Quality Control Lab Manager

JOB SUMMARY:

Responsible for the overall management of AXEL America’s and AXEL Royal’s quality control laboratories management system as outlined by ISO 9001:2015 and IATF 16949 Quality Management Systems. Effectively assures compliance of customer requirements within the laboratory environment by managing personnel, quality policies, standards, procedures, calibrations, programs and practices while driving and facilitating continuous improvement. Promotes quality achievement and performance improvement within the quality control laboratories. This position is central to promoting AXEL’s ethical, safety and environmental standards.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Develop, implement, communicate, train upon and maintain the quality program within the quality control laboratories to ensure the lab personnel, quality systems, and policies are in compliance with Axel’s system requirements. This includes ISO and IATF documents related to the quality control laboratories.
• Create and foster effective communication between all other departments and the quality control laboratories.
• Provide written instructions to the production department for batches which do not meet specification. Consult with the chemists / developmental engineers, as needed, to establish plans to bring products into compliance.
• Effectively interact with production and research and development personnel to maintain raw material and finished product supply and help introduce new raw materials and finished products.
• Work with supply chain and chemists / developmental engineers to establish quality requirements for raw materials and products from external suppliers.
• Provide input on equipment purchasing decisions and implement agreed investments.
• Develop work instructions for each test conducted in the quality control laboratories and effectively train personnel to run each test.
• Plan and execute repeatability and reproducibility studies on test equipment.
• Ensure transfer of customer specifications and requirements to production and quality control staff.
• Prepare quality reports, metrics and quality program meeting material for management.
• Develop and maintain quality control goals and objectives.
• Support customer corrective and preventive activities with testing and evaluation to ensure a thorough and timely response.
• Assist in identifying opportunities to reprocess out of specification and obsolete raw materials and finished goods.
• Responsible for continual improvement activities within the quality control laboratories to enhance the quality system, such as Six Sigma, Kaizen, lean methods, etc.
• Manage Axel’s First Pass program and provide data analysis.
• As the Quality Focal Point (QPL), interact with customer representatives and ensure the execution of corrective action(s) and compliance with customers’ specifications.
• Develop standard laboratory operations that are consistent across the three US facilities including but not limited to record maintenance, test data, creation and dissemination of certificates of analysis, processing of sample requests, housekeeping and storage and disposition of retains.
• Responsible for ensuring that each QC lab is meeting the required standards established.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Perform all other related duties and assignments as required by management.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

• Manage and provide direct supervision to quality control personnel at all three AXEL locations within the United States. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include recruiting, interviewing, hiring and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; issuing rewards and performance correction; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES:

• Ability to read, write and communicate effectively in English.
• Excellent numerical skills and understanding of data analysis / statistical methods.
• Ability to perform root cause analysis to solve issues.
• Intermediate to advanced computer skills relative to spreadsheet, charting and documentation software required.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated leadership ability.
• Ability to work well with all departments and levels within the Axel organization.
• Ability to effectively interact with customers showing passion and a level of responsibility

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor of Science Degree in engineering, chemistry, or quality related field.
• 2+ years of experience in quality control in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience, including audits, in quality management systems, specifically ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 is a plus.
• Experience in ISO 14000 is preferred.
• Experience with lubricant testing and calibration, including greases, is preferred.
• Background in safety and environmental standards is a plus.
• Supervisory experience is preferred

TRAINING REQUIREMENTS:

This position requires formal training and experience as outlined above. Additionally, continued training for this position occurs through:

• Through instruction with VP of Technology and all other technology managers.
• At least one industry continuing educational seminar per year.
• Various safety training

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/ WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Ability to lift approximately 20-35 lbs.
• Professional office environment with significant time spent in manufacturing plants and labs.
• Regularly required to listen and speak while performing the duties of this position.
• Role routinely uses standard office equipment, such as, laptop computer, smartphone, copiers, and filing cabinets.
• Evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand.
• Must be able to access various departments at all locations.
• 20%-30% overnight travel expected to other AXEL locations at least once per quarter and as needed.

Job Type: Full-time

Base Pay: $75,000.00 - $85,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person