Quality and CI Operations Manager

The Quality and Continuous Improvement Manager will lead daily operations across all departments within the organization, collaborating closely with Engineering and Production teams to address challenges and enhance product quality. This role involves overseeing data collection and analysis related to products and processes, managing the Corrective Action System, ensuring calibration standards, conducting internal audits, and engaging with key customer activities. A comprehensive understanding of ISO Quality System Requirements, OEM standards, and the Quality Operating System for Manufacturing and Distribution is essential.

This leader will spearhead the development and implementation of a plant-wide team system aimed at fostering a culture that prioritizes the enhancement of key performance indicators, including manufacturing OEE, product quality, waste reduction, energy efficiency, safety, and operational costs. The application of Lean and Six Sigma methodologies will be crucial in facilitating knowledge transfer within the plant, cultivating individual champions, and forming teams dedicated to continuous improvement initiatives aligned with business objectives. Collaboration with other organizational leaders and team members will be vital to garner support for these enhancements across all processes.

To excel in this role, the individual must effectively execute the following responsibilities:

• Provide consistent quality support to manufacturing and quality assurance through established plans and procedures.
• Maintain strong relationships with corporate, customer, and vendor partners to resolve complex quality issues.
• Contribute to the establishment of quality specifications for raw materials, in-process goods, and finished products.
• Design and implement quality control inspection and sampling methods to ensure compliance with company and customer quality standards.
• Investigate product defects, assess performance, analyze plant rejects and scrap, and recommend necessary process or product modifications to address quality concerns.
• Assist in the preparation and execution of quality audits and reporting.
• Collaborate with teams on problem-solving initiatives, linking actions and outcomes to Control Plans, PFMEAs, plant inspection points, and customer returns.
• Coordinate team efforts to resolve corrective actions for internal KPIs and external customer issues.
• Perform additional duties as required.
• Understand QA testing requirements to guarantee all products meet customer expectations.
• Adhere to established standard operating procedures while conducting QA testing in the laboratory.
• Contribute to the establishment of Quality Objectives aligned with Corporate, QMS, and Plant goals.
• Work with the Management Team to identify training needs and ensure timely training within areas of responsibility.
• Ensure that assigned Corrective and Preventive action tasks are completed promptly in line with QMS objectives.
• Develop a Lean strategy for the plant, including specific goals, objectives, timelines, action plans, and strategies for engaging key leaders.
• Train and mentor the leadership team and engineering staff in Lean principles, methods, and applications to integrate continuous improvement into change management processes.
• Align plant-level Lean initiatives with the company’s continuous improvement efforts to optimize resource utilization and minimize redundancies.
• Collaborate with functional leaders, supervisors, and hourly associates to identify improvement opportunities and substantiate potential cost savings.
• Conduct time and motion studies and utilize value stream mapping and process charting to establish and validate production standards and streamline workflows.
• Encourage and support the formation of continuous improvement teams.
• Participate in training programs covering environmental, health, and safety issues, particularly regarding the handling of hazardous materials and waste.

Authorities include:

• Rejecting nonconforming materials based on customer quality standards in accordance with current Standard Operating Procedures and Control Plans.
• Placing nonconforming materials on hold for review and scrapping when deemed appropriate.
• Stopping production as necessary when nonconformities are identified, following current Standard Operating Procedures and Control Plans.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Provide technical guidance and direction to positions including CI Specialists. Day-to-day supervisory responsibilities encompass assessing departmental training needs, evaluating subordinate performance, recommending salary/title changes, and managing hiring/firing actions and disciplinary measures for employees involved in quality control operations. Coach and develop employees for future opportunities while ensuring accountability and adherence to established policies and procedures.

Education and Experience:

• A minimum of a 4-year technical degree in science, engineering, or quality; a degree in engineering is preferred.
• 5-8 years of relevant experience as a quality assurance engineer or equivalent in a corporate or manufacturing setting, ideally with a tier I supplier to the automotive industry.
• Certification as a CQE is preferred.
• Prior experience in continuous improvement is required.
• Six Sigma Green Belt training is preferred.

Competencies, Skills, and Knowledge:

• Demonstrated leadership capabilities.
• Proficient in problem-solving techniques, including root cause analysis and the 5 Whys.
• Strong focus on quality, continuous improvement, and customer satisfaction.
• Familiarity with ISO quality standards, APQP methodology, Control Plans, FMEAs, and PPAPs.
• Knowledgeable in Six Sigma and Lean tools.
• Able to work independently and collaboratively in a team-oriented environment on multiple projects.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, along with strong interpersonal abilities.
• Proficient in computer skills, particularly with Windows-based applications.

Physical Demands:
While performing the duties of this position, the individual is regularly required to stand, walk, reach, and use hands to perform tasks. Frequent sitting, standing, and walking through congested areas are necessary. The ability to wear appropriate respiratory protection as needed is required. Extended shift hours and weekend work may be necessary. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Work Environment:
This role requires frequent climbing of stairs and occasional exposure to hazards. Ambient temperatures in the warehouse can vary significantly. Continuous exposure to airborne particles may necessitate the use of respiratory protection and biological monitoring as per OSHA standards. Successful completion of a respirator fit test and physical examination by the company doctor is required.

Stryten Energy is an equal opportunity employer, considering applicants' qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis prohibited by law.

Stryten Energy addresses the world's most pressing energy challenges through a diverse range of energy storage solutions across various sectors, including Essential Power, Motive Power, Transportation, Military, and Government. With headquarters in Alpharetta, Georgia, we collaborate with some of the most recognized companies globally to meet the increasing demand for reliable and sustainable energy storage. Our technologies encompass advanced lead, lithium, and vanadium redox flow batteries, intelligent chargers, and energy performance management software, supporting everything from submarines to compact cars. As an industry leader with over a century of expertise, Stryten is committed to challenging the status quo and delivering high-performing energy solutions for today and the future.