant
• In-depth knowledge of manufacturing process control, root cause determination, and corrective action
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, customer specifications and military specifications
• Experience implementing and maintaining a quality system certified to a recognized national or international standard (e.g. – AS9100, ISO-9001, ISO-13485, IATF 16949)
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to develop subordinates and teach quality tools/principles to the entire organization

Specific Tasks and Focus Areas

• Coordinates and leads the site’s quality assurance strategy and its execution to ensure the production of quality products consistent with applicable requirements and standards
  • Responsible for identifying, analyzing, and developing improvements in quality, customer relationships, customer service, and productivity
  • Drives continuous improvement in processes and systems through the use of Quality Engineering principles, tools, and techniques
  • Prepares for and oversees compliance audits of REDAR’s Quality Management System (Customer and 3^rd Party)
  • Oversees customer returns
• Function as Management Representative for AS-9100 Quality Management System
  • Ensures REDAR’s Quality Management System conforms to internal, customer, and regulatory/legal requirements
  • Plans and conducts Management Review Meetings
  • Interact with registrar to schedule ongoing 3^rd Party quality system audits
  • Lead effort to respond to identified non-conformances during 3^rd Party audits
• Oversees the performance of the Quality Assurance Department
  • Develops performance objectives for the Quality function based upon corporate and plant quality objectives. Has both the authority and responsibility to assure these goals are attained.  Prioritizes activities for the Quality organization to achieve desired results and deadlines.
  • Sets department goals, objectives, and priorities
    • Encourages employee participation and contribution to planning
    • Motivates every employee to take responsibility for and be accountable for achieving department and company goals
    • Builds teamwork such that every employee values the achievement of the department and the company more than their personal achievement
      • Periodically reviews and evaluates the department’s accomplishments with the team
    • Regularly reviews department structure and staffing levels (salaried and hourly) to identify changes needed to support current and future business environment
    • Creates a professional, satisfied, and efficient work team that gives 100% effort to every task
      • Improves the performance of every employee every year
      • Identifies employee strengths and weaknesses; look to leverage strengths and improve weaknesses
      • Determines employee growth desires and capabilities
      • Identifies job required training, tools, aides, etc. needed to help improve job performance
    • Communicates effectively with every employee such that they thoroughly understand expectations and performance requirements
      • Flows down responsibilities, goals, and objectives to employees
      • Provides feedback to employees throughout the year on their performance
      • Reviews progress on meeting goals and objectives throughout the year
      • Provides “daily care and feeding” for employees

• Effectively balance representing the Voice of the Customer with being an overall business partner
  • Effectively identify and understand risks associated with decisions
  • Promote open discussion of differing opinions so that the best business decision can be made
  • Demonstrate a good working knowledge of other business functions to allow for effective communication and implementation of change
  • Understand overall company objectives and effectively balance competing priorities
  • Make fact-based decisions. Primary emphasis is on product quality and protecting the Customer, but overall business needs to be considered as well (risk management).