EQS Manager

About the Company

Norican is home to six leading, globally operating brands: DISA, Italpresse Gauss, StrikoWestofen, Simpson Technologies, Monitizer, and Wheelabrator. As one strong global partner, we are able to serve you better, faster and more efficiently, giving you access to all we have to offer and working in partnership to keep you performing with the latest knowledge and knowhow. From melting, dosing, and molding through to surface preparation, we provide the solutions to solve your challenges. In addition to equipment, the digital solutions we have unlock the data in your foundry, to enable you to perform to the best of your ability. A global network of engineering expertise, manufacturing capacity and service support ensures we are where our customers need us to be, at every stage of their process and for every challenge they may face. Norican Group North America operation is head-quartered in La Grange, GA. The Norican Group employs over 2,000 people on 4 continents.

About the Role

The EQS Manager is responsible for driving continuous improvement initiatives, ensuring a safe working environment, and upholding the highest quality standards across the manufacturing facility and distribution center. This role will lead the development, implementation, and sustainment of Lean methodologies, safety protocols, and quality management systems. The successful candidate will work collaboratively with cross-functional teams to enhance operational efficiency, reduce waste, and ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

Lean Manufacturing:

• Lead the implementation of Lean principles and practices, including 5S, Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping, and other Lean tools.
• Identify and prioritize process improvement opportunities that align with business goals and drive operational efficiency.
• Facilitate and mentor teams in continuous improvement projects aimed at reducing waste, improving workflow, and increasing productivity.
• Track and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) related to Lean initiatives, providing regular updates to leadership.

Safety Management:

• Develop, implement, and maintain comprehensive safety programs that comply with OSHA regulations and other relevant safety standards.
• Conduct regular safety audits, inspections, and risk assessments to identify hazards and implement corrective actions.
• Lead incident investigations and root cause analyses to prevent the recurrence of workplace accidents.
• Promote a culture of safety through training programs, safety meetings, and ongoing communication with employees.

Quality Assurance:

• Oversee the quality management system (QMS) to ensure compliance with industry standards, customer requirements, and regulatory guidelines.
• Manage the quality team members.
• Oversee customer and vendor related quality and warranty issues.
• Responsible for the maintenance and compliance to the requirements of the ISO9000 registration criteria.
• Collaborate with production and quality teams to develop and implement quality control processes that reduce defects and improve product consistency.
• Analyze quality data to identify trends, drive corrective actions, and implement preventive measures.
• Lead internal and external audits, and coordinate responses to audit findings.

Team Leadership:

• Provide leadership, guidance, and coaching to cross-functional teams in the areas of Lean, Safety, and Quality.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, safety, and quality excellence throughout the organization.
• Develop and deliver training programs to build capability and awareness among employees.

Compliance and Reporting:

• Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations related to safety, quality, and environmental standards.
• Prepare and submit reports to management on Lean, safety, and quality performance metrics.
• Stay current with industry trends and best practices in Lean manufacturing, safety management, and quality assurance.
• Perform special projects and duties as required

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Industrial Management, Occupational Safety, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a manufacturing environment with a focus on Lean, Safety, and Quality.
• Certification in Lean Six Sigma (Green Belt, Black Belt) preferred.
• Strong knowledge of OSHA regulations, quality standards (e.g., ISO 9001), and Lean methodologies.
• Proven track record of leading successful continuous improvement projects.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to lead cross-functional teams.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence at all levels of the organization.
• Proficiency in data analysis and reporting tools.

Personal Characteristics

• Results orientated and motivated who leads by example
• Strong analytical and organizational skills
• Bias for decision making and execution
• Detail-oriented and thorough
• Driven to achieve operational efficiencies while maintaining a high-quality outcome
• Persistence and patience
• Customer Focused - Serves both external and internal clients by focusing effort on meeting the client needs, understanding their concerns, and seeking to build trust.
• Team Builder - Ability to convince a group of people to work toward a goal.
• Communication, Written - Ability to communicate in writing clearly and concisely.
• Professionalism - Ability to promote a polished and professional manner.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and changes in priorities professionally.
• Tactful - Ability to show consideration for and maintain good relations with others.
• Time Management - Ability to utilize the available time to organize and complete work within given deadlines.
• Strategic thinker who can establish a successful plan and execute the plan to achieve top and bottom-line business growth
• Excellent communication skills enabling effective dialog with employees at all levels
• Ability and willingness to be hands-on as circumstances require
• A self-motivated individual, energizing others, setting the right priorities
• Highest possible ethical and professional standards; behaves in accordance with expressed beliefs and commitments
• Research Skills - Ability to design and conduct a systematic, objective, and critical investigation.
• Project Management - Ability to organize and direct a project to completion.
• Safety Awareness - Ability to identify and correct conditions that affect employee safety.
• Organized - Possessing the trait of being organized or following a systematic method of performing a task.
• Business Acumen - Ability to grasp and understand business concepts and issues.