Director Quality and Process Improvement

Goodwill Greater Milwaukee & Chicago•Great Lakes, IL

About The Position

Join Goodwill Great Lakes as the Director of Quality and Process Improvement and lead transformative initiatives that shape operational excellence across multiple locations. In this strategic leadership role, you’ll drive continuous improvement through Lean and Kaizen methodologies, oversee quality assurance and compliance, and champion change management to enhance efficiency and service delivery. You’ll have the opportunity to influence long-term projects, develop innovative training programs, and foster a culture of excellence while collaborating with senior leaders and community partners. If you’re passionate about making a measurable impact, leading high-level projects, and building a legacy of quality and innovation, we invite you to apply and help us advance our mission. The Director Quality and Process Improvement p rovides strategic and operational leadership for all quality assurance, process improvement, change management, Lean/Kaizen activities, contract compliance, operational training activities, and key operational projects across Goodwill Great Lakes. RESPONSIBILITY LEVEL: Provides strategic and operational leadership for all quality assurance, process improvement, change management, Lean/Kaizen activities, contract compliance, operational training activities, and key operational projects across Goodwill Great Lakes. This role is responsible for developing and executing strategies that drive continuous improvement, ensures contractual and regulatory compliance, and foster a culture of excellence through Lean/Kaizen methodologies and quality management systems. Manages expenses based on changes in internal or external factors and communicates budgetary performance. Typically works on projects and initiatives that span 2-5 years. Responsible for integration of systems, operational metrics and analysis.

Requirements

Bachelor s Degree in Business Administration or experience equivalency. A minimum of 8 years experience. Preferred quality assurance, organizational leadership, or industrial engineering, or a minimum of 10 years directly related experience, and a minimum of 5 years relevant experience.
Proven track record in project management, change management, quality assurance, and/or strategic planning.
Expertise in Lean, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies.
Six Sigma Black Belt certification strongly preferred, or have the ability to obtain certification within 12 months of hire
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and data analytics tools
Ability to manage ambiguity, drive change, and deliver results under pressure
Required to obtain a Common Access Card (CAC) within 90 days of date of hire, pursuant to US Navy security guidelines. Inability to obtain CAC card may result in removal and/or termination from position.
A REAL ID-compliant driver s license or identification card is required for access to the naval installation and for employment. Candidates must provide proof of this identification.

Responsibilities

Lead strategic planning, prioritization, and activities for all quality and process improvement initiatives across multiple locations and departments. Oversee and reenergize the Kaizen culture and Lean strategy execution, ensuring continuous improvement and alignment with contract and Goodwill program objectives.
Oversee the design, strategy, and execution of operational training programs to ensure staff are properly trained and processes are consistent and effective
Identify, lead, and oversee the completion of large or special projects, develop monthly, weekly and daily reports, analyze data recommending changes and provide strategic planning and direction for those activities.
Directs and oversees Great Lakes quality and continuous improvement policies, objectives, and operational initiatives including acting as a point of contract with senior management and stakeholders for those initiatives as well as Great Lakes safety objectives and other initiatives as assigned.
Work with the SVP, Executive Directors, Directors, and Assistant Directors to strategize, prioritize, and help drive overall Great Lakes operational and mission strategies.
Work proactively to anticipate issues and continuously improve Great Lakes in conjunction with overall organization efforts; assess and continuously improve division s effectiveness to ensure business units needs are being meet.
Maintain positive working relationships with internal and external customers, vendors, government and other agencies and community organizations
Oversee the Quality Control Plan for the Food and Logistic Services contract. This includes ensuring division wide compliance with all requirements and update as needed to reflect changes due to improvements or newly implemented customer requirements
Ensure customer service standards are met, as stated in contract. Monitor service through established methods to identify trends and work with key staff to resolve areas of opportunity with service issues in a timely manner.
Oversee and maintain contractual compliance, using the Quality Control Plan & Food Safety Program (HACCP) for monitoring contract performance and developing and implementing SOPs to standardize all aspects of operations.
Ensures that operations are conducted in accordance with Federal Contracting Laws and AbilityOne Program requirements.
Leading and Developing Talent: Manages organizational design for area of responsibility and directs talent planning, hiring, development and training of staff. May participate in succession planning discussions. Networks and sources for positions throughout the organization.
Project and Change Management: Serves as project owner for high complexity department, cross-functional or multi-location projects and improvement initiatives. Set project direction including project scope, timeline and resources. Accountable for making decisions and project success. Manages change through effective planning, communication and coaching. Builds and participates in leadership coalition supporting and implementing organizational change.
Community Engagement: Actively engages with community partners and links activities to business performance.
Responsible for completing other duties/responsibilities as assigned.