Project Manager - Quality Improvement

Summary

The Project Manager for Quality Improvement will drive strategic quality improvements by analyzing input from internal non-conformances, quality performance metrics for customers, and internal system audits. The Project Manager will formulate the necessary cross-functional team, collaboratively devise the improvement project plan, manage the execution of that plan to closure, and communicate the results of the project to promote the Quality Assurance continuous improvement program within the company. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform data analysis on internal non-conformance data and customer quality notifications to determine trends in quality metrics and high drivers of quality issues.
• Develop systemic corrective actions to address structural and procedural issues that cause quality issues. 
• Coordinates with inspection and operations teams to ensure that quality plans effectively meet data collection needs and data is captured as effectively as possible.
• Audit internal processes to determine their effectiveness. 
• Facilitate the resolution of risks identified in audit activities, including the revisions of any documentation required to support audit closure.
• Collaborate with teams and leadership to define action plans for addressing analysis outcomes.
• Project manage action plans to closure, track and communicate effectiveness, report out on status/needs/escalation to leadership.
• Utilize recognized tools/methodologies, including, as applicable: Six Sigma/DMAIC; PDCA; quantitative data analysis; LEAN principles; 5S; project management techniques; RCCA techniques; Fishbone diagramming.
• Communicate the outcomes of Quality Assurance continuous improvement events/projects at all levels

Key Roles

• Perform data analysis on internal non-conformance data and customer quality notifications to determine trends in quality metrics and high drivers of quality issues.
• Work with Quality Engineering, inspection, and operations teams to develop corrective actions for addressing system issues, internal defects, and customer escapes. 
• Research and develop new systems or processes (tools, gages, software, machines) for improving inspection and data collection processes. 
• Ensures effective use of quality plans and programs by inspection and production teams by responding to issues and concerns and providing necessary training. 

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 & Experience Requirements:

• A bachelor’s degree in mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing, or related Engineering field, or equivalent experience, is recommended
• Two years working in one or more of the following disciplines: Continuous Improvement, Manufacturing, Quality systems, Project Management

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• Computer literate: Experience with any ERP planning system, or prior exposure to JobBoss is a plus, Microsoft proficient, especially Excel skills. 
• Data analysis skills
• Knowledge of inspection gages and principles
• Strong problem-solving utilizing widely recognized methodologies (six sigma, LEAN, RCCA)
• Project management
• Ability to communicate effectively with all internal and external customers in both written and oral form 

Supervisory Responsibilities

There are no supervisory requirements with this role. This position will be required to be able to train and coach others in continuous improvement philosophy and implementation as it relates to Quality Assurance and auditing. 

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 walk; and regularly required to stand; handle or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee will regularly lift and/or move up to 5 to 10 pounds and rarely lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Annual employee vision tests are administered.

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.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be exposed to moving mechanical parts, fumes, or airborne particles. The noise level in the work environment is frequently loud.

Safety and Policy Practices

The employee in this job must be knowledgeable in regard to the safety policies and procedures of the Company as described in the Company safety manual. The employee must adhere to all said policies and procedures while supporting the goals and objectives of the organization and recognize the Company’s need to achieve its business objective. Employee is responsible for complying with company hazardous waste disposal procedures.