The Quality Tech – Supplier Quality position is the lead point-of-contact between the DA operations team and our vendors/ suppliers, and is responsible for overall performance and improvements in supplier quality and material quality. This position works within the Distributive Assembly (DA) and Riverside Quality System, and uses root cause analysis techniques, and trend/ statistical analysis to assist in the continual improvement of the DA’s manufacturing processes.
This individual will also assist in solving problems, controlling variables, and providing candid & accurate feedback that are critical to quality. They will be expected to lead continuous improvement activities and teams focused on improving material quality within the DA.
Organizational Relationship:
This position will report to the Quality Manager as a member of the Continuous Improvement and Quality Department.
Accountabilities:
- Request, coordinate and track through completion vendor corrective actions
- Develop new metrics and processes to improve material quality (for example: First Pass Yield)
- Able to access and interpret technical drawings and blueprints
- Able to complete and publish End-of-Month Vendor Scrap Reports
- Audit incoming and in-process pallets for non-conforming material
- Audit current processes for identification of defects in material goods and process execution
- Coordinate processing of non-conforming material into quarantine receiving “red zone” and/or vendor scrap area
- Maintain accountability over quarantined material and expedite disposition through vendors
- Actively participate in Process, Shipping and Out-of-Box Audits and work towards resolution of open items
- Interacts with Leadership in the identification and resolution of product quality problems
- Frequently interacts with internal and external customers to resolve quality problems
- Coordinate return of defective material to vendors with Materials/Supply group
- Audit and evaluate pallets of non-conforming material and reconcile discrepancies between actual inventory and tally report sheets
- Capture defect data, analyze, and identify/communicate trends with recommended countermeasures for resolution.
- Coach employees on proper processing of “scrap” materials and with proper repair techniques
- Periodically review specifications and Standard Operating Sheets (SOS) etc. for accuracy and revisions
- Support Riverside DA employees and Leadership as needed to interpret specifications and solve problems
- Assist with creating quality standards and visual aids, and training associates on their intended use
- Participate in Kaizen improvement events, especially those focused on quality
- Generate, modify, and complete Standard Operating Sheets (SOS)
- Support Annual Physical Inventories
- Support root cause investigations in collaboration with Quality Technician.
- Perform Pick Cart Audits
- Review and respond to Hour By Hour Supplier related defects being reported.
Knowledge, Skills and Experience:
- Excellent written and oral communications skills
- Skilled in Microsoft Office required (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), with expertise in Excel preferred
- Ability to apply and interpret basic statistical data
- Must be detail-oriented with the ability to discern colors and see defects from arm’s length away
- Must have the ability to actively initiate, lead, and participate in problem solving activities as they pertain to supplier quality issues
- Must be able to give candid feedback and report findings of non-compliance to the Riverside Quality System
- Ability to maintain the professional competence, knowledge, and skill necessary for the satisfactory performance of all assigned responsibilities
- Able to work under normal supervision and self-pace as required
- Willing to perform basic 5S (housekeeping/organization) steps and maintain the vendor scrap area and vendor scrap work cell
- Two years’ experience within a manufacturing environment preferred
- One year of demonstrated exceptional individual performance, and/or one year of quality assurance/control desired
- Must be willing to hold self and others accountable to safety and quality policies and procedures
Physical Requirements
- Possess manual dexterity to perform detailed cosmetic repairs to cabinet components by hand
- Individual and team-lifting as appropriate
- Safely perform stacking and down-stacking of various cabinet components to process and quarantine non-conforming material
- A combination of bending, reaching, squatting/stooping, standing and walking for up to nine hours per day
- The ability to operate a manual pallet jack
- The ability to work safely and wear proper PPE, which includes, but is not limited to: Safety glasses, ear plugs, task-specific gloves, bump cap or hardhat, and steel toed safety shoes
- The ability to work in a hot and/or dusty environment
BENEFITS
- Insurance coverage including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, flexible spending accounts, wellness programs, 401K all effective day 1 of employment, plus generous PTO and holidays
- Associate appreciation/recognition programs
- Scholarship program for children of employees
- Other benefits offered are dependent upon plant location, please check with HR for details