The Quality Manager is responsible for the development, implementation, and validation of an effective Quality Management System (QMS) that achieves all internal and external quality objectives. This person is responsible for all aspects of product and process quality and acts as the customer and external agency interface on all quality-related issues. The Quality Manager will also work very closely with the various teams to help drive the implementation of lean methodology in the organization focusing on process improvement and standardization, cost reduction and waste elimination.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily including, but not limited to, the following:
Develop, implement and monitor company quality objectives, policies, and procedures to assure QMS compliance with ISO 9001 and AS 9100 at LEX’s assigned facility, and work cross-functionally with the teams at the other locations to ensure processes are standardized across all LEX facilities.
Introduce and maintain the effectiveness of measurement systems and Measurement Systems Analysis (MSA), including training of operators in measurement techniques.
Serve as LEX’s quality improvement expert by staying abreast of technological advances, current and future regulatory standards, advances in quality control concepts / initiatives and increased production performance strategies and trends.
Manage the day-to-day activities of the on-site Quality staff including: Quality Engineers, Quality Technicians, Quality Coordinators and Quality Inspectors.
Hire, develop, lead, and coach on-site Quality personnel.
Perform, lead and facilitate Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA) activities to address customer, internal and supplier non-conformances, including verification activities.
Report on, and be responsible for, Cost of Quality performance metrics including, but not limited to, 1st Pass Yield, Defect Rate, RMAs, Rework and Scrap. Strategically engage internal departments and lead improvement efforts in areas where performance is not meeting company targets.
Coordinate within local staff to ensure compliance standards are maintained. Work cross-functionally to drive regular audits as needed to ensure compliance standards remain in place and are effective.
Partner with Marketing and other departments on efforts to incorporate Quality throughout the entire customer experience, ie, ensuring close customer communication on IOPs, improve packaging standards, etc.
Interface with company personnel in all relevant departments to develop, implement, improve and validate an effective QMS.
Identify and monitor critical points in the company’s manufacturing processes by developing processes and procedures for an effective data collection system to measure, analyze, report and continuously improve products to maximize performance, effectiveness and profitability.
Generate scientific and summary reports to identify and correct product nonconformance and product quality through root cause analysis, examining quality trends and communicating quality performance.
Ensure effective machine operations, effective workmanship skills, inspection, and process control training programs to assure the manufacture of quality compliant products.
Identify and resolve operational problems; scheduling and completing internal audits; provide leadership of system improvements; and by leading the implementation of change.
Collaborate with site Quality Managers to identify best practices and communicate quality concerns.
Participate in process design and installation of new equipment to ensure quality standards and operational performance targets are met.
Serve as the Quality point of contact for engagements with external customers, auditors, and government agencies. Ensure company policies and procedures are clearly communicated and that audit requests are fulfilled and requirements met.
Implement quality inspections, tests, and evaluation methods to support the Quality Management System (QMS).
Primary contact and responsible to ensure compliance with ISO and UL Certifications for all products (UL, NEC, NEMA, etc.).
Implement best practices such as APQP, control plans, Lean, and Six Sigma
Lead and performs quality training across the organization.
Stop production if serious defects are present.
Perform other duties as required.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Requirements:
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required:
Must be skilled in problem solving with a focus on continuous improvement.
Preferable to have hands-on experience in Lean and Toyota Production System Implementation
Experience developing, and implementing standard operating procedures, manuals, and work instructions is required.
Requires demonstrated ability in developing successful short, and long term, strategic plans to further a company’s quality assurance efforts.
Experience in preparing for and serving as liaison between one’s employer and auditors and government agencies is a must.
Skilled in designing quality improvement information and operating related documentation systems is also required.
Ability to foster a productive team environment, handle multiple assignments and display flexibility in response to rapidly changing environment.
Analysis, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills to review systems, find defects and propose solutions to those defects are required.
Understands design of experiments techniques and measuring techniques.
Formal documented training and experience in employing root cause methods such as 6-sigma, Shainin / Red-X and other traditional root cause analysis tools (brain storming, 5-why, Fishbone, Affinity diagrams, etc.)
Excellent verbal and written communication skills to convey information in reports, training, and meetings
Excellent leadership skills with enthusiastic drive and determination for Quality Assurance.
Good computer skills
Ability to operate under deadlines while still meeting standards.
Able to understand dimensional tolerancing and basic statistical techniques.
Ability to run metrics and reports to track quality control metrics
As this job may involve traveling between LEX facilities and other business travel, one must maintain a current, valid driver license and clean driving record as determined by LEX Products.
Some domestic travel may be required.
Job Type: Full-Time
Location:
Report: Reports to Plant Manager (direct) and Corporate Director of Quality (indirect)
Metrics: Monitor and report on metrics as needed to improve products quality
Employee evaluations: Perform annual and merit reviews for employees under charge for the purposes of attracting, maintaining, and encouraging employees to meet and exceed expectations
Supervisory Responsibilities
Leads, manages and supervises Quality team members (Engineers Coordinators, Inspectors and Technicians). Plans, leads and monitors activities completion adhering to Lex policies and procedures.
Educational experience
Bachelor’s degree required.
Engineering or related field of study preferred.
5 years of experience as a Quality or Industrial Engineer in manufacturing electrical or mechanical products.
Proficient computer skills and thorough knowledge of MS Office programs (Excel, Word, etc.)
Thorough knowledge of ISO 9001:2015 is required.
Understanding and knowledge of AS9100 and UL Standards is preferred.
Lex Products is a leading North American manufacturer of innovative power distribution and lighting solutions for demanding markets, including entertainment, industrial and the military. Founded in 1989, the company specializes in products designed to withstand rough use and harsh environments. Headquartered in Connecticut, the company also has offices in California, Florida and Scotland.
An industry pioneer in innovative power distribution applications, Lex Products introduced the use of rubber enclosures for power distribution boxes to North America, which established a new level of safety in power distribution equipment. The company also instituted new molding technologies and applications for cable assemblies, enabling the development of products of unprecedented durability.
All products are subjected to rigorous testing and designed to meet and exceed the strictest safety codes. Lex Products manufactures a full range of portable and permanent power distribution and lighting solutions, including:
Lex Products can also develop comprehensive custom solutions to meet specific power distribution requirements.
PowerHOUSE™ Portable Distribution Boxes
PowerFLEX™ Cable Assem...blies
PowerGATE™ Power Switches and Input Panels
PowerPARTS™ Wiring Devices
LuxCommander® Portable Work Lights
PowerRAMP® Cable Protectors
Power Control Solutions
History
Lex Products was founded in 1989 by CEO Bob Luther as a manufacturer’s representative selling electrical connectors and cables. While 1990s were a time of deep recession, Lex Products found early success in the entertainment market, by developing and distributing lines of connectors and cable for production applications.
During the mid-1990s, New York City experienced tremendous growth in the motion picture and video production market, which drove strong demand for great amounts of cable and connectors. As the need for pre-assembled cable and connectors rose, Lex Products established a manufacturing plant in Stamford, Connecticut, and leveraged the opportunity to manufacture cable assemblies to serve this market effectively.
In 1998, Lex Products revolutionized the U.S. portable power distribution box market by introducing the first rubber enclosures to the U.S. market. The rubber boxes gained popularity in the entertainment market for their durability and non-conductive characteristics. By 2002, the United States Military tapped Lex Products to manufacture power distribution boxes built with rubber enclosures to replace metal boxes.
In 2002, Lex Products introduced its first Company Switch, which earned a U.S. Patent for its design which offered enhanced safety and convenience.
By 2003, the company was named Official Manufacturer for the U.S. Marine Corps for its MEPDIS-R (Mobile Electric Power Distribution System – Replacement) project, which resulted in fast growth for Lex Products. This contract later garnered the company a 2007 David Packard Excellence in Acquisition Award for exemplary innovation and best acquisition, technology and logistics practices and a contract renewal.
In 2004, the company acquired KMP to bring metal fabrication resources in-house, and two years later acquired Electrol Engineering Products as a way to expand company capabilities in the dimming and control product market.
Between 2007 and 2011, the company earned several more U.S. Patents and won numerous awards for innovation and technology including awards from ESTA, PLASA, The Defense Logistics Agency and other industry organizations. By 2011, the company expanded its presence to include three plants
In 2011, Lex Products made the Inc. 5000 list of fastest growing privately owned companies in the United States, and in 2012, the company was ranked as the 77th fastest growing company in the Inc. 5000 manufacturing segment.
Also in 2012, the company became ISO 9001:2008 certified for all production, operations and support services across its three facilities. Now headquartered in Shelton, Connecticut, the company also has an office and manufacturing facility in Sun Valley, California.
Today, Lex Products is a leading U.S. manufacturer of innovative power distribution, lighting and control systems for demanding markets, including entertainment, industrial and the military.
