Quality and Process Leader

Description:

The Quality and Process Leader is responsible for overseeing the Quality Management System at the facility. Quality and Process Leader ensures that all required quality assurance tests on finished products are compliant with specifications, maintains accurate documentation (electronic and paper), retains samples, champions Continuous Improvement Projects, plant trials, and Root-Cause Analyses (RCA) for quality issues. The Quality and Process Leader reports directly to the Plant Manager.

Supervisory:

Normally works without supervision. Because this position is mostly unsupervised, this person must have initiative to accomplish duties in a timely and accurate manner. Consults with Production Supervisor in case of procedure changes or when quality issues arise.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Maintain a safe, organized work environment that ensures all employees are compliant with Chemstar's safety practices and procedures.
• Implement and sustain compliance with the Quality Management System.
• Maintain plant files and records for Chemstar's Quality Management System within the Plex Quality Module.
• Ensure Lab Technician(s) execute timely testing of finished products in accordance with specifications.
• Ensure customer and vendor specifications and product codes are maintained and up to date.
• Communicate quality issues to the Director of Operations, Plant Manager, Production Supervisor, and plant operators.
• Quarantine any product that is not in spec or does not meet packaging requirements. Must verify proper containment and quarantine markings for each pallet.
• Collaborate with Production Supervisor to troubleshoot real-time quality issues and help determine immediate corrective action.
• Lead Root-Cause Analyses (RCA) for Quality Control and Quality Assurance issues and customer complaints.
• Participate in product trials by interfacing with Enterprise Research and Development and plant operators.
• Monitor that finished products are presentable and accurately marked and packaged in accordance with Chemstar standards and Customer Requirement Sheets.
• Write Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's) as needed, related to quality procedures for any part of the plant process with approval from the Director of Operations.
• Ensure laboratories are in compliance with the Chemical Hygiene Plan.
• Lead Continuous Improvement projects using Six-Sigma methods such as DMAIC, PDCA, etc.
• Use basic statistical methods for analyzing data (e.g., control charts, t-test comparisons).
• Timely reporting of Quality Metrics to Plant Manager and Director of Operations.

Required Competencies:

• Ability to learn and follow written and verbal instructions.
• Proficient in basic math and metric system.
• Proficient using Microsoft Office products. Experience with or ability to learn Quality and Process Data Historian software.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including report and procedure writing.
• Ability to train others.
• Familiarity of or ability to learn Six-Sigma statistical methods used for analyzing data.
• Will need to become familiar with Formulator/Recipe Manager and Drum Dryer Operator roles.

Education and Work Experience:

• High School Diploma
• B.S. degree in Sciences field preferred; or
• 2 years of test laboratory experience
• 2 years of quality assurance experience preferred

Schedule:

• Monday- Friday
• 8 hour shift
• Occasional off-shift support as needed.

Working Conditions:

• Somewhat disagreeable working conditions due to exposure to dust, odors, and hazardous chemicals.
• Considerable temperature variation throughout the year.
• Occasional lifting of up to 55 pounds.
• Standing for long periods.
• Normally works M-F day shift. May need to provide occasional off-shift support.