SUMMARY

Directly responsible for coordinating the Quality Assurance department and Methods Engineering activities in order to provide Yaskawa Motoman with high quality products delivered on time and fairly priced. Responsible for corporate Quality Assurance and Methods Engineering programs.

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

• Ensure the highest practicable safety and housekeeping standards are maintained at all times by all Quality and Methods Engineering personnel.
• Lead and maintain the corporate Quality Management System, including ISO registration activities, Management Quality System Reviews, internal audits, and all responses required to sustain the system.
• Serve as the Management Representative and Lead Auditor for registered company locations.
• Author, maintain, and continuously improve the Yaskawa Motoman Corporate Quality Policy Manual and departmental quality policies and procedures.
• Coordinate quality assurance requirements with YEC, Japan, and direct departmental activities required for the effective maintenance of Yaskawa Motoman’s Quality System.
• Provide strategic and tactical direction for Quality Assurance, Methods Engineering, iNET operations, and corporate quality processes in support of presidential and company objectives.
• Direct Methods Engineering activities, including planning, implementation, monitoring, reporting, labor standards, assembly build times, and the creation and maintenance of manufacturing control documents such as work instructions and workmanship standards.
• Develop and improve quality assurance approaches that increase the efficiency and productivity of Yaskawa Motoman’s Strategic Business Units.
• Plan, schedule, and direct departmental resources, including personnel, capital equipment, and floor space, within established company and departmental guidelines.
• Lead the corporate continuous improvement program, integrating data analysis, structured problem-solving, Lean/Kaizen methodologies, employee development, and change management to improve quality, productivity, shop-floor efficiency, supplier performance, cost containment, organizational capability, and overall business performance while eliminating non-value-added activities across the value stream.
• Direct supplier quality performance by establishing supplier strategies, selection criteria, performance measures, and improvement plans that support quality, on-time delivery, and competitive cost objectives.
• Partner with suppliers to improve their ability to consistently provide quality components on time and at competitive prices.
• Coordinate with Sales, Order Entry, Customer Service, Manufacturing, Suppliers, Engineering, and Logistics to achieve quality, delivery, productivity, and customer satisfaction goals.
• Provide closed-loop feedback to internal and external stakeholders to improve the quality and cost-effectiveness of sales orders, purchase requisitions, shipping records, and related documentation.
• Recruit, interview, hire, onboard, assign, coach, evaluate, and develop qualified personnel.
• Establish performance objectives, conduct timely progress reviews, coach employees as needed, and apply progressive discipline when necessary.
• Provide leadership and oversight for employee training and professional development, including the design, development, deployment, and maintenance of training programs, qualification standards, and instructional content that support organizational and operational objectives.
• Promote teamwork, employee satisfaction, a positive working environment, and strong quality ownership throughout the department.
• Prepare annual capital and operating budgets for executive approval and manage departmental resources within approved budgets.
• Review relevant technical publications and participate in training to remain current with industry developments.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's degree and eight years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Minimum of four years managerial experience in a comparable quality assurance and/or purchasing department is required. Engineering degree or technical experience preferred.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Certification as a Quality Manager (CQM), Quality Auditor (CQA), Quality Engineer (CQE) / Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB) is highly desirable. Certification may be waived if an excellent understanding of Quality Assurance and Lean/Kaizen knowledge, techniques and skills can be demonstrated.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community. Ability to write speeches and articles for publication that conform to prescribed style and format. Ability to effectively present information to top management and public groups.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Must have excellent interpersonal, coaching, leadership, teamwork, planning, organizational, and time management skills. Must be able to effectively introduce new technologies and processes. Must be able to prioritize and successfully resolve multiple issues simultaneously. Must be detail oriented and a good negotiator. Must have excellent computer skills and the ability to effectively apply system enhancements to Quality and Purchasing objectives. Knowledge of engineering design and manufacturing techniques is required.

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.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

“Equal Opportunity Employer, including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities.”