Area Quality Manager

Alkegen•Buffalo, NY

About The Position

Alkegen brings together two of the world’s leading specialty materials companies to create one new, innovation-driven leader focused on battery technologies, filtration media, and specialty insulation and sealing materials. Through global reach and breakthrough inventions, we’re delivering products that enable the world to breathe easier, live greener, and go further than ever before. With over 60 manufacturing facilities with a global workforce of over 9,000 of the industry’s most experienced talent, including insulation and filtration experts, Alkegen is uniquely positioned to help customers impact the environment in meaningful ways. The Area Quality Manager will oversee the deployment of the Quality departments at two manufacturing locations (located in Tonawanda), through developing, implementing and maintaining a system of quality and reliability testing for the sites products and processes. The ideal candidate will provide the necessary leadership in implementing a strategic direction for both sites’ Leadership teams on attainment to current Quality objectives, aimed at ensuring internal / external Customer satisfaction is met, with focus on improved product quality, and reduction in product / process variability.

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree in Chemical / Mechanical / Materials Engineering along with 7-10 years of experience in a Chemical/ manufacturing environment and / or technical role.
OR, Associate’s degree with 10 years of experience of Quality Management in a fast paced manufacturing environment.
Demonstrated Lean Six Sigma experience with statistical analysis and problem solving (e.g. DOE) knowledge required.
Tier 1 automotive experience required
High level understanding of Lean, Six Sigma, Process Capability, Root Cause Analysis, G8D, DFMEA, PFEMA, MSA, Control Plans and Key characteristics.
Excellent people, communication, team building and organizational skills essential
Demonstrated Adaptive Coaching skills of listening, asking and responding
Advanced computer skills in applications such as Lotus Notes, Microsoft Office Suite, Minitab
A team player, capable of working cross functionally to determine practical solutions to operational issues
Ability to travel up to 20% both international and domestic.

Responsibilities

Act as the primary contact to understand and evaluate customer requirements.
Will represent Alkegen with the customer for varied requirements including ISO9001 and IATF16949 compliance.
Define quality requirements for the internal Alkegen supply chain, ensure relevant raw material specifications are established and verified during goods receiving, whilst ensuring the saleable production specifications are maintained and aligned to any applicable customer technical specifications
Lead and develop a team that includes Quality Engineers, Technicians and Inspectors.
Frequent customer contact and visits including vendor contacts, visits, and audits.
Be an effective influencer of all site functional departments to ensure both compliance and performance is aligned to both Business and Industry standards / expectations
Ensure Plant Process Owners take accountability for the effectiveness and efficiency of the respective Key Processes their responsible for
Act as a Champion for improved Product Quality, and be able to influence and drive Quality initiatives and benefits to stakeholders at all levels.
Drive a continual improvement culture at site, ensuring a high level of engagement to the growth and optimization of the existing product and processes
Strategy – Support the Plant Leadership team in the deployment of a Strategy Deployment tool (Operational Tactical Planning).
Leadership - A role model for Core Values. Develop a sense of urgency and take informed risk to achieve Quality and other PoDe related business objectives. Tenacity and drive to turn innovation into action. Strong influencing and networking skills to manage interdependency and the matrix. Has a strong presence and leads by example. Take accountability with a no-excuse attitude. Cultural sensitivity and can work cross cultures.
Talent Development - Build a highly engaged organization and recognized as a team motivator. Has the ability to hire and develop great talent.
General Management – Manage issues with multi-level complexity. Balances the short term with long-term needs. English speaking capability required at higher level. Energize the organization and implement change as a visible leader with a strong work ethic and high standards for integrity and honesty.
Focus on Results: Results oriented management style, Develops plans, utilizes resources, from inside and outside of the team to meet the objectives of the organization. Ability to create a clear expectation and accountability system throughout both plants.
Change Management: Proven, change management skills. Set the scene for change, develop workable plans, communicate changes effectively; build commitment and overcoming resistance to change.
Communication & Influencing skills: Demonstrate ability to interact with all levels of the plants, maintains effective relationships with corporate functions and the leadership teams.