Quality Systems Technical Specialist

Company Introduction:

Over 90 years of quality products and superior service.

Job Summary:

SUMMARY

The Quality Systems Technical Specialist (QSTS) is responsible for assuring that corporate and plant quality systems are upheld to meet or exceed customer requirements and specifications. Assist the Manager Quality Assurance in developing the Quality Verification Manual (QVM), Quality Management System (QMS), and Quality Information System (QIS). Support continuous development of the SGI Quality Program and manage the Corporate Quality Laboratory. Additionally, this role is critical in driving product and process improvement initiatives, business objectives, and customer satisfaction by assisting corporate Quality, R&D, PED, and Operations. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Ensure safety and maintain a safe, neat work area at all times. 

• Ensure that raw materials meet quality standards by coordinating with purchasing, plant personnel, and vendors to receive and test raw materials.

• Coordinate with plant personnel to obtain, prepare and distribute customer standards, while maintaining customer standards records and product standards inventory for customer samples as requested by Sales, PED, and R&D.  

• Prepare, log, ship, and recall exposures for natural weathering and maintain exposure records. Complete weathering fieldwork inclusive of maintenance, cleaning, rating, documentation, and reporting.

• Train personnel in all aspects of raw material quality testing, product quality testing, process control requirements, auditing, and other requirements in all quality manuals.

• Review, develop and implement corporate quality procedures, policies, and test procedures in support of the QMS. Develop and maintain QMS software in support of QMS.

• Maintain and develop the QIS in support of the QMS by collaborating with plant quality personnel, IT/OT, and contractors.

• Assemble, operate, maintain, and calibrate testing instruments and complete measurement capability studies. Distribute calibrated standards to measure the accuracy of test equipment as required by the QVM. Maintain Lab Testing Supplies.

• Coordinate activities and projects associated with quality and process improvement initiatives. Complete testing, quantitative reviews, reporting, and recommendations for new product development, product improvements, quality systems, raw materials analysis, testing equipment, processing equipment, and new technology.

• Conduct quality systems and laboratory audits at all facilities. Prepare reports, review and recommend corrective and preventative action plans. Issue recommendations and complete action plans to address opportunities.

• Analyze data to determine root cause variables and drive the appropriate control methodology into operations using appropriate techniques and systems.

• Review and determine the acceptability of blends and special products for shipment. Coordinate external reviews. Develop and maintain blend specifications.

• Assist with customer visits on-site and off-site as well as onsite complaint investigations. Effectively deal with customer concerns, complaints, and respond to customer requests while maintaining favorable client relationships.

• Other job duties as developed or dictated by changing business environment and objectives.

Level Based Competencies

• Leadership

• Adaptability

• Building Strategic Working Relationships

• Technical/Professional Knowledge & Skills

• Stress Tolerance

• Decision Making

• Communication

• Planning & Organizing

• Team Building

• Project Management

• Analysis and Problem Solving

Technical knowledge/skills 

• Intermediate Microsoft Office/G-Suite skills

• Intermediate Statistical skills

• Strong foundation in standard Quality tools and practices

• Advanced laboratory and analytical skills

• Strong background with the development of analytical procedures, policies, and programs including implementation

• Intermediate knowledge of databases (e.g. NWA, MiniTab, SQL, MS Access, G-Suite, etc.)

• Advanced knowledge of manufacturing processes (mining preferred)

• Advanced knowledge of Process/Continuous Improvement techniques including auditing, Statistical Process Control, variation reduction, and Root Cause Analysis

• Understanding of DOE (Design of Experiments) or MVT (Multi-variable testing) with the ability to participate and share leadership on teams

• A strong ability to train and lead others in company procedures/policies and compliance

General knowledge/skills

• Self-starter with ability to work without day-to-day supervision

• Excellent interpersonal skills

• Strong attention to detail

• Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously

• Ability to work as a team player

• Intermediate supervisory skills/ability to learn and develop this skill

• Work well with external customers and vendors (strong interpersonal skills)

• Excellent conflict resolution skills

 

Leadership/Supervision

• Minimal supervision and oversight required once trained

• Adherence to performance review and goal setting process

• Proactively working with stakeholders, including operations, sales and marketing, engineering, site operations and management personnel, and executive management to identify and correct problems

• Proactively seek guidance from other team members when needed

Education/Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree or higher required in Engineering, Science, Statistics/Mathematics or related discipline. Other degrees considered with 5+ years granule or mining plant or related experience 

• ASQ Certification preferred in one or more of the Initial (Vocational) paths in Leadership (CQIA or CQPA) or Technical (CQI or CQT) career tracks or willing to obtain in the first year of employment 

• 5+ years of experience in a quality position beyond entry-level and having worked in a manufacturing or corporate environment. Both preferred.  

• Previous experience with analytical equipment, quality systems, and project management required

Dimensions

No of direct reports: 0

No of indirect reports: 0

Travel Requirements: 20% (Travel will be required for continuous educational training, management and departmental meetings, auditing, and weathering evaluations)

Working Conditions:  Work is performed in an office and laboratory setting, as well as enclosed facilities and outdoor areas where extremes of heat, cold, dust, noise, wet conditions and rough terrain exist.

Physical Requirements: Prolonged sitting/standing, lifting objects (up to 50 lbs), extended regular hours, bending, climbing, kneeling, stooping.

Base salary and/or rate of pay ranges listed are exclusive of fringe benefits and potential bonuses. Individual compensation offers will be determined based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to geographic location, relevant candidate experience and skill, education, and/or qualifications.

Base Salary Range: $76,000-$104,500

At Specialty Granules LLC , we believe our employees are our greatest resource. We offer competitive salary, benefits, and vacation package for all full-time permanent positions.

Specialty Granules LLC offers exciting opportunities for professional growth, and generous benefits, including family health, vision, dental, and family-building benefits. Our employees are offered a generous 401K program, including an employer match contribution with your pre-tax and/or Roth contributions from your first day as an employee. We also offer additional programs including a generous tuition reimbursement program. Employees are also provided paid leave options, including vacation, sick, paid holidays, and volunteer time off.

Must be eligible to work in the U.S. without need for employer-sponsored visa (work permit). If you are currently an SGI employee, please do not apply here. Please apply through the "Jobs Hub" section, which can be accessed under your Apps in Workday.

SGI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We are committed to equal employment opportunity on the basis of each candidate's qualifications, experience, and merit, without regard to race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. SGI complies with federal, state, and local disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact HR Services at 833-HR-XPERT.