Quality Assurance Manager at Bridgestone South Africa (Pty) Ltd

Job Purpose

• Oversee the Final Inspection production processes by deploying methods and procedures to produce quality products in a cost effective manner. Implement manufacturing strategies and action plans to ensure that the unit facility supports the company’s strategic initiatives.  Assists Manufacturing Manager in the development and attainment of the business plan through setting business unit goals and strategies in line with corporate strategies.
• Ensure that a strong focus on, employees safety, product and process quality, environmental responsibility and continuous improvement, is a critical part of the work at every level of the manufacturing organization.
• Initiate, enable, lead and support projects that will improve productivity, quality, safety, environment and delivery, and will reduce cost, lead time, waste and accidents.
• Build a high performance business unit, trough proactive talent management, including employee involvement, strong succession planning and management, individual development, and alignment with global strategies in these areas.
• To ensure that we produce a quality product that exceeds customer’s expectations and aim to ensure that the product or service an organisation provides is fit for purpose, is consistent and meets both external and internal requirements.

This includes but is not restricted to:

• Oversee the implementation and maintenance of applicable legal and corporate policies and procedures.
• Coach, train, motivate and guide all plant operators, employees and associates on quality standards and procedures
• Develop and implement strategies to facilitate, develop and grow a culture of continuous improvement and quality consciousness throughout the organization

Responsibilities:

• Ensure a safe and healthy working and operating  environment in full compliance with all legal and corporate  regulations and policies for all people on the site.
• Understand customer needs and requirements to develop effective quality management processes.
• Develop, implement and maintain an effective Quality Management System that complies and exceeds legal, corporate, customer (OEM and replacement) and industry norms and expectations.
• Oversee all product development procedures to identify deviations from quality standards.
• Identify and recommend opportunities to reduce waste and improve efficiency.
• Ensure inspection and testing of incoming and sub-contracted materials, test and evaluation of final product to ensure it exceeds customer requirements.
• Solicit feedback from customers to assess whether their requirements are met.
• Keep accurate documentation and perform statistical analysis and submit detailed reports to appropriate stakeholders with recommendations on improvements.
• Prepare and obtain approval for operating budgets and drive delivery against approved budgets.
• Identify, coach and develop talent to build quality management competency and capability.
• Drive employee engagement and compliance with all legal and corporate policies and regulations relating to labor, safety, health, quality and the environment.

Required capabilities:

• Customers satisfaction- Supply them with a product that exceeds their expectations by controlling the process with minimum scrap and waste
• Controlling all processes according to procedure – QMP
• To control and follow-up on the quality of incoming materials
• Supplying products to OEM’s that exceeds their expectations
• Experience and reasonable technical mastery in operations
• Planning, Leading and Organising skills
• Communication skills and willingness to interact with shop floor staff
• A  desire to be in a lead role
• Must demonstrate knowledge/experience working with Excel
• Sound Interpersonal Skills and ability to work under pressure
• Presentation Skills
• Analytical Skills

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Operations Management or equivalent
• Training in applications of TQM/Continuous Improvement/FMEA’s in manufacturing processes
• 5-10 years’ experience in a manufacturing environment, Tyre or rubber experience preferred
• Enhanced management skills (project management, staff management) recommended. 
• Minimum of 5 years progressive experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably in a complex and multi cluster production process
• Min of 3 years in a managerial experience. Must currently be responsible for a manufacturing unit
• Exposure to a variety of production, complex manufacturing processes and technical responsibilities would be an advantage
• Previous experience as a Production/Maintenance/Quality/Technical Manager with proven success is required
• Experience in unionised environment
• Strong knowledge of industry and management methodologies which focus on continuous improvement in manufacturing operations. Proven track record of success in continuous processes and change management, lean, TPM and/or progressive continuous improvement system knowledge
• Proven competencies in driving operational excellence across the manufacturing environment, with measurable results
• A good understanding of the annual operating planning process, and 5 year future plan process environment
• Plus a minimum of 3 years management experience

Leadership Competencies:

• Communication skills
• Ability to persuade
• Interpersonal skills
• Problem-solving ability
• Organisational and planning skills
• Numerical and statistical analysis
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Quality and industry knowledge
• Documentation skills.
• Accountability and responsibility
• Drives accountability and high performance
• Fosters teamwork and collaboration
• Promotes Servant Leadership            
• Hazard Awareness
• Emergency Response