Quality Assurance Manager at Kuhn North America, Inc.

The Quality Assurance Manager is responsible for the development and management of the overall KNA Quality Assurance Program, with the goal of ensuring process and procedure compliance and overall effectiveness for producing the highest quality products and responding to non-conformance with corrective measures.  EXPECTATIONSEnsure that all components and products meet KNA quality standards and prevent flawed product from reaching the advanced stages of the supply chain.Produce accurate and usable reports in a timely manner.Contribute to the continuous improvement of product quality.Treat people fairly. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following.  Other duties may be assigned.Develop, plan, communicate and achieve departmental goals.Facilitate/lead department and process improvements teams in continuous improvement efforts using lean enterprise techniques.Drive quality measurement and improvement activities to ensure that the Company s and customer s quality requirements are met on all products and programs.Determine quality and reliability standards by reviewing engineering documentation and verifying specifications with Engineering.Compile, tabulate, and summarize inspection data for analysis. Prepare and recommend improvements relative to variability and deviations from quality standards.Maintain charts, graphs, and statistical records relating to quality, nature, and causes of non conformance.Identify raw material and in-process product conditions by collecting material samples and conducting inspections.Determine conformance to specifications of finished product by collecting, analyzing, and interpreting production and inspection data.Maintain the product quality documentation system by writing and updating quality assurance procedures.Improve quality results by updating processes and standards, participating in training, and overall communication methods.Work with product service and warranty personnel and support the resolution of all problems related to manufacturing quality.Follow up on non conformance corrective actions to ensure closure to exceptions and to prevent reoccurrence.Develop and administer a supplier quality assurance program.Initiate and solicit ideas from individuals and teams on current and potential quality issues.Train and educate employees in various quality control techniques, perform fast paced and accurate visual, dimensional, and mechanical inspection of KNA purchased and manufactured parts, assemblies and final products, ensuring compliance to technical drawings and specifications.Maintain work area in a clean and orderly fashion and conform to all quality and safety procedures SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIESMaintain a qualified quality assurance staff to conduct quality inspection and support production staff in quality improvement efforts.Direct, coordinate and supervise the assigned Quality Assurance Technicians, or others assigned to the quality assurance team, providing appropriate support, guidance and discipline to achieve department and individual objectives.Carry out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the Company s policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring and training employees: planning, assigning, and directing work; performance management, addressing complaints; and resolving problems.Communicate and lead significant change efforts by delegating tasks, setting expectations, and holding employees accountable for results.Maintain communication with other departments and project teams, provide written reports as required, and actively participate in department and staff meetings. Education and/or Experience A bachelor s degree in industrial technology, manufacturing engineering, or a related field and/or a minimum of five years of quality engineering experience is required. ASQ certification is preferred.  A mechanical aptitude and knowledge and basic skills in all areas of manufacturing (machining, fabrication, welding, paint, and assembly) is preferred.