Quality Technician

Job Summary Statement

Provide clear leadership for the development of an environment focused on Quality. Develop quality-process links with customers in line with the Quality Management system (including: IATF16949, ISO14001 / ISO 9001 / ISO45001, VDA 6.3) Production Part Approval Process (PPAP), Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP), Controls Plans, Failure Mode, Effect Analysis (FMEA) and Supplier Quality Assurance (SQA) processes and oversee continued compliance and embedding across the business. Responsible for maintaining relationships with customers and suppliers to maximise profit potential and ensure efficiency. Manage the audit programme as well as supplier development and improvement and play a key role in ensuring project deliveries. Work proactively with internal and external customers. Lead a 'correct at source' and problem-solving methodology (Lean). Lead the team to achieve quality targets for customers and business goals.

Quality

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS (DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES):

1. Implement all relevant procedures described in the Quality Management System (QMS) and ensure compliance
2. Ensure that all in-house systems and procedures are updated, revised, and modified to meet the needs of external certification bodies
3. Respond to customer complaints putting in containment actions, full analysis, poka-yokes (error proofing), and implementing short-term and long-term countermeasures
4. Champion a program for the implementation and sustainment of a continuous improvement culture
5. Act as a point of contact for customer complaint issues and visit customers timeously
6. Update quality documentation and communicate to carry forward lessons learned from quality concerns in new customer contracts
7. Ensure that all necessary systems and procedures are in place to satisfy all customer requirements and audits
8. Introduce new systems and procedures where appropriate
9. Train others in all aspects of the quality system and application of procedures
10. Undertake system audits of the Quality Management System (QMS)
11. Undertake supplier audits as per schedule
12. Establish and refine quality sign-off instructions, standards, and documentation
13. Report against agreed quality metrics monthly
14. Lead regular quality meetings with representatives from appropriate departments to establish an action plan for improving build quality
15. In conjunction with the Supplier Quality Assurance function, reduce the effect of non-conforming supplier materials on the production area quality
16. Attend various meetings and action/communicate instructions
17. Produce written reports and make presentations
18. Undertake continuous training and development
19. Perform root cause analysis and resolve problems
20. Stay current and up to date on any changes that may affect the supply and demand of needed products and materials and advise others of any impact
21. Develop, implement and manage key performance indicators (KPIs) for each area of responsibility
22. Ensure KPIs are met by working to the overall plan, including management of, and reporting. Report on achievement of targets and identify any actions required
23. Ensure that the function operates in accordance with any health, safety and environmental policies and procedures to ensure the safety and wellbeing of staff and visitors
24. Conduct risk assessments of processes and tasks in the department
25. Generate claims on the various mills and communicate these claims via e-mail. Attend meetings with the mill to resolve outstanding claims

Documentation And Reporting

1. Ensure meaningful, accurate, timeous, and complete information is recorded on all documentation relative to your area of responsibility and the compilation of all performance statistics and reports
2. Ensure that the branch complies with all regulatory bodies and preparation for audits are completed on time
3. Complete non-conformance reports within the required timeframe

Health, Safety And Environment

1. Ensure that all Health, Safety and Environmental requirements are adhered to without compromise

Continuous Improvement

1. To make recommendations on any improvements in the operational area that could impact positively on all related responsibilities
2. Ensure that the housekeeping within the area of your control is maintained and improved continuously
3. Ensure that the quarantine area is neat and tidy and all product within the area is identified

Task Flexibility

1. Perform any other reasonable duties as allocated by management

Academic Qualifications

1. Must have a Matric / Grade 12 qualification
2. A qualification in Industrial / Mechanical Engineering / Quality Management studies is essential

Experience

1. 5 to 10 years' experience in steel processing production and experience as a Quality technician/manager
2. Membership to an industry related professional body would be advantageous
3. Experience in a high-volume manufacturing environment will be advantageous
4. Must have own transport and a Driver's License

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

1. Excellent Steel knowledge essential, especially automotive steels and associated processing methods
2. Must have working knowledge of ISO 9001:2015, IATF and VDA 6.3
3. Must have working knowledge of core tools: FMEA, Control Plans, MSA, SPC, APQP
4. Must be prepared to work shifts and overtime when required
5. Excellent written, verbal and presentation skills. Must be able to communicate professionally internally and externally
6. Excellent organisational, interpersonal, motivational and follow-up skills
7. Competent in problem solving tools (A3/G8D), team building, planning and decision-making
8. Excellent investigative, presentation, reporting and analytical skills
9. Excellent Word, Excel and Power-point skills. Must be PC literate

Behavioural Competencies

1. Adhere to principles and values and apply good governance principles
2. Pay attention to detail
3. Deal effectively with change, be productive and be a team player

Desired Skills

1. ISO 9001
2. FMEA
3. Industrial Engineer
4. Mechanical Engineer
5. Quality Technician
6. QMS

Desired Work Experience

1. 5 to 10 years