Plant Quality Manager (ONSITE) Relocation Assistance Provided

WHY WERNER? BECAUSE WE ARE THE PRO'S CHOICE! You will find our market leading products and brands on trucks and job sites all over the world. Focusing on end users' needs drives our success. Our entire product development process-from research to engineering to manufacturing to commercialization-creates products that ensure ease of use, productivity, durability and safety for the end user. On jobsites across America and the world, WernerCo brands are most preferred.

Are you passionate about driving excellence in product quality? Do you thrive in a leadership role where your strategic vision can make a tangible impact? If so, we invite you to join our team as the Quality Manager at our Crystal Lake facility!

About the Role: As the Quality Manager, you'll be at the helm of our quality systems, ensuring that our products meet the highest standards of excellence. This position is pivotal to our operational strategy, directly contributing to enhanced team performance and product quality. You'll be responsible for planning, directing, reviewing, and controlling the quality of both supplied and manufactured products, as well as leading continuous improvement initiatives across the facility.

Key Responsibilities:

Quality Management System (QMS): Lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of the QMS in compliance with ISO standards. Ensure all quality processes are documented, followed, and updated as needed.
• Blueprint Interpretation: Analyze technical drawings and blueprints to ensure products meet all specifications and quality standards.
• Statistical Process Control (SPC): Implement and monitor SPC techniques to control and improve manufacturing processes. Use data to identify trends and drive corrective actions.
• Team Development: Manage and mentor the quality assurance team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Conduct regular training sessions to enhance team skills and knowledge.
• PFMEA (Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis): Lead PFMEA activities to identify potential risks in manufacturing processes and develop mitigation strategies.
• ISO Certification: Maintain and enhance the company's ISO certification. Conduct regular audits to ensure compliance with all relevant standards.
• Continuous Improvement: Drive continuous improvement initiatives using lean manufacturing principles and quality tools to enhance product quality and reduce waste.
• Customer Complaint Management: Oversee the customer complaint system, analyze return data, and implement actionable improvements.
• Advanced Problem Solving: Lead problem-solving initiatives using methodologies like Six Sigma, 8D, and Design of Experiments to achieve measurable quality enhancements.
• Defect Analysis and Reporting: Provide comprehensive analysis and reporting on defects, corrective actions, and the effectiveness of quality improvements.
• Quality Control Planning: Develop and document robust production quality control plans to ensure all specifications are met and maintained.
• Process Control: Implement Gage R&R and process capability studies to optimize manufacturing processes.
• Auditing and Compliance: Conduct internal and supplier quality system audits to ensure continuous compliance and improvement of quality standards.
• Cost Management: Strategically reduce scrap costs and improve the total cost of quality across facilities.
• Relationship Building: Cultivate strong relationships with plant leadership and key stakeholders.
• Additional Duties: Perform other strategic duties as directed by the leadership team.

Key Competencies:

• Proven experience in blueprint interpretation and statistical process control (SPC).
• Strong knowledge of PFMEA and its application in manufacturing processes.
• ISO certification (e.g., ISO 9001) and experience in maintaining and auditing to ISO standards.
• Technical and Analytical Skills: Strong mechanical aptitude, quantitative skills, and financial competency to drive strategic quality initiatives.
• Interpersonal and Communication Skills: Excellent ability to work across disciplines and communicate effectively with customers and all levels of the organization, including senior management.
• Proactive Leadership: High energy level, self-motivated, and capable of driving strategic quality improvements independently.
• Effective communication and problem-solving abilities.

Experience & Education:

• Minimum of 10+ years in quality management, including leadership experience, with a preference for those with automotive industry experience.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality Management, or a related field.

Certifications:

• Six Sigma Black Belt (preferred).
• ISO Lead Audit Certification (preferred).

Why Join Us? At our Crystal Lake facility, we believe in fostering a collaborative and innovative environment where every team member is valued. Join us and be part of a company that is committed to excellence, continuous improvement, and delivering high-quality products to our customers.

WernerCo is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion. WernerCo is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. All qualified applicants to WernerCo are considered for employment without regard to age, color, disability, ethnicity, family or marital status, gender identity or expression, language, national origin, physical and mental ability, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, veteran status or any other protected characteristic. WernerCo will not tolerate discrimination or harassment of any kind based on these characteristics.