Quality Manager

Rite-Hite is the global leader in the manufacture and distribution of industrial loading dock and door equipment. We are always looking ahead to develop innovative new products and services to improve our customers' safety, security, and productivity.

Job Description:

The Quality Manager is responsible for building and maintaining a robust quality management system within the Dubuque, IA manufacturing facility. Reporting to the Director of Operations, this role will interface daily with all levels of the organization, from front line employees to executive staff. The Quality Manager will ensure areas of the facility that are already ISO certified remain compliant, while expanding the certification to remaining areas within the plant.

This position will drive operations excellence principles across all functions to support continuous improvement in processes and performance metrics.

• Follows through on set processes and ensures adherence to best production practices and product quality standards.
• Reviews engineering drawings & specifications and ensures consistent compliance to those specifications.
• Provides information to Engineering & Purchasing regarding repeated quality issues in terms of production or purchased components.
• Develops & implements quality & process improvement plans, programs, and procedures using continuous improvement techniques such as 5 Whys, 7 Step Problem Solving, PDCA, and other analysis methods.
• Coordinates the investigation of problems and develops disposition & corrective actions for recurring discrepancies.
• Works with technical customer service team to address manufacturing errors discovered in the field.
• Works with production leadership and individual front line employees to address internal rejections found within the manufacturing process.
• Performs audits as required against the product, product components and subassembly areas. Uses independent judgment for structural and functional aspects of the product.
• Performs process audits of production and support functions to identify gaps and validate effectiveness of improvement activities.
• Ensures ISO compliance for those areas of the facility where ISO certification already exists. Develops a plan to implement ISO certification in areas where it does not already exist.
• Working in conjunction with the Supply Chain team; develops, deploys, and maintains the supply quality development process.
• Apply Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma tools and methodology in the implementation of manufacturing excellence initiatives.
• Audit business processes to ensure compliance to the Quality Management System.
• Facilitate employee engagement in problem solving activities, and help teach problem solving methodologies throughout the organization.
• Develops & prepares accurate data & reviews summaries with Operations and Engineering teams.
• Lead quality meetings.
• Provide descriptions, documentation, and recommendations to purchasing regarding quality concerns.
• Working with the Supply Chain Manager, visit and audit key suppliers to drive improvements in supplier performance of quality, cost, and delivery.
• Ensure proper & timely disposition of vendor parts to be returned.
• Manages and maintains quality database, including monitoring status of each QIR.
• Conduct trend analysis of quality concerns to establish strategic program direction.

Bachelor’s degree and minimum of 5 years of quality management experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

• Six Sigma certification or equivalent problem-solving experience is required.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• Working knowledge of JD Edwards or similar ERP.
• Proficient use of MS Office
• Experience leading and implementing Lean Manufacturing Principles.

This role will supervise 6 – 12 direct reports. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance via the development of SMART objectives; rewarding & disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.