Continuous Improvement Quality Leader

SUMMARY

The CI Quality Leader plays a pivotal role in ensuring HJI Supply Chain Solutions' short- and long-term success by spearheading best practice programs. Utilizing the power of Lean Six Sigma and Kaizen methodologies, this position leads impactful product/process improvements, delivering substantial value across all HJI locations. With a strong focus on continuous improvement and quality, the CI Quality Leader showcases exemplary leadership skills in training and developing teams, fostering a culture that optimally supports improvement and quality initiatives. As a member of the HJI Team, your success would be measured with daily practice of our Core Values:

• INTEGRITY: We do the right thing. We are real, honest, ethical, and trusted to adhere to our word.
• COMMITMENT: We are dedicated to the success of our customers, employees, and partners by continuously pursuing perfection with pride, passion and performance.
• ACCOUNTABILITY: If it has to be, it's up to me.
• DIVERSITY: We're greater when we're equal. We value innovation from an inclusive way of thinking and appreciate differences and commonalities of all people, all backgrounds, and all perspectives. 
• LEADERSHIP: We lead with Humility, Authenticity, Vulnerability, and Empathy. We H.A.V.E. it. 
• TEAMWORK: We work together and across boundaries to encourage trust, collaboration, and respectful relations to help our company win. 

JOB RESPONSIBLITIES:

• Facilitate internal Continuous Improvement activities (LEAN, Six-Sigma, ISO 9001, etc.).
• Prepare and present customer PPAP for all parts produced within the company.
• Evaluate current work processes to determine flow, time requirements, costs, and duration.
• Drive worker efficiency and waste reduction through Lean and continuous improvement tools, including value stream mapping.
• Support operations to ensure products adhere to quality standards through audits and observations. Lead SPC Tool usage as needed.
• Assist with Quality and CI themed audits at each site, moving towards ISO 9001 certification.
• Provide reports based on audits and observations to drive continuous improvements.
• Train site leadership and operational staff in manufacturing practices and quality assessment.
• Track products through the manufacturing process to ensure correctness.
• Perform detailed inspections of final products to meet industry and company standards.
• Support the Inventory team in identifying non-conforming parts and resolving defective product issues.
• Drive cost control and reduction programs while promoting daily operational best practices.
• Conduct progress reviews with Ops Leadership Groups and Corporate Teams as needed.
• Support programs to recognize and reward process improvement suggestions and actions.
• Collaborate on HJI safety programs across all facilities for continuous improvement.
• Assist Ops Team with initial launch of continuous improvement and lean projects.
• Enhance the company's reputation and relationship with key customers through efficient quality control.
• Update and manage all internal/external audit findings.
• Perform any other assigned duties.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or management preferred.

• Demonstrated Lean experience or training preferred.

• Certification in Lean Management Principles and/or Six Sigma Belt certifications preferred

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and

procedure manuals. Strong interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills. Ability to write routine

reports and correspondence and to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of the organization. Ability to communicate to all employees at all levels effectively. 

COMPUTER RELATED SKILLS

Excellent computer skills with a proficiency in Microsoft applications, Outlook, correspondence and a high level of comfort with Technology including managing and troubleshooting WMS systems.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Identifying those standardization gaps while developing strategic processes for measured success. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.  High attention to detail and ability to standardize work where standards do not exist.  Envision the future state for the company’s quality departments, create a   

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands described here are the 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 required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; talk and hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 70 pounds. Standing and walking on feet for up to 10 hours or more. Constant bending, twisting, stooping, and reaching below and above the shoulders. Spend time in non-climate controlled warehouse While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to computer screens using keyboard functions and other hand usage.

**The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.  The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed.  The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. **