Quality Lab Manager

Quality Lab Manager

About Optimas

Optimas Solutions is a global distributor of integrated supply chain solutions, and engineering support focused on delivering fasteners, components, industrial and safety supplies to our diverse customers around the world. Our local, on-the-ground teams understand the nuances of every community we serve. This allows us to adapt with our customers and partners as needs evolve, leveraging our footprint to remain at your side while providing a highly personalized level of service and support no matter where you find yourself around the globe. 

Our Values are the THREAD that connects us as one team to ensure that we are accountable for our contributions to the success of our company and customers:

• Teamwork
• Honesty
• Respect
• Excellence
• Accountability
• Drive

To learn more, please visit our website http://www.optimas.com  

Position Overview:

The Quality Lab Manager is responsible for the operations of the Wood Dale Quality Laboratory, ensuring that finished goods meet the specifications of the company and its customers.

The Quality Lab Manager works directly with the Manufacturing and/or Distribution locations to ensure that all laboratory inspections are completed accurately and in a timely manner, ensuring that results are documented in all applicable systems. The position will focus on activities that promote quality performance improvement, quality control, inspection, measurement, testing, and compliance activities to relevant standards.

The ideal candidate has a history of success interacting with internal customers and manufacturing in a quality capacity, knowledge of quality systems and automotive requirements, and driving cross functional initiatives to support quality performance goals. Fastener and/or distribution experience is highly preferred.

Main Responsibilities:

• Completion of Laboratory testing in line with documented test methods
• The collection of specified data for the generation of Laboratory KPI’s
• Use of Q.A./Laboratory measuring and test equipment
• Understanding of products, surface coatings, locking/sealing patches and heat treatment
• Maintenance of sample and documentation archives
• Control of specifications and reference materials
• Laboratory housekeeping
• Management of laboratory personnel.
• Maintenance of the laboratory calibration system
• Perform internal audits in Manufacturing Environment (LPA, Product and Process)
• Responsible for ensuring that all Laboratory Technicians are trained to perform their respective job functions.
• Support Non-conforming Material investigations and Corrective Actions
• Ensure timely disposition of nonconforming products.
• Work with manufacturing to ensure product conformance through documented process monitoring and process controls methods.
• Enhance department and organization reputation by accepting ownership for accomplishing a variety of requests to improve performance and exploring opportunities to add value.
• Understand and follow customer specific quality systems and procedures.
• Understand and comply with QMS policies and procedures
• Exhibit proficient interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with customers, suppliers, and internal cross functional teams regarding technical and business matters at a level appropriate for the audience.
• Other duties as assigned

Key Competencies:

• Functional/Technical Skills (Manufacturing/Distribution Environment)
• Customer Orientation.
• Problem Solving.
• Interpersonal Savvy/Communication.
• Listening
• Process Management.
• Drive for Results.
• Responsiveness/Sense of Urgency.
• High Sense of Accountability.
• Timely Decision Making.

Job Requirements/Qualifications:

•              Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or equivalent experience.
•              3-5 years' relevant experience in a manufacturing environment. Automotive experience preferred.
•              Prior experience using precision measurement instruments in an industrial setting (ex. Micrometer, Caliper).
•              Blueprint reading. GD&T is a plus.
•              Working knowledge of Core Tools (APQP, FMEA, Control Plan, MSA & PPAP, CAPA).
•              Knowledge of Six Sigma methodology and related tools; Green or Black Belt is a plus.
•              Internal auditing or process auditing experience preferred (IATF 16949, ISO 9001).
•              Fastener experience preferred.
•              Business software proficiency including PowerPoint, Excel, Word, Minitab, ERP.
•              Proficient verbal and written communication skills.
•              Strong data management skills preferred.
•              Demonstrated understanding of fact-based decision-making and analytical processes related to quality management and process improvement.
•              Domestic travel (car/air) <5%.
•              Infrequent international travel to support business demands. <5%.

Optimas OE Solutions provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Optimas OE Solutions complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.