Quality Manager

## Company Statement
Graham Packaging is a people, planet and values-based company and a leader in sustainable packaging manufacturing. From the kitchen to the laundry room, Graham Packaging is part of your everyday life. For employees at Graham, our Blue Culture is part of their everyday lives, too. In other words, Blue is how we do things here. At Graham, we are united by a clear vision. We know our part and help those around us know theirs, encouraging one another to continuously improve. We create a safe, challenging environment to innovate by supporting creative ideas and new ways of thinking. We take the initiative to cultivate our individual growth and help others do the same, while keeping ourselves and one another accountable. And we actively promote cooperation, collaboration, integrity and respect across regions and teams to foster an engaged, diverse and connected workforce. We value our employees, and a Blue Culture allows for the most rewarding employee experience as part of the Graham family. Blue is how we feel about what we do—together—to create a better tomorrow. Working at Graham means you lead constructively with clear goals, use diverse thinking to drive excellence, accountability, innovation, as well as demonstrating collaboration, embracing learning, and taking action for continuous improvement and growth.

Overview

The Plant Quality Manager oversees the quality assurance and control operations in a large manufacturing facility. The Plant Quality Manager is responsible for ensuring that Graham's products consistently meet established quality standards by developing and implementing quality control procedures, conducting inspections, analyzing data, and collaborating with teams to identify and resolve quality issues, ultimately aiming to improve processes and maintain high-quality output across the organization. The Plant Quality Manager is the accountable, first-contact for key customers in the resolution of quality challenges and initiatives, development of strategies to continually improve quality performance and partnership with key customers.

Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities:

- Quality Assurance Management: Oversee and manage all aspects of the quality assurance program for plastic bottle production. Ensure that the products meet customer specifications, industry standards, and regulatory requirements.

- Develop and Implement Procedures: Develop, implement, and maintain quality management procedures, processes, and documentation in alignment with ISO 9001 or relevant standards.

- Quality control implementation: Oversee quality control processes throughout the production cycle, including inspections, testing, and sampling to identify potential quality defects and take corrective actions.

- Team Leadership: Supervise and train a team of quality inspectors and technicians. Foster a culture of continuous improvement and high-performance standards among the team. Work closely with cross-functional teams including production, engineering, and customer service to address quality concerns and implement corrective actions.

- Data analysis and reporting. Analyze quality data to identify trends, root causes and issues, and generate reports to inform decision-making and process improvements. Lead investigations into product defects and quality issues, conducting root cause analysis and implementing corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

- Supplier Quality Management: Collaborate with suppliers to ensure the delivery of high-quality raw materials and components, managing any quality concerns that arise from the supply chain.

- Customer service: Work closely with customers to address any quality defects and ensure no repeats. Monitor customer feedback to identify areas for quality improvement and ensure customer satisfaction.

- Data Analysis and Reporting: Collect, analyze, and report on key quality metrics. Prepare and present quality performance reports to senior management.

- Compliance and Audits: Ensure compliance with relevant safety, environmental, and regulatory standards, as well as conducting internal and external audits to maintain certification requirements.

- Continuous Improvement: Lead continuous improvement projects to optimize production processes and minimize quality issues. Identify opportunities for process improvements to enhance quality, reduce costs, and increase efficiency. Lead initiatives related to Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, or similar methodologies.

Qualifications

Key Skills / Qualifications:

The individual must understand the manufacturing processes and be able to interface in a positive manner with management and team members of all levels to achieve the organization’s objectives. A strong knowledge of quality systems and statistical analysis is necessary.

Characteristics which enable the individual to succeed are the following:

Leadership, Problem Solving Tools, Statistical Analysis, Process Improvements, Strategic Thinking, Verbal & Written Communication, Operational Excellence, Attention to Detail, Team Building, Dealing with Complexity, Documentation Control, Product Safety

A. Demonstrate a broad knowledge of SPC and the applications within a manufacturing environment

B. Display team leadership while representing the Quality Team and Graham Packaging

C. Ability to interpret data and develop countermeasures to solve problems

D. Robust communications and training skills

E. Strong analytical and problem solving skills

F. Minimum of 3 years quality leadership and/or continuous improvement experience

G. Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business or other applicable area required

H. Plastics experience a plus

I. Six sigma green belt, A3 or continuous improvement equivalent certification or above

J. Demonstrate computer proficiency with various software packages

K. Position requires Travel up to 80%

## Compensation Statement
The expected salary range for the position described in this posting is made in accordance with the legal mandates of certain jurisdictions within the United States. The final agreed-upon compensation is based on individual qualifications and experience.

## Benefits Statement
Benefits include medical, dental, vision and basic life insurance. Employees are able to enroll in the company’s 401K Employee Saving Plan and may participate in its Employee Wellness Program. Employees will also receive paid time off in accordance with company policy and state law requirements.

## EEO Disclaimer
Graham Packaging is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, religion, creed, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, gender identity and/or expression, marital status, veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.