Sr. Manager, Quality Management
Interstate Battery System of America Inc

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Purpose of Job:

The Sr. Manager, Quality Management assures that elements of the Interstate Standard of Quality are met by our suppliers. The position manages the technical flow of data with suppliers including product validation, change requests, corrective action response, continuous improvement, and quality audits. The role also provides counsel to personnel with respect to quality implications of product (warranty) and our policies and procedures.

Job Components:

• Oversee the application of the Interstate Standard of Quality (Engineering Standard, Supplier Assessment process, Battery Manufacturing Process Audit Checklist, and 1-Pager/Roadmap).
  
• Review performance data that includes financial and activity reports and spreadsheets, to monitor and measure departmental productivity, goal achievement, and overall effectiveness.
  
• Provide leadership for the Quality team, fostering alignment with organization objectives.
  
• Own lab operations in Dallas, TX and Urbandale, IA inclusive of inbound quality control.
  
• Ensure ISO requirements and certifications are maintained appropriately.
  
• Lead the evaluation and monitoring of the Supplier Assessment process: execute annual supplier audit schedule, utilizing the battery manufacturing process audit checklist and supplier quality scorecard.
  
• Drive year-over-year quality improvements for Interstate Batteries (IB) Products through the annual test program aligned with the IB Engineering Standard for New Product Qualification and Product Surveillance.
  
• Enhance and Protect the Brand: drive the Supplier Corrective Action process & Continuous Improvement elements to achieve improved customer satisfaction utilizing measures for success in problem response/resolution time and delivered product quality metrics.
  
• Facilitate and lead monthly Quality & Technical Meetings with key suppliers to track open issue resolution and supplier quality scorecard improvement.
  
• Govern the battery (warranty) credits program.
  
• Elevate IB value at key accounts through technical support, solving application issues, and promoting IB battery solutions.
  
• Review and negotiate service level agreements (SLAs) to ensure performance metrics, expectations, and penalties are defined.
  
• Manage strategies to identify and assess potential new suppliers.
  
• Collaborate with Supply Chain and Operations Teams to align on quality standards and initiatives.
  
• Cultivate reference information related to the battery industry.
  
• Develop and manage team game plans, game films, and budget.
  
• Partner with Fulfillment Center (FC) Operations and Distributor Operations to set policies that maintain battery life/acceptable voltages.
  

Qualifications:

• Business degree or equivalent.
  
• Minimum of 12 years manufacturing experience preferably in the retail or commercial battery industry.
  
• Minimum of 7 years quality management experience.
  
• Minimum of 7 years staff management experience.
  
• Lean Sigma Black Belt preferred.
  
• Strong science background.
  
• Basic Accounting.
  
• Excellent mathematical and analytical skills.
  
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
  
• Proficient in ISO certifications and quality management systems.
  
• Familiarity with supplier management, battery technology, and compliance requirements.
  

Scope Data:

• Lead a team of direct reports including Managers.
  
• Plan and allocate resources to effectively staff and accomplish the work to meet departmental productivity and quality goals.
  
• Manage the budgetary responsibilities and activities of the department.
  
• Must be able to complete work independently, within a team, and by leading cross-functional groups.
  
• Must be able to work effectively with suppliers.
  
• Interface with all IB departments and colleagues at all levels of the organization.
  
• Model Interstate's Purpose and Values.
  

Work Environment:

• Ability to use a computer for prolonged periods of time.
  
• Ability to sustain posture in a seated position for prolonged periods of time.
  
• Regularly required to use hands to grasp or handle and talk and hear.
  
• Specific vision abilities include close vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
  
• Hybrid office environment but may be exposed to moving equipment mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals when in the lab.
  

Note: We do not accept resumes from headhunters, placement agencies, or other suppliers that have not signed a formal agreement with us.

Interstate Batteries provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. Interstate Batteries complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Interstate Batteries expressly prohibits unlawful discrimination on the basis of age, race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, medical condition, genetic information, national origin, ancestry, disability (mental and physical), marital status, military status, veteran status, citizenship or any other characteristic protected under applicable local, state or federal law.

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