Quality Assurance Lead

Company Overview

Position Overview

An opportunity exists for a self-motivated and results driven individual to join our team at our Mount Maunganui, Tauranga site, and lead the Quality Assurance Team.

Reporting to the Site Lead, this role will lead quality assurance activities, programs, training and supervision of Lab technicians to ensure raw materials and finished goods meet all specified requirements including and most importantly, our customers’ expectations.

Job Responsibilities

Ensure compliance with statutory and company EHS requirements.

Conduct root-cause analysis resulting from customer concerns and non-conformance issues related to product quality and specifications

Ensure that customer requirements for supply of manufactured products are met whilst ensuring that operating costs are minimised.

Ensure a consistent high standard of products and that the production team has the capability to deliver their targets.

Ensure that the production processes are documented and continuously improved/simplified.

Participate in plant and supplier quality audit programs

Ensure complete and accurate recording and reporting of all QA/QC related information including test methods, instrument calibrations, customer charting, raw materials and finished goods

Provide appropriate training to lab technicians to ensure they are kept abreast of techniques and tests

Pursue development of new test methods when needs are identified

Job Responsibilities

Lab Supervision

Directly supervise QA technician and coordinate schedules and activities (this will include other associates as required).

Monitor and assess performance and address all HR issues.

Keep Site Leader appraised of issues and manage issues in cooperation with HR Department as required.

Quality Assurance

Coordinate and participate in local responses to customer concerns and non-conformance reports related to product quality, specifications and related services. Ensure Commercial Team is kept abreast of issue resolutions.

Champion rework of non-conforming materials

Conduct all root-cause analysis resulting from customer concerns and non-conformance issues related to product quality and specifications.

Promote and ensure Quality Assurance procedures for testing raw materials, finished goods, and in-process testing are in place and effective.

Support certification and registration activities for ISO-9000 as determined necessary by customers and site leadership.

Maintain QM (SAP) database; approve inspection plans for new recipes.

Report monthly to site management team on quality.

Participate in plant and supplier quality audit programs for the site.

Reporting & Record Keeping

Ensure complete and accurate recording and reporting of all QA/QC related information, including test methods, instrument calibrations, customer charting, raw materials and finished goods.

Establish and report on key product and service quality metrics to local leadership and Quality Manager.

Training & Development

Provide appropriate training to QC Lab technicians to ensure they are kept abreast of techniques and tests.

Provide appropriate training of plant technicians in QC test control methods and procedures. Maintain documentation of training and certification.

Train and support plant technicians in data-based tools for problem solving. Assist technical sales and service with SPC programs and reporting for customers.

Test Methods & Equipment

Implement and maintain standard test methods for product lines.

Pursue development of new test methods when needs are identified.

Maintain instrument calibration and maintenance records for all test equipment and train operating technicians in use of testing equipment.

Minimum Qualifications

Degree qualified in Chemistry or related Science discipline

Technical training in Chemistry and related sciences

Two years’ experience in Quality Assurance / Control laboratory with team leading responsibilities.

Familiarity with general test procedures, lab terminology and chemical safety in a laboratory and production setting.

Experience with laboratory instrumentation calibration and maintenance

Manufacturing industry experience including SAP user skills and proficient with MS Office Suite

Excellent troubleshooting and decision making skills

Excellent communication skills with team members at all levels of the organization

Highly motivated with strong work ethic

Other

Hexion is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE)

If currently an employee of the Company, you must have current satisfactory work performance and in most cases, have been in your current role for 18 months.