Director Quality Assurance

Republic Steel is North America's leading supplier of Special Bar Quality steel bars, a highly engineered product used in axles, drive shafts, suspension rods and other critical components of automobiles, off-highway vehicles, and industrial equipment. Republic is headquartered in Canton, Ohio, and employs over 600 people at steel manufacturing facilities in Canton, Lorain, Massillon, and Solon, Ohio; and Lackawanna, New York. Republic offers a competitive salary, excellent benefits including medical, dental, vision, life and 401k (with a company match).

 Position Summary:

The Director of Quality Assurance is responsible for directing the quality assurance function corporate-wide, including managing Hot Roll and Cold Finish Quality Organizations and ensuring the effective establishment and maintenance of quality systems, processes and procedures. This position also represents the Company as a management agent for quality and direct efforts to enhance product quality, reduce cost of poor quality and position Republic as the supplier of choice and the leader in the production of MBQ and SBQ Bar Product.

Departmental Expectations of Employee:   

• Adheres to Republic’s Policies and Procedures.
• Drives for results and success. Inspires a sense of urgency in responding to opportunities and issues.
• Champions Republic’s Core Competencies and instills the same in others.
• Challenges the status quo and champions continuous improvement.
• Works to achieve standards of excellence with our customers, work processes and outcomes. Produces and delivers quality results.
• Presents positive solutions to organizational challenges.
• Maintains a positive and respectful attitude.
• Communicates regularly with Vice President about Plant, Department / Organizational issues.
• Demonstrates flexible and efficient time management and has the ability to prioritize workload.
• Meets productivity, quality, efficiency, and continuous improvement standards.
• Consistently works in a manner that demonstrates commitment to safe working practices and good housekeeping (5S) within the work area.
• Uses Six Sigma and BCR practices for activities and problem solving.

Essential duties and responsibilities which must be performed in order to carry out the position purpose summarized above:

(The following description is a general representation of the key duties and responsibilities of this position.  Other duties may be assigned, as required.)

• Leads and direct quality assurance functions corporate-wide including product metallurgy, product development, technical center, metallurgical labs and claims administration.
• Develop, implements and executes quality management strategies and systems to support the organization’s business plan and strategy and comply with manufacturing practices and regulations.
• Reports to executive management on the performance of the quality system and make recommendations as warranted. Identifies and implements new technology.
• Maintains current knowledge base of all regulatory and quality assurance related changes within the industry.
• Develops and maintains systems to establish standards and measure performance.
• Monitors performance according to standards and informs/communicates/and advises according to performance levels.
• Establishes and implements necessary communication strategy for the improvement and awareness of quality issues across all departments/facilities.
• Plans and manages quality assurance activities in accordance with agreed budgets and timeframes.
• Manages organization performance against goals and budgets, and within policies and standards.
• Liaise with customers and suppliers impacted and affected by quality issues. As required, gains understanding of customers’ quality philosophy and audit systems to understand their expectations for product quality to justify internal standards.
• Educates internal and external customers regarding product quality requirements, product application, plant quality trends and internal/external customer quality expectations.
• Directs customer and internal quality inspections and audits and customer / technical certifications.
• Manages staff: oversees the selection, hiring, training and development of employees; manages performance; facilitates teamwork; maintains positive employee relations. Trains and coaches employees in QA philosophy and systems. 
• Investigates quality incidents, reports formal findings, develops corrective measures and reports effectiveness of improved processes.
• Assures compliance with all company policies.
• Supports continuous improvement initiatives.

Qualifications:

Specific knowledge, training, or skills required to perform the duties of this position.  Specific concepts, courses, training programs or required certifications:

(To perform this position successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and abilities required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.)

• Bachelors degree in metallurgy, materials science, engineering or related field required. Advanced graduate degree preferred. 
• Demonstrated understanding of metallurgical concepts.
• Demonstrated leadership experience in managing quality systems and personnel.
• Proven experience in implementing QA programs, systems and processes in heavy manufacturing environment, preferably MBQ and SBQ steel industry.
• Extensive business savvy and experience with industry quality standards including TS, ISO and QS. Certified ASQ CQE, CQMgr, or Six Sigma credentials preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in hiring, retaining, and managing professionals and technical personnel.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the demonstrated ability to interact and relate with multiple levels of personnel.
• Demonstrated analytical and organizational skills. Ability to interface, plan and problem solve with customers. 
• Extensive project management experience.

Essential Physical Demands and Working Environment:

(The physical demands and work environment described below is representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.)

• Ability to see, communicate, hear and utilize electronic communication devices.
• Very demanding position: long hours, standing, walking, stooping, and climbing; requires physical agility and dexterity.
• Stressful work environment.
• Plant working conditions: hazardous, dirty and subject to weather and temperature extremes.
• Traveling as needed for business purposes.

Previous experience that is necessary background to qualify for this position:

• Seasoned, broad experience in plant quality and bar steel making; extensive knowledge of metallurgy and chemistry.
• Demonstrated leadership experience in managing quality systems and implementing QA processes.
• Experience in all standard quality control and engineering practices (SQP’s).

Republic Steel is proudly an Equal Employment Opportunity and E-Verify employer!