Tm Leader, Quality

Work under the general direction of a Quality Manager and is responsible for the day-to-day supervision of employees assigned to a program and supply base.

Plan, lead and supervise assigned functions of the Supplier Quality Team or IPT necessary to support the manufacture and delivery of products in accordance with contractual and other related requirements such as production / operations, procurement regulations, program requirements, cost control / budgets, engineering change control, environmental compliance and others. Perform supplier source inspections, first article inspections, supplier surveys and audits assuring supplier corrective action where is required.

This role ensures all suppliers and the material provided in compliance with product specifications and regulations, by working directly with suppliers.

This is an on-site position in Middletown, CT.

Ability to travel up to 25% of working time away from work location.

• Maintaining the supplier rating system, which will define the total cost of ownership of products procured from suppliers. Act as primary interface between the company and suppliers in resolving technical problems and performing source control inspections. Coordinate with functional departments and ensure that problems are resolved in a timely manner.
• Implementing and maintaining a supplier approval system that will, in a cost-effective manner, qualify suppliers to do business with the company and meet varied purchase order requirements. Possibly conduct or witness first articles internally or at the supplier. Write validation plans, when needed.
• Establish and maintain effective communication within and between functional groups / management to address problems and obtain resolution. Plan and determine manpower requirements based on forecasts. Plan and monitor cost control by scheduling appropriate use of manpower through the balancing of production needs with overtime requirements. Oversee the development and revisions of assembly and production procedures. Ensure program estimates and proposals accurately reflect quality requirements, planning, and process consistency.
• Evaluate the suppliers' manufacturing capabilities to consistently meet Precision Fuzing & Sensors / Customer quality and delivery requirements. Perform failure analysis and oversee supplier corrective action system to identify and correct supplier problems in a timely manner. Eliminate quality escapes from suppliers by determining root cause of quality issues and develop/direct the implementation of process oriented corrective actions.
• Ensure employees are adequately trained and work in a safe and environmentally sound manner; execute business decisions fairly, conduct annual performance reviews and provide input for merit increase, hold regular supplier meetings, provide two-way communications, consistent application of policy work rules, clear, consistent communication of organization goals and objectives. Provide primary input to hiring, firing, rewards decisions for quality team.
• Communicate and collaborate with suppliers and business partners to ensure robust materials, products, processes, and systems and compliance with procedures and specifications. Performance risk assessments and provide risk mitigation strategies.
• Conduct supplier audits to drive process standardization and continuous improvement as required by assigned role. Provide operational support for investigation, out-of-specifications, nonconformances, deviation and material release. Oversee lean initiatives at supplier facilities and assist in implementing lean manufacturing processes at all key suppliers. Lead, coach, train and direct the quality organization to foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.
• Assure the means for procurement to issue purchase orders to qualified / approved suppliers and all requirements are included in the purchase orders. Manage the supplier corrective action system to identify and correct supplier problems in a timely manner.
• Develop plans, programs and/or initiatives to ensure constant improvement to supplier quality performance and product reliability. Monitor suppliers for continuous improvements. Write ECR for drawing changes, if required. Perform special projects, as assigned.
• Develop metrics and measurement techniques used to evaluate supplier quality performance and, using this data, develop process-oriented quality improvement programs.
• Performs other duties as assigned. This position is a mix of hands-on and supervisory responsibilities.

• Broad knowledge of a general technical field such as electrical, mechanical, industrial engineering. Thorough understanding of ISO 9000/ AS9100 regulations certification process preferred. Over 7 years up to and including 10 years of experience required.
• Manufacturing Support assignments require 8 years of experience in a manufacturing operation environment.
• BS degree in related engineering field.

• Provides a high level of service to all internal and external customers. Contributes to positive teamwork environment.

Kaman is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other protected characteristics protected by law. Kaman and all its related companies fully endorse equal opportunity for all.

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Notice Requirement: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.