Manager, Quality

Saab•Bristol, RI

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

Saab's Autonomous & Undersea Systems (AUS) Business is seeking a leader responsible for Quality Management and Continuous Improvement across its portfolio. Based in Bristol, RI, this position will also be responsible for Quality in Quincy, MA and Cranston, RI. Responsibilities will include: Employee management and engagement, quality systems, continuous improvement activities utilizing lean concepts, and compliance to relevant standards/requirements. Work collaboratively with Program Management, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Production to maximize efficiencies, achieve objectives, and improve overall safety and product quality in the business. Develop a strong relationship with Saab’s Global Naval Business Area team and continually develop and improve global and local processes. Manage transfer of technology programs for products moving from Sweden to the US. Manage and lead program quality, inspection, continuous improvement, in a geographically dispersed work environment. Considerable domestic and international travel is expected. Promote a safe work environment and recommend changes/additions to health & safety policies. Ensure proper staffing to effectively perform all functions. This includes having the right skill mix to cover all areas of responsibility in global operations. Be an active member of the AUS management team that develops and executes operational plans. Keep management and others informed of significant issues or developments. Support other departments/functions as needed to ensure operational efficiencies. Develop quality team via internal and external educational and experiential opportunities. Provide costing data to support proposal efforts. Resolve external quality issues. This may include direct customer contact, interaction with the program management team, or others close to the issue to resolve and drive permanent corrective actions. Manage the relevant aspects of the Quality Management System, to include internal and external audits, business updated, and Management Reviews. Work with peers in the management team to establish quality improvement strategies and plans. Ensure internal audits of existing processes are being performed and changing/evaluating as necessary to continually meet/exceed customer expectations. Develop methods for inspection, testing, and evaluation of products. Perform formal root cause analysis on product/process related issues. Utilize risk assessment tools (e.g., PFMEAs) to identify actions to reduce risks. Lead key improvement projects, providing leadership in developing practical solutions to complex problems. Improve processes using Kaizen, process mapping, 6s, or other lean tools. Identify trends and process variations for future improvement initiatives. Ensure compliance across all areas of responsibility.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Quality or related discipline
10+ years of progressive experience in Aerospace or Defense
5+ years in a Quality management role in Aerospace or Defense
Proven track record of implementing improvements
Experience with customer (USG) interaction and problem resolution
Strong analytical, prioritizing, interpersonal, problem-solving, presentation, budgeting, project management skills
Strong verbal and written communication skills
Experience in deploying and certifying an ISO9001 Quality System in an Aerospace or Defense company
Ability to develop and maintain collaborative relationships with peers and colleagues across the organization, as well as internal and external clients
Ability to form partnerships with foreign national partners in order to maximize results
Ability to work independently and as part of a team to achieve strategic goals
Must be a U.S. citizen
Must pass a pre-employment drug screen

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree
Lean training and experience / certification
AS9100 and CMMI experience
Experience with the development and production of autonomous underwater vehicles

Responsibilities

Employee management and engagement
Quality systems management
Continuous improvement activities utilizing lean concepts
Compliance to relevant standards/requirements
Collaborate with Program Management, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Production to maximize efficiencies, achieve objectives, and improve overall safety and product quality
Develop and improve global and local processes
Manage transfer of technology programs for products moving from Sweden to the US
Manage and lead program quality, inspection, and continuous improvement in a geographically dispersed work environment
Promote a safe work environment and recommend changes/additions to health & safety policies
Ensure proper staffing to effectively perform all functions, including having the right skill mix
Be an active member of the AUS management team that develops and executes operational plans
Keep management and others informed of significant issues or developments
Support other departments/functions as needed to ensure operational efficiencies
Develop quality team via internal and external educational and experiential opportunities
Provide costing data to support proposal efforts
Resolve external quality issues, including direct customer contact and interaction with program management
Manage the relevant aspects of the Quality Management System, including internal and external audits, business updates, and Management Reviews
Work with peers in the management team to establish quality improvement strategies and plans
Ensure internal audits of existing processes are being performed and changing/evaluating as necessary
Develop methods for inspection, testing, and evaluation of products
Perform formal root cause analysis on product/process related issues
Utilize risk assessment tools (e.g., PFMEAs) to identify actions to reduce risks
Lead key improvement projects, providing leadership in developing practical solutions to complex problems
Improve processes using Kaizen, process mapping, 6s, or other lean tools
Identify trends and process variations for future improvement initiatives
Ensure compliance across all areas of responsibility