Quality Support Specialist

1. Job Purpose/Summary:

The Quality Support Specialist will play a critical role in ensuring that manufacturing processes meet the required standards of quality and efficiency. This role involves observing operators, processes, procedures, and practices, collecting and analyzing data related to production processes, identifying areas for improvement, implementing quality control measures, and ensuring adherence to quality and regulatory standards. The Quality Support Specialist collaborates with cross-functional teams, management, and production personnel to support continuous improvement initiatives and maintain high product quality. The Quality Support Specialist serves as a valuable resource across all manufacturing departments for quality-related issues. His/her primary focus is to identify process and operator improvement opportunities, to offer innovative solutions, coordinate the support activities necessary to execute these initiatives, and to mentor operators to develop “eyes for quality”. The Quality Support Specialist plays a key role in maintaining and elevating Polydeck’s status in the market as a trusted supplier of premium products.

2. Essential Functions/Responsibilities:

· Quality Assurance:

§ Work closely with operators across all departments to identify potential quality issues.

§ Develop and implement quality control processes to ensure adherence to specifications and standards.

§ Monitor production activities to detect deviations from quality standards.

§ Perform regular evaluations and audits to verify compliance with quality requirements.

§ Trouble-shoot quality issues as necessary.

· Data Analysis:

§ Perform special testing as required (i.e. First Article, Die Release, Moisture-Poly, Viscosity, Paint thickness, Steel hardness).

§ Collect and analyze data related to product quality, process efficiency, and defect rates.

§ Evaluate product nonconformances.

§ Generate solutions to improve products or processes.

· Continuous Improvement:

§ Collaborate with cross-functional teams, departments, or other personnel to implement corrective and preventive actions to address quality issues.

§ Facilitate problem-solving activities and corrective action planning.

§ Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance product quality, reduce waste, and optimize manufacturing processes.

· Training and Development:

§ Obtain QMS Internal Auditor certification.

§ Provide training and guidance to new and existing employees to ensure understanding and execution of quality expectations, standards, and specifications.

§ Communicate essential knowledge that is critical to quality.

§ Serve as a mentor to production personnel to equip and develop employees to have “eyes for quality”.

§ Foster a culture of quality and accountability throughout the organization by promoting awareness and understanding of quality requirements.

· Quality Management System (QMS):

§ Attain QMS Internal Auditor certification via Polydeck internal auditing training program.

§ Perform frequent process/procedural audits and report findings.

§ Monitor formal internal Corrective Actions (CARs). Verify implementation of corrective measures.

§ Support A3 Problem Solving initiatives.

§ Verify actions taken to address QMS internal audit findings.

§ Participate in Kaizen or other problem-solving activities as necessary.

· Miscellaneous

§ Other assignments/responsibilities as assigned by the Quality Manager.

3. Skills/Certifications:

· Microsoft Office · 5S techniques, lean manufacturing principles. · Strong process monitoring and development skills. · Statistical Process Control (SPC) as necessary. · Internal Auditor Certification (to be provided internally). · VISUAL ERP System

4. Minimum Education & Work Experience Required:

· High School diploma, GED, or equivalent.

· Previous experience within a manufacturing environment preferred.

· Previous experience in quality assurance or quality control preferred.

5. Necessary Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

· Strong analytical skills.

· Ability to establish good working relationships.

· Change implementation skills.

· Strong decision-making skills.

· Written and oral communications skills.

· Interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across all manufacturing departments.

· Detail-oriented mindset with a focus on quality and continuous improvement.

6. Supervisory Responsibility & Budget Accountability:

· No supervisory experience required. · Must work safely and be mindful of the safety of others. · Accountable to the Quality Manager. · Little responsibility for the safety of others.

7. Other Comments:

· Uses independent judgement and discretion based upon the employee’s experience in the position and knowledge of the products, equipment, and services. · Moderate levels of stress may be experienced in the performance of the job. · Position is generally performed in a normal manufacturing shop floor environment or Quality lab environment.