Quality Assurance Manager

CTS is a $550 million corporation that employs 4,000+ dedicated people. CTS designs and manufactures electronic components, actuators, and sensors to OEMs in the automotive, communications, medical, defense and aerospace, industrial, and computer markets.

The company manufactures products in North America, Europe, and Asia. Founded in 1896 as Chicago Telephone Supply, CTS is headquartered in Lisle, IL.

Job / Position Summary

As the Quality Assurance Manager, you will be instrumental in upholding and advancing our organizational standards. Your role involves overseeing a broad spectrum of activities, including establishing and communicating quality standards, developing, and administering a comprehensive quality management system, and actively participating in continuous improvement initiatives.

You will manage programs and activities within the quality assurance functions of the organization, collaborating with team members to enhance customer satisfaction and reduce the cost of quality through waste reduction.

Additionally, you will plan and implement continuous improvement activities in coordination with other team members.

Major Areas of Responsibility

Quality Standards Establishment :

• Develop and communicate quality standards to all relevant personnel.
• Administer policies and programs to ensure that organizational products and processes consistently meet established quality benchmarks.
• Oversee activities ranging from defining visual standards to managing Material Review Boards (MRBs).

Quality Management System :

• Participate in the development, implementation, and administration of the organizational quality management system.
• Monitor progress against strategic quality-related goals to drive continuous improvement.

Team Management :

• Lead and supervise the quality team providing guidance, training, and support to ensure quality objectives are met.
• Evaluate the quality of raw materials, components, in-progress goods, and processes.

Continuous Improvement :

• Lead and participate in proactive continuous improvement activities, such as Value Stream Mapping, cost reduction through VA / VE, waste elimination, and quality improvement initiatives.
• Solicit internal and external feedback for process and product enhancement.
• Implement and measure the impact of corrective actions.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement and implement strategies to enhance quality, efficiency, and effectiveness.

Problem Solving :

• Lead and participate in problem-solving activities to address deficiencies in production performance.
• Address customer, internal, and supplier quality issues through both short and long-term, formal, and informal initiatives.

Quality Support and Guidance :

Provide support and guidance on quality-related matters to manufacturing personnel.

Customer and Supplier Engagement :

• Communicate with customers and suppliers regarding quality concerns, system improvements, and continuous improvement projects.
• Represent the company in negotiations on quality standards, establish mutual action plans, and make presentations.

Documentation Management :

• Create and maintain documentation as required by ISO9001 and internal company needs.
• Prepare PPAPs, and create / revise Control Plans, Flow Charts, gage studies, SPC charts, and other assigned documentation.

Reporting :

Gather data and prepare comprehensive reports for management on quality metrics and other company quality activities / issues.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to work as part of a team.
• Management skills.
• Problem / situation analysis.
• Oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships.
• Analytical thinking skills.
• Assimilates instructions and information in procedures in order to achieve independent decisions.
• Sufficient computer knowledge to develop, improve methods for tracking and retrieving information.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the field's concepts and principles.
• Performs complex tasks typically following established processes.
• Leads and directs the work of other employees and has full authority for personnel decisions.
• Has impact on departmental budgeting, strategic planning, and procedural change.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree
• At least 6 years of relevant experience.

United States