The Quality Assurance (QA) Specialist is responsible for ensuring that the company’s quality assurance standards and procedures are met. The Quality Assurance Specialist will perform various QA-related tasks, which include tracking and reporting all activities, procedures and processes, developing auditing tools to improve the internal auditing process and conducting regular reviews and inspections to ensure employee adherence to quality standards. The Quality Assurance Specialist is expected to assist with the creation of company policies, procedures and processes and to conduct quality training sessions. The role will be charged with contributing to the development of a complete QA program that not only safeguards product quality, but also fosters a culture in which all employees are actively engaged.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Assist with the development, implementation, management and integration of a QMS for manufacturing plant
- Manage day-to-day activities and performance of Quality Control (QC) Machine Operators (one (1) per shift); provide learning and coaching opportunities to achieve quality standards and compliant operations
- Perform root cause analysis and other problem-solving activities to identify effective corrective actions and process improvements; provide feedback to manufacturing in regard to the impact of quality errors, particularly with key accounts
- Collaborate as needed with vendors, Sales, Account Managers (CSR’s) and Plant Managers to resolve quality issues by developing, coordinating, communicating and executing plans that meet objectives/standards
- Achieve quality assurance operational objectives by contributing information and analysis to strategic plans and reviews; prepare and complete action plans
- Complete audits; design, implement and document procedures for process control, process improvement, inspection, calibration and testing
- Monitor and validate quality processes and systems by establishing and implementing metrics
- Monitor compliance; conduct audits and complete/publish/analyze reports
- Drive plant accountabilities in the areas of: tracking vendor performance, resolution and disposition of customer complaints, investigation of critical quality defects in in-process and finished products, generation and analysis of quality data and reports
- Conduct research to identify industry trends and issues that may impact the organization’s operations
- Recommend changes to processes to improve product quality
- Train employees on quality control protocols to ensure compliance with standards
- Provide “on call” support (via phone) to plant personnel in response to critical quality issues
- Pursue continuing education, as applicable, in new solutions, technologies and skills
- Perform all other duties as assigned
Required Education and Experience
- 2+ years prior experience in a quality assurance or quality control role
- Deep knowledge of quality assurance terminology, methods and tools
- Strong analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills
- Proficiency in best practices for testing, version control and defect management
- Superb computer skills (e.g., Excel Pivot Tables, etc.)
- Excellent communication, interpersonal and organizational skills
- Demonstrated ability to manage complexity and multiple projects simultaneously within a manufacturing environment
Preferred Education and Experience
- ISO 9001 Certification or CQA
- Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in relevant field
- Previous experience in the print, paper or envelope industries
- Previous experience auditing quality management systems
- Continuous Improvement or Lean experience
Competencies
- Knowledge of theory and principles of statistics and statistical process control
- Strong communication skills, both verbal and written
- Experience in designing and implementing quality systems
- Knowledge of inspection and control methods, techniques and documentation
- Research, fact-finding and problem resolution
- Organization and time management skills
- Strong computer skills, including quality control applications, word processing, spreadsheets and databases
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to maintain productive relationships with customers, peers and management
- Self-motivated and ability to work independently
- Ability to travel with minimal notice
- Leadership skills with ability to influence and engage others
