Quality Leader

Position Summary

The Quality Leader will be responsible for developing, implementing, and improving broadly defined quality engineering practices. These include Zero Defect methodology related to business activities, supporting the overall Quality Management System (QMS) and functional processes, and assuring compliance with customer technical expectations and quality‑related requirements. In addition, the incumbent will manage large, multi‑function projects not necessarily related to quality systems. Supports both domestic and global teams for both the APS and EPM Divisions of Parker Lord.

This position will have no direct reports but will work with the global team and in cross‑functional project settings.

• Manage, lead, and complete significant quality projects. Achieving desired end results in a timely, professional and effective manner.
• Lead in the development, documentation, implementation, and improvement of quality systems and processes to assure conformance and effectiveness.
• Assure that customer and company quality system and process expectations are clearly understood and implemented throughout the divisions.
• Lead/Coordinate internal activities in support of major customer and third‑party certification efforts.
• Lead internal quality planning efforts towards long‑range goals ensuring compliance and in a cost‑effective manner.
• Support quality alignment, best practices, and lessons learned across the global teams of APS and EPM divisions.
• Collaborate with functional owners to ensure integrity and application of the QMS.
• Conduct quality audits/assessments to ensure ongoing conformance, assess effectiveness, and recommend actions to correct deficiencies related to requirements and the quality system.
• Interface with customer personnel to clarify quality requirements and resolve quality problems in a professional, timely, effective and cost‑conscious manner with empathy to the needs of the customer.
• Support supplier quality management to improve the performance of the supply base.
• Administrate and lead improvements to key software systems that support quality management, such as Document Control, FMEA, MSA, MOC, and various quality dashboards and trackers.
• Coordinate implementation of new functionality and systems.
• Achieve ongoing improvements to customer satisfaction and quality metrics through team‑based improvement activity, monitoring of quality KPI's, individual improvement initiatives, and appropriate application of current and emerging continuous improvement tools and initiatives.
• Maintain proficiency in the core and functional competencies through formal training, self‑study, professional society affiliation, professional certification, leadership of cross‑functional teams, special assignments, and training and mentoring of team members.
• Determine customer quality requirements and analyze for compatibility with internal processes, policies, and systems. Facilitate in resolving differences.
• Lead quality‑related training (e.g. AIAG Core Tools, Customer Specific Requirements, quality policies) of key stakeholders and development of appropriate training materials.

• Education:
  • Bachelor's degree in Chemical/Industrial/Mechanical Engineering or related discipline.
• Experience:
  • 4+ yrs of experience in the Quality or Technology field with demonstrated ability to assume increasing responsibilities.
• Ability to work in a very dynamic, fast‑paced environment.
• Ability to work in a multicultural and highly diverse context.
• Ability to travel domestically as business needs dictate.
• Ability to effectively manage and influence cross‑functional teams, projects and programs.
• Knowledge of international quality system standards (ISO 9001:2015, IATF 16949:2016).
• Knowledge of Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) and Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA).
• Knowledge of internal and/or supplier quality system and process audits.
• Ability to facilitate and lead Root Cause and Corrective Action (RCCA) investigations with cross‑functional teams.
• Proficiency in the application of problem‑solving methods, improvement tools, and advanced statistical analysis tools (e.g. Ishikawa,…