Director Quality and Continuous Improvement

This position will be responsible for leading and overseeing all aspects of Lean Six Sigma and the company’s quality management system to ensure the highest standards of quality are maintained throughout the production process. You will achieve this through collaboration with cross functional teams to include engineering, design, procurement, service, production, and customer service to drive improvement and sustainability initiatives, enhance product quality, production efficiency, and overall exceed customer expectations (internal and external). The incumbent will act as a change agent willing to motivate others while embracing the culture of LSS and QA standards.

Responsibilities / Tasks

• Develop and implement a comprehensive quality management and Lean Six Sigma (LSS) system that encompasses all aspects of the manufacturing process to include welding, sheet metal, metal finishing and engineering to ensure adherence to industry standards, and customer requirements.
• Provide leadership, training, and support to a team of quality professionals.  This includes providing direction, guidance, performance related feedback, and ensuring accountability in order to achieve high quality performance.
• Define and establish quality metrics, goals, and objectives monitoring through reporting and analysis to easily identify improvement opportunities and preventative actions including collaboration with engineering, design, and providing feedback to CoC’s where necessary.
• Collaborate with cross functional teams to identify and resolve quality related issues timely and effectively through conducting a root cause analysis and implementing corrective and preventative actions. 
• Develop and implement quality control plans and standard operating procedures to ensure understanding and consistent application of the quality process throughout the manufacturing, site assembly, and installation process.
• Lead quality management and Lean Six Sigma initiatives, including customer complaints handling, root cause analysis, and implementation of corrective actions to ensure customer satisfaction and retention.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives, including the use of statistical process control (SPC), lean principles, and Six Sigma methodologies, to enhance product quality, reduce defects, and increase process efficiency.
• Monitor industry trends, regulations, and best practices related to quality management and provide strategic guidance and recommendations to ensure compliance and competitive advantage.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with all stakeholders to ensure effective communication and collaboration on quality-related matters.
• Represent the company in customer audits, quality certifications, and industry forums to demonstrate the company's commitment to quality excellence.
• Support LPT NAM procurement with audits and support with engineering resolving any quality or performance related issues. 
• Support the Operational Excellence organization implementing a sustainable LSS concept collaborating and partnering with regional Lean Managers.
• Empower managers and employees to challenge the status-quo with the target to identify improvement on existing processes.
• Motivate and embrace people through a positive attitude and stimulate change in traditional mind set
• Communicate and share LSS best practices within own responsible area and LSS organization, validate and report (in cooperation with Production Managers) realized cost savings.
• Cooperate & collaborate with GEA LSS organization, LSS coordinators and local LSS managers.
• Identify training needs and coordinate required LSS trainings in the region.
• Assess potential LSS Belt candidates, train and mentor LSS belts towards their certifications.
• Assess implementation progress of LSS improvement projects and provide feedback to the Head of Operational Excellence and LSS Steering Committee.
• Always ensure adherence and support of all safety OSHA and GEA standards.
• Implementation of processes to ensure legal, regulatory and GEA Group standards are achieved and maintained according to standard.
• Engage and act as a champion of the GEA values, aspirations, and objectives for the business and LPT NAM division.
• All other duties as assigned.

Your Profile / Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in Engineering, Management, or related degree.
• 10 years or more experience in a quality management role preferably in manufacturing or other relevant experience in manufacturing leadership.
• Understanding of quality management principles, methodologies and tools such as ISO, Six Sigma, etc. 
• Experience in matrix organizations, especially influencing and leading without direct authority is an advantage
• Experience in change management and insight into project business
• Fluent in English (verbal and written)
• Deep technical knowhow, project management and end-to-end process expertise
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with employees at all levels within the organization, as well as internal / external customer and suppliers.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire and motivate teams, drive change, and achieve results.
• Proficiently able to use quality management software and tools. 
• Ability to travel both domestically and internationally up to approximately 20% of time.

Working at GEA Group has significant benefits:

• 12 Paid Holidays
• PTO - Paid Time Off
• Medical Plans
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Health Savings and Spending Accounts
• Tuition Reimbursement
• 401k with excellent employer match
• Wellness Incentive Program
• Employee Assistance Program

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GEA Group is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment where all clients and employees feel welcomed, accepted and valued. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.

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