Director of Quality - Orenco Systems

Wish your job made a difference?

Our mission is protecting the world's water. We work every day to support the sustainability of our most precious resource, so our people know what they're doing matters.

As the Director of Quality, you will uphold our manufacturing company's commitment to top-tier product quality, reliability, and performance. This director position engages in proactive leadership, cross-departmental collaboration, and holds a deep understanding of both quality assurance and production system processes.

Most importantly, you'll work with supportive staff who have a strong work ethic and are committed to doing the right thing.

Join our team and do work that matters. Visit www.orenco.com/jobs to learn more or check out the official job description (below).

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:

The Director of Quality plays an instrumental role in upholding our manufacturing company's commitment to top-tier product quality, reliability, and performance. This director drives initiatives that ensure product uniformity and reduce defects and helps implement production-focused systems that heighten operational efficiency. Reporting directly to the Chief Operations Officer, this role demands proactive leadership, cross-departmental collaboration, and a deep understanding of both quality assurance and production system processes.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & KRA (Key Result Areas):

> Safety/Culture

• Continuously maintains Orenco management's safety, cultural, and professional standards.
• Promotes, encourages, and reinforces a positive safety culture, safe practices, and a safe work environment to all employees.

> Quality Assurance Leadership

• Establish and manage a comprehensive quality assurance framework.
• Ensure robust testing processes and methodologies are consistently applied

> Process Improvement:

• Incorporate best practices and regular reviews to continuously enhance product quality.
• Collaborate with manufacturing leaders to implement and optimize production-focused systems to maximize efficiency.

> Defect management

• Spearhead the identification, documentation, and resolving of product defects.
• Coordinate with relevant departments for effective corrective action.

> Reporting & Documentation

• Produce detailed quality metrics reports, test summaries, and defect analyses.
• Communicate findings and insights to the manufacturing and executive leadership.

> Team Leadership

• Guide, mentor, and foster excellence within the Quality Assurance team.
• Advocate for a culture of meticulousness and ongoing professional development.

> Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Forge strong ties with manufacturing, R&D (Research & Development), and other key departments to maintain quality throughout the product lifecycle.

> Supplier & Vendor Collaboration

• Work with suppliers and vendors, ensuring their materials and components align with our quality expectations.

> Training & Development

• Lead and facilitate training on quality standards, tools, and methods for both the team and wider organization.

> Risk Management

• Identify potential product quality risks and develop mitigation strategies.

> Reports to the Chief Operations Officer on:

• Overall product quality ratings, trends, and metrics.
• Progress and results from ongoing process improvement initiatives.
• Detailed analyses of identified defects and implemented corrective actions.
• Budgetary needs and utilization related to quality assurance.
• Feedback and insights from inter-departmental collaborations.
• Supplier and vendor quality evaluations and any associated challenges.
• Outcomes of training sessions and areas of focus for future training.
• Identified risks and proposed strategies for risk mitigation.

> Work to be done during manufacturing business hours, which may include an occasional early and/or later shift as needed. However, this position may on occasion work outside business hours to support department needs. Occasional long hours may be required.

> Regular, consistent, and predictable attendance is required.

> Performs other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION:

Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Engineering, Business Administration, or a relevant field.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/EXPERIENCE:

• More than eight years of relevant experience.
• More than four years of management experience.
• Proficiency in continuous improvement methodologies and tools: Standard Work, Root Cause Analysis, Kaizen Events, Value Stream Mapping, etc.
• Solid understanding of manufacturing processes and quality management systems.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to lead cross-functional meetings and teams.
• Excellent communication skills in English.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Knowledge of CAD (Computer-aided design) programs and other industry-specific software is a plus.
• By encompassing both quality assurance and a production system perspective, this manager serves as a linchpin in ensuring that the company's products are not only of the highest quality but are also produced in the most efficient and effective manner.
• Ability to be flexible and adjust to priority changes with little notice and to remain calm during confrontational or high-pressure situations.
• Ability to use sound judgement and follow through in problem solving and decision making processes.
• Must be willing and able to travel. Includes meeting current travel requirements with airlines as well as in final destinations.
• Must have satisfactory driving record, maintain valid driver's license, and current insurance on personal vehicle if used for business. Must meet company insurability requirements.

TOOLS & EQUIPMENT:

Cell phone

Computer

General office equipment

Vehicle

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Primarily indoor office environment. Travel requirements may include operation of a motor vehicle, airplane travel, and overnight stays in temporary lodging. Requires the ability to visit project sites that are situated on a variety of developed and undeveloped terrain/locations. Includes exposure to outside weather conditions when at customer sites. Conducting field work may include occasional exposure to wastewater, requiring proper use of personal protective equipment including but not limited to gloves.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Regular job duties include seeing, speaking, hearing, reading, writing, keyboarding, prolonged periods of sitting including extended time viewing a computer screen. Intermittent physical activity including standing, walking, climbing stairs and/or ladders, reaching, pushing, pulling, grasping, holding, bending, twisting, stooping, kneeling, squatting, driving, and occasional light lifting of under 20 lbs. May also include occasional unassisted lifting of up to 50 lbs., occasionally up to 70 lbs. Lifting over 70 lbs. must be assisted. Operation of a motor vehicle and airplane travel with the ability to visit project sites that are situated on a variety of developed and undeveloped terrain/locations, is and/or may be required.