Quality Assurance Manager

Position: QUALITY ASSURANCE MANAGER
Location: Wilton

At Gerdau, we empower our people to grow, thrive, and make a difference-together. With a culture built on trust and teamwork, we offer meaningful work, continuous development, and opportunities to shape your future. We invite you to come work with us, where your contributions are valued, your voice is heard, and your career is forged with purpose

Responsible for the leadership and direction of employees involved in quality assurance, laboratory analysis, physical testing, customer technical service, product development and end
-application for the Steel Mill Division. At the mills discretion, may also lead and direct scheduling and billet handling functions.

DIMENSIONS:

1. Direct Reports 1-5

2. Indirect Reports Up to 30 in span of control

3. Annual Production 300,000-3 million tons

NATURE AND SCOPE:

The Quality Assurance Manager is primarily responsible for insuring production adherence to customer's' specifications and/or accepted standards. As needed, the incumbent will assist the corporate sales group with product applications and recommendations and will handle all product quality issues for the assigned Steel mill The incumbent is also responsible for insuring the mill's continuing compliance with the Gerdau Business System (GBS).

The Quality Assurance Manager reports to the VP & General Manager, with a dotted line reporting relationship to the Director of Corporate Quality. Reporting to the incumbent will be Routine Facilitators, Improvement Facilitators, Product Metallurgists, Lab Technicians, Schedulers and Billet Yard Personnel, depending on mill requirements. Number of direct and indirect reports will vary by location.

The incumbent should have in- depth knowledge of testing techniques and analytical procedures related to product quality, metallurgical requirements and standards for steel products. The incumbent should be familiar with chemical, mechanical and metallurgical analysis and respective testing equipment. Must have demonstrated understanding of quality control and process control techniques, as well as investigation process and reporting. Will be responsible for procedures and practices related to computer systems including local MES (Manufacturing Execution System), SAP and location- specific applications.

Qualifications for this position include a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in metallurgy or materials science with a minimum of 7 years of related steel mill experience. Knowledge in the product application area is required, along with strong interpersonal skills. Demonstrated success with supervision and people development strongly preferred.

The Quality Assurance Manager is responsible for the chemical analysis and mechanical testing of each batch for adherence to company and customer standards. Investigates any discrepancies in the quality of product. Meets with customers to discuss product adherence to specifications and application and support of quality functions. Develops and presents effective recommendations to operating departments on metallurgical issues. The incumbent, working in conjunction with the Melt Shop and Rolling Mill leadership, establishes standard practices and procedures.

Process changes are approved by the Quality Assurance Manager. The incumbent works closely with Operations in resolving quality issues and in developing new products without compromising quality or safety. The incumbent manages interdisciplinary teams in and has accountability for the interests of all parties in creating and modifying work procedures and equipment.

For customer service, the Quality Assurance Manager acts as a liaison with customers, quality inspection firms and external agencies to insure Gerdau is in compliance with all quality requirements. May be required to visit job sites or independent testing facilities to insure our compliance. Investigates quality failures, determines root causes, and recommends corrective actions. The incumbent calls on customers with sales personnel to resolve customer complaints or determine the feasibility of making new products.

As requested, may assist other Gerdau locations in resolving quality issues. This is in the form of investigation and recommendation but carries no direct responsibility. Shares best practices through participation in the Knowledge Management (KM) system and attendance at corporate quality meetings. As needed, will participate in on-going corporate quality projects.

Recommends disposition of batches not meeting specifications. Responsible for maintenance as needed on Laboratory and other test equipment. Responsible for content of certified mill test reports for customer(s) and informs the VP & General Manager of any deviations in the products.

The Quality Assurance Manager is responsible for the chemical analysis and mechanical testing of each batch for adherence to company and customer standards. Investigates any discrepancies in the quality of product. Meets with customers to discuss product adherence to…