Manager, Quality and Continuous Improvement

Wabtec•Wytheville, VA

1d•$91,100 - $129,800•Onsite

About The Position

The Manager, Quality and Continuous Improvement will develop, implement, and manage quality systems and continuous improvement activities to ensure compliance with customer specifications and established standards, promoting a Kaizen culture and quality performance throughout the organization. Wabtec is a leading global provider of equipment, systems, digital solutions, and value-added services for the freight and transit rail sectors, with over 150 years of experience. They are committed to safety, efficiency, reliability, innovation, and productivity across various sectors including freight, transit, ports, logistics, mining, industrial, and marine. With a global team of about 30,000 employees, Wabtec aims to accelerate the future of transportation and foster a culture where leadership, inclusion, and diverse perspectives drive progress as an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Technical Discipline with 2 to 4 years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience
Demonstrated knowledge and ability to effectively use the AIAG Core Tools (SPC, PPAP, MSA, FMEA, APQP and Control Plans)
Ability to multi-task and prioritize
Demonstrated capability to perform root cause analysis and analyze problems skillfully
Proven interpersonal, analytical, and organizational skills and abilities including strong verbal and written communication
Demonstrated effective group facilitation, conflict management and training abilities
Demonstrated commitment to safety
Demonstrated ability to make sound decisions, bases decisions on fact rather than emotion and uses logic to reach solutions
Maintains high standards despite pressing deadlines; does work right the first time, corrects own errors, and regularly produces accurate, thorough, and professional work
Proficient in SPC software such as Mini-Tab or QI Macros
Demonstrated ability of complex gauging techniques
Ability to organize the Quality Lab to meet and/or exceed the requirements of ISO1702
Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to other employees of the company
Quality orientation and high attention to detail
Problem analysis and problem resolution skills
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Basic computer and keyboarding skills
Develop relationships, manage expectations, and communicate on a formal and informal basis with senior executive and managers
Working knowledge of basic statistics (implementation of SPC programs), quality auditing skills

Nice To Haves

Six Sigma (Black Belt or Green Belt) preferred
ASQ Certifications such as CQA, CQE, CSSBB, CSSGG, CQM preferred
Experience in rubber molding or compound operation preferred
5 years of Quality Assurance experience in a leadership role preferred

Responsibilities

Serve as the acting Continuous Improvement leader and “Management Representative” for Quality Systems
Responsible to maintain and develop the Lean Journey and Quality Management System including areas such as the Internal Audit System, Document Control System, Control Plan Management, Gage Calibration System, QA Lab, etc.
Lead continuous process improvements and special project teams as assigned
Lead GEMBA Walks
Lead the daily Kata, Kaizens, lean activities or corporate initiatives as well as train the team on A3’s and 9 steps processes
Update the GOMB board and lead training on key measurables
Formulate and manage the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and systems pertaining to the Quality Management System.
Ensure a high level of internal and external customer service.
Participate in the investigation of customer issues and complaints relating to quality.
Verification and approval of Corrective Actions.
Represent plant management on quality issues and work with suppliers, customers, and manufacturing teams to resolve issues.
Work with purchasing and technical group to establish quality requirements for external suppliers
Coordinate third party, internal, customer and supplier audits
Ensure compliance with national and internal standards (NSF, UL, ISO, AAR, IATF etc.)
Create quality procedures, work instructions and forms to support the quality management system
Conduct statistical analysis (SPC) of performance data to determine sources of variability, compare populations of data, determine differences in materials and ascertain process capabilities
Direct internal and external calibration activities, conduct MSA on critical measurement processes
Support Engineering and Technical groups through material testing in lab
Design and maintain database to support Quality Management System
Establish sample plans for first piece, in-process and final inspection
Assure all customer requirements are met by the facility
Managing staff of up to 6 employees.
Monitoring and reviewing the work of staff members, including conducting annual performance reviews.
Ensuring staff compliance with Company policy, quality processes, work standards, etc.
Participate in hiring and recruitment efforts, including interviews for employees in Quality department.
Other duties as assigned.