QUALITY AND CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT MANAGER

Job Summary

Responsible for product quality and continuous improvement (OpEx) within the Inline Plastics Connecticut facilities. This position will direct and manage the activities of the Quality organization and function as the head of Operational Excellence (OpEx/Continuous Improvement) by prioritizing objectives, managing, leading and coaching onsite staff. Primary duties are focused on the Quality Systems and Quality Operations related to QMS integration, manufacturing, tooling qualification, customer satisfaction, sustaining management, and technical quality/service/costs improvements for the facility. This position is matrix-managed, reporting to both the Plant Manager and to the Director of Corporate Quality and OpEx.

Essential Job Responsibilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential functions/duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Other duties/functions may be added or assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws.
• Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, monitoring, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.
• Monitors and analyzes department work to develop more efficient procedures.
• Supervise and provide guidance to ensure all tasks, projects and deadlines are met.
• Determines work procedures, prepares work schedules, and expedites workflow by issuing written and oral instructions to staff.
• Work with each direct report to establish goals and objectives for each year and monitor and advise on the progress to enhance the professional development of staff.

Operations

• Responsible for the Connecticut manufacturing plant’s quality system and acts as the Management Rep / Certified SQF (Safe Quality Food) Practitioner according to SQF code.Plan, organize, direct and report on all quality-related and regulatory activities at the facility; to include SCAR, CAPA, cGMP, SQF, PCQI, and HACCP.
• Staff training and development: Lead lean and alike Continuous Improvement initiatives. Lead, manage, and develop the staff at the facility.
• Assist with the implementation of current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs) and Good Documentation Practices (GDPs) related to food contact packaging and aligned to any FDA requirements.
• Ensure compliance with Inline Plastics Quality Management Systems, all relevant internal procedures and policies, and any governmental regulatory requirements.
• Develop, implement, and monitor functional development initiatives, including performance metrics, quality improvements, cost reduction, supplier forums, Lean Six Sigma integration, and audits that align with Inline Plastics strategic goals and objectives.
• The successful candidate engages the organization to adapt or maintain a lean continuous improvement culture. Working closely with leadership to accelerate cultural change. This person will enable profitable growth, intensify the customer experience, and increase employee engagement.
• Lead by example: Establish and drive cultural standards of Quality, Service, Safety, Performance and Teamwork.
• Collaborate with the corporate team members to ensure proper handling of complaints and investigations.
• Collaborate with the corporate team members to ensure that effective up-to-date Quality Assurance documentation, procedures and specifications are maintained.
• Plans, develops, promotes and maintains training programs that enhance the skills of employees to identify, record and track product/process nonconformities and implement appropriate corrective action.
• Responsible for teaching, developing and communicating data analysis using statistical techniques on product defects, quality issues, and manufacturing performance, with plans for improvement.
• Owns the inspection and product testing procedures to ensure consistent methods throughout the facility to include MSAs, SPC, Quality Plans, Control Plans, and FMEAs.
• Works with Operations leadership to coordinate manufacturing and QA activities to ensure proper staffing coverage and maintain quality levels.
• Must have the ability to work flexible hours.
• Must be able to interact and build relationships with various departments and customers.
• Participate in annual Quality, OpEx, and/or Supplier forums.

Safety

• Comply with the EH&S Policy and applicable regulatory and company EH&S rules and requirements.
• Report to supervision conditions or practices that are either unsafe or that may adversely impact the environment, to ensure prompt resolution of potential hazards.
• Attend scheduled EH&S training program.
• Actively support the organization’s efforts to meet or exceed EH&S goals and plans.
• Recommend improved EH&S practices.
• Practices safe work habits and follows general safety procedures such as proper lifting and bending, ergonomics, proper use of equipment and use of personal protection equipment (PPE).
• Ensures lockout procedures are followed any time the equipment is being cleaned or maintained.

Product Safety and Quality

• Follows Product Safety and Quality standards.
• Follows GMP’s in regard to food contact packaging as it pertains to the employee.
• Follows IPC product defense standards and complies with all SQF requirements.

Minimum Requirements (include education, experience, special skills, licenses and/or certifications required.)

The list below represents the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent degree in Business Management, Engineering, or other related field of study.
• 5+ years’ experience in Continuous Improvement, Quality Assurance & Regulatory Compliance is required.
• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification from an accredited program.
• HAACP and SQF lead auditor certification are preferred but would be required within a reasonable period of time after start.
• ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) preferred.
• Must be able to supervise, work independently and keep abreast of quality issues on the production floor.
• Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, process mapping tools (Visio) and Minitab® are required.
• Must have a minimum 3 years people leadership experience with evidence of building successful teams.
• Strong organizational skills with a demonstrated ability to proactively take initiative and complete tasks in a timely manner.
• Able to effectively lead Change Management efforts.
• Excellent oral/written communication skills.
• Good problem-solving skills utilizing analytical and statistical problem-solving tools.
• Strong collaboration, negotiating, conflict resolution, and teamwork skills with the ability to work well with both technical and non-technical personnel, and influence the direction of projects.
• Self-starter and the ability to plan and organize workload under minimum supervision.

Essential Physical Demands and Frequency

The physical demands described here are 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.

Standing

Yes

Driving

N/A

Sitting

Yes

Bending

Yes

Lifting

Yes

Other

Stooping, squatting, pushing, pulling

Twisting

Yes

Other

close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus

Communication

Yes

Other

N/A