Job Description Summary

Reporting to the Director of Quality, the Quality Manager will be responsible for finding ways to improve Knape & Vogt’s product quality being focused on decreasing both internal and customer facing defects. Responsible for overall effectiveness and development of the quality organization, resources, and quality system. Ensures adherence to and compliance with established company quality policies, and practices. Manages the investigation and causes of quality issues and is responsible for achieving immediate and permanent fixes. The Plant Quality department reports to this individual. This position reports to the VP of Operations.

The duties and responsibilities of the Quality Manager will consist of, but are not limited to, the following:

• Manages the day-to-day activity of the Quality Department in our Manufacturing and Distribution Center
• Prepares, leads, and determines Customer corrective actions with the Operations staff
• Establishes internal audits, drives ISO 9001 Certification compliance, and follow up activity
• Prepare and follow department budgets, forecasts, and annual operating plans
• Assure the development and administration of verification procedures, reports and sampling plans, to assure uniformity in handling of all parts and minimize or eliminate non-conformances or missed checks
• Lead the research and response to customer complaints, rejections, and requests for corrective action
• Provides Quality System mentorship and leadership for a three shift / day Operations
• Develops and aligns operations on quality processes and execution throughout the plant
• Participates in NPD, product validation gauges, and first article inspections processes
• Report quality results to all relevant parties and maintain quality records/documentation
• Manage the quality metrics, KPI’s, and cost of quality to optimize return on investment
• Keeps senior management aware of trends in Quality
• Oversee the development of quality information systems in a three shift / day Operations
• Other duties as assigned

Competencies:

• Customer Focus
• Decision Quality
• Establishes Relationships
• Time Management
• Problem Solving
• Priority Setting Total Quality Management
• Results, Action Oriented

Requirements:

• Work Experience: 5 years of demonstrated work experience in this area, quality systems tools, databases, and statistical process controls. Able to mentor, facilitate, and lead problem solving methodology (5 whys, 8D, or A3). Experience with Measurement Systems Analysis and Process Control. Project management skills, with the ability to deliver complex problem solutions.
• Education: BS in Operations or Engineering or related field
• Computer Skills: ERP systems (ie: Oracle, SAP, or BAAN), MS Office Suite, and Statistical Process Control (SPC)
• Organization Skills: Ability to multi-task and shift priorities as needed
• Cross-functional skills: Ability to work well cross-functionally with multiple peers and groups; provides excellent internal and external customer service
• Communication Skills: Ability to communicate well with all levels of the organization; strong interpersonal skills; ability to deal with sensitive and confidential information
• Physical, Mental and Visual Skills: 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 disability to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk, climb ladders, sit and talk or hear. The employee is also required to stand and use hands to finger, handle, or feel. 
• Physical Environment: Directly located in our Oak facility. Normal office environment; manufacturing and warehouse environment and exposure to moving equipment.

Preferred Requirements:

• Work Experience: 7 years of experience in this area, Statistical Process Control (SPC), Lean Six Sigma Black or Green belt. Previous supervision experience. Manufacturing Execution System (MES) architecture design and alignment to operations requirements.
• Education: Master’s degree in Business, Engineering, or related field.
• Certifications: ASQ Certified Quality Manager and/or Certified Quality Engineer
• Computer Skills: Advanced SPC, .xls, or SQL

KV is a dedicated equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, genetics, or citizenship status (when otherwise legally authorized to work) and will not be discriminated against on the basis of such characteristics or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. KV encourages applicants of all ages.