Assistant Quality Assurance Manager

Toyota Boshoku America•Jackson, TN

About The Position

Plans, coordinates, and helps implement quality assurance policies, procedures, and control functions to ensure product reliability and conformance to print specifications and customer/company quality standards in the most effective, economical manner possible. Supervises and coordinates the functions and activities of the quality assurance department to plan for, maintain, and improve customer satisfaction through shop floor inspection and audit procedures, receiving inspection processes, product testing/evaluation, and quality engineering activities. Directs and supervises metrology and gage control activities. Coordinates the quality system to meet customer and internal needs through the interpretation of customer requirements and synthesis of internal control plans/procedures. Conducts and/or supervises studies to determine cause, effect, and corrective measures required to remedy non-conformances to specified quality standards. Confers with engineering and manufacturing personnel to resolve problems of product design, specifications, materials, tooling, and procedures/processes affecting quality and develops countermeasures as required. Communicates with and/or visits customers and suppliers (and/or oversees such contact) to confer on specific quality problems, maintain good customer relations, and promote a positive quality image. Prepares and supervises the supplier quality manual and directs supplier quality activities. Coordinates activities to resolve customer complaints and return issues. Investigates, negotiates, and reports on field claims. Conducts statistical and analytical studies and performs other quality engineering functions. Plans specification, selection, and purchase of QA capital equipment. Develops and conducts training related to quality systems, quality improvement, problem-solving, statistical methods, and quality philosophy. Provides technical assistance to purchasing in areas such as supplier selection, interpretation of specifications, design concepts, and related information in connection with the purchase of parts/materials, supplies, and/or test equipment. Reviews and approves quality plans, reports, documents, and records. Interacts with customers in all phases of quality planning, product launch, problem resolution, post-shipment support, quality assurance system audits, and improvement efforts. Provides technical assistance and support to suppliers, and parent company sales and engineering groups. Develops and maintains an effective organization through the selection, training, compensation, and motivation of all assigned associates. Assists with the development and preparation of the annual and five-year plans for the quality assurance department. Reviews and assembles annual budget and capital expenditure plans in cooperation with the quality assurance manager. Assists with the development of the quality philosophy, quality policy, and establishes the annual quality goals and objectives for executive committee approval. Analyzes company quality data and reports to managers and executives. Performs and/or participates in 5S housekeeping, team activities, dress codes, safety rules, and all other applicable company policies and procedures. Administers TS/IAFT procedures as they apply within the assigned department. Fosters associate involvement in continuous improvement activities. Performs other duties as requested by supervisor.

Requirements

A B.S. in Engineering with training in statistics or equivalent job knowledge of theory, combined with experience, is required.
Thorough knowledge of the company's quality philosophy, policies and procedures.
Ability to plan, direct and implement the quality function.
Knowledge of quality systems and quality auditing procedures/systems.
Understanding of intermediate to advanced statistics and knowledge of variation, systems theory and theory of knowledge.
Fundamental mechanical engineering knowledge.
Advanced engineering drawing and interpretation skills.
Knowledge of metrology and related technical areas.
Thorough knowledge of the company's products, terminology, manufacturing processes and procedures.
Understanding of quality planning, reliability analysis and planning, statistical measurements systems analysis and design assurance.
Computer skills and knowledge of specified software programs.
Good written and verbal communication skills.
Knowledge of the company safety and personnel policies and procedures.
Knowledge of and experience with the "Toyota Production System".
Understanding of a wide range of fundamental manufacturing processes.
Operates within the company guidelines, goals and objectives for quality with freedom to establish priorities and make independent judgments.
Must plan, supervise and coordinate the full scope of operations within the quality function.
Problem solving, judgement, analytical and evaluation skills and initiative are required.
Works under the general guidance of the quality assurance manager, within company guidelines, policies and procedures, with latitude given for independent thinking.
Develops systems and procedures to ensure the quality of products.
Has daily internal contacts with most areas within the company for the exchange of information, assistance and cooperation.
External contacts are with managers, engineers and sales associates of parent companies, customers and suppliers.
Has access to a wide range of data and information which are highly confidential and should not be disclosed including product designs, processes, quality system documentation, test results, personnel files, new product designs, etc.
Mental concentration requirements vary by situation, most significant activities require intense mental effort.
Subject to frequent interruptions requiring varied responses.
Responsibility for the company's quality function including staffing, budgets, systems and procedures, consistent with the company's guidelines for profitability and productivity.
Oversees and directs the work activities of eleven associates and two supervisors.

Nice To Haves

Up to one year is required to become proficient in most phases of the job.

Responsibilities

Supervises and coordinates the functions and activities of the quality assurance department.
Directs and supervises metrology and gage control activities.
Coordinates the quality system to meet customer and internal needs.
Conducts and/or supervises studies to determine cause, effect and corrective measures required to remedy non-conformances.
Confers with engineering and manufacturing personnel to resolve problems affecting quality.
Communicates with and/or visits customers and suppliers to confer on specific quality problems.
Prepares and supervises the supplier quality manual and directs supplier quality activities.
Coordinates activities to resolve customer complaints and return issues.
Investigates, negotiates and reports on field claims.
Conducts statistical and analytical studies and performs other quality engineering functions.
Plans specification, selection and purchase of QA capital equipment.
Develops and conducts training related to quality systems, quality improvement, problem solving, statistical methods and quality philosophy.
Provides technical assistance to purchasing.
Reviews and approves quality plans, reports, documents and records.
Interacts with customers in all phases of quality planning, product launch, problem resolution, post shipment support, quality assurance system audits and improvement efforts.
Provides technical assistance and support to suppliers, and parent company sales and engineering groups.
Develops and maintains an effective organization through the selection, training, compensation and motivation of all assigned associates.
Assists with the development and preparation of the annual and five year plans for the quality assurance department.
Reviews and assembles annual budget and capital expenditure plans.
Assists with the development of the quality philosophy, quality policy, and establishes the annual quality goals and objectives.
Analyzes company quality data and reports to managers and executives.
Performs and/or participates in 5S housekeeping, team activities, dress codes, safety rules and all other applicable company policies and procedures.
Administers TS/IAFT procedures as they apply within the assigned department.
Fosters associate involvement in continuous improvement activities.
Performs other duties as requested by supervisor.