Quality Manager

The ideal candidate is a critical thinker who will proactively improve the quality systems of the company through internal audits, participation in process improvement programs, and interaction with key partners to obtain constructive feedback. 

Responsibilities

• Provide full support, guidance, and participation of the internal EMS systems, and compliance with the ISO 14001/IATF 16949 and Q1 systems, as well as, helping to establish goals for said systems that remain within the company’s scope of business.
• Manage the quality systems including receiving, in-process and final inspection according to established standards. 
• Deal directly with customers on product problems. Investigate substandard results and conducts research on product defects in order to make recommendations on changes in materials or processes.
• Manage the layouts on parts and fixtures to customer drawings and math data.
• Develop all quality training programs that are delivered to employees and facilitates when required.
• Deal with customers and engineering on advanced quality issues and programs and provide direction where required.
• Attend meetings as per customer requests and translate requirements into plant systems and procedures.
• Review inspection reports and SPC reports from production operators and quality technicians
• Compile monthly reports on performance indicators and forward to general manager for review.
• Ensure department compliance with VROOM measurements.
• Direct the preparation of sample submission packages –PPAP based on input received through various sources, e.g. Engineering, Production, Quality, etc.
• Oversee layouts and inspection checks on engineering fixtures.
• Review Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerance, SC’s and KPC’s with customers on new programs.
• Develop and facilitate Advanced Quality Planning training to operators, inspectors and management as required.
• Review all PPAP documents submitted from suppliers for final approval.
• Assist with the design of experiments to determine what parameters affect the end product and recommend solutions.
• Attend AQP meetings as per customer requests and translates requirements into Plant systems and procedures.
• Oversee any necessary purchase requisitions.
• Facilitate customer presentations on quality systems used within KIRCHHOFF Automotive and develop all required materials/handouts.
• Conduct customer on-site visits as required to evaluate situation and recommends resolution.
• Manage/review customer ratings.
• Participate in Quality System audits and offer expertise and direction during process.
• Maintain Quality System requirements by ensuring employees follow established processes and procedures.
• Maintain positive employee relations and address issues in a timely manner. Seek advice/counsel from appropriate sources as required
• Provide development, coaching and counseling to direct reports and conduct annual performance appraisals.
• Develop and maintain annual budget for department.
• Any other reasonable request made by management.
• Contributes to a safe, clean and comfortable work environment that complements the Occupational Health and Safety Act by ensuring the principles of the 5S discipline (simplify, separate, sanitize, standardize and support) are supported and adhered to.
• Ensures he/she is in full compliance with the federal and state laws of Michigan and/or any other state, while representing KIRCHHOFF Automotive or during the use of any KIRCHHOFF Automotive provided equipment.      

Qualifications

• Minimum five (5) years work-related experience in a Quality department coupled with previous supervisory experience
• Good understanding of Quality System and ISO9001 quality systems and APQP relationship
• General working knowledge of inspection equipment i.e. high gauges, verniers, calipers, micrometers, shadowgrams etc. that assist in the part inspection process Sound understanding of S.P.C. and design experiments
• Basic knowledge of tool design and maintenance, materials and manufacturing processes
• 5S requirements, Quality tools, and Continuous Improvement methodology