Quality & Continuous Improvement Leader Job

Job Summary
This position will be based in St. Charles, LA, and reports to the plant Quality & Logistics Manager.
- Site operates 24/7. Quality & Continuous Improvement Leader may need to be available on call or in person for urgent matters.

HESQ Requirements
- Comply with HSEQ Policy.
- Comply with Regulations, Legal and Internal Requirements as made known by the site and by the business unit.
- Comply with the rules of the specific location to which one is assigned as well as the rules set by the business unit (BU) and Arkema Inc.
- Comply with all standard procedures and work instructions, such as MOC’s, LOTOTO, to ensure productivity, quality assurance and cost effectiveness.
- Review their work area for potential losses and report hazards to the direct supervisor.
- Report Near Misses to the direct supervisor.
- Report incidents or accidents to the direct supervisor.
- Identify and communicate potential gains or possible improvements to the management system.
- Complete assigned training through MyCareer & MyLearning or attendance to assigned Web-Ex or Instructor Led Training (ILT) classes.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities with % Breakdown:

1. 40% Site Quality Management:
   - Coordination of disposition of non-performing stock – including blending and updating of systems (Non-Prime SharePoint and SAP).
   - Participates in the review of plant equipment (Capital) projects and control system changes having a potential impact on product quality.
   - Will report to senior management on the performance of the quality management system and communicate potential gains or any need for improvement in processes/tools/resources.
   - Works closely with Operations and Logistics teams to ensure compatibility in product scheduling.
   - Ensures plant quality objectives align with Business Quality objectives and works with plant team to identify actions to meet/exceed those targets.
   - Reviews measurements that monitor key plant quality control points (SQC) and proposes revisions to specifications and/or works Recipe Industrialization Group (RIG) to improve the recipe/procedure to drive QC results to target.
   - Complete trend analysis (Customer Complaints, COPQ, NPS, RFT) to identify quality improvement opportunities (QIPs).
   - Works with plant personnel to identify and prioritize issues and improve quality through the use of tracking tools (Atlas, Quimeo).
   - Responsible for testing of and/or training of operators and analytical technicians on the QC analysis necessary for the release of material.
   - Reviews and approves new/changed specifications and ensures implementation of required changes in the plant.
   - Ensures Lab Equipment is calibrated per schedule and preventative maintenance is completed.
   - RCI (Root Cause Investigation) Leader for Customer Quality Complaints.
   - Leads and works closely with Recipe Industrialization Group Plant Coordinator on RCI for out-of-specification batches.
   - Responsible for developing thorough and comprehensive documentation of Quality Events in a timely manner; tracking of Corrective and Preventative Actions (CAPAs) to completion in Atlas; and communicates action plans for non-conformances and for quality improvement (QIPs).
   - Communication of customer requirements (or changes) throughout the site.
   - Responsible for the monthly reporting of Quality KPIs for the plant.
2. 40% Continuous Improvement Leader:
   - This position is responsible for identifying, personally driving, or serving as champion for continuous improvement projects that will accelerate growth in market share, improve cost and/or waste reduction.
   - Works closely with the Maintenance & Operations Manager for technical improvement programs and capital projects.
   - Continuous Improvement Culture – This position ultimately seeks to establish a culture of continuous improvement at all organizational levels.
   - Close linkage of AIMS to existing CI programs, leading the implementation of new Lean methodologies including Arkema’s SMART process.
   - Manage the portfolio of continuous improvement projects in Quimeo, with regular update and review with project leaders and sponsors.
   - For DMAIC projects, act as a coach on the methodology.
   - Drive the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) effort to ensure successful execution of the 2030 climate goals.
   - Report to the Plant Manager and Plant Leadership Team (PLT) on the performance, success and setbacks related to the project’s execution.
3. 20% AIMS Compliance:
   - Arkema Integrated Management System (AIMS) and Management System Review Coordinator (QRM) for the site.
   - Lead the plant Semi-Annual Review Meetings (SRM) and the Management System Review (MSR).
   - Ensure completion of required activities through individual owners of the quality, safety, environmental, etc. components of the system.
   - Lead preparation of internal & external audits.

Minimum Qualifications and Education Required
Minimum 5-7 years’ experience in manufacturing environment, preferably in chemical industry, to include 5 years’ experience in analytical support and at least 3 years in quality control. Experience may be offset by degree.
BS degree in engineering, chemistry or related technical discipline.
- Six Sigma certified preferred, or progress toward certification.
- Thorough understanding of external drivers such as cGMP, ISO9001-2015 required.

Competencies - Knowledge Skills & Abilities (KSAs)
- Excellent PC Skills: Word, Excel, SAP, PowerPoint, LIMS.
- Ability to maintain a Customer Focused posture required.
- Proven ability to innovate and improve upon existing practices and technology.
- Strong communication and leadership skills.

HES Requirement – All Jobs
- Supports the site HESQ policy and complies with all regulatory and internal requirements.
- Participates in HESQ activities provided by site management and Arkema Inc.
- Supports and promotes the reporting of all health, safety, environmental, near-miss, accident or injury incidents.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions
This position is in a Chemical plant. Field presence will be expected.