Technical Manager

Summary of Duties: The Technical Manager is responsible for leading, managing, and overseeing the personnel responsible for product quality, process improvements, and product development within a manufacturing environment. This role requires a deep technical understanding of manufacturing processes, product design, and quality assurance practices. The individual will collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance with the QMS, industry standards, regulatory requirements, and customer expectations, while supporting the continuous improvement of manufacturing processes.

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead, direct, and develop a team of engineers and other personnel across quality assurance, product development, and process improvement areas.
• Oversee the development and implementation of quality management systems (QMS), ensuring compliance with ISO 9001 standards.
• Develop, implement, and monitor quality control plans, testing procedures, and protocols.
• Ensure that quality audits are conducted regularly, and corrective actions are implemented as needed.
• Maintain the non-conformance management system.
• Collaborate with product development teams (Sales, Production, Customers) to ensure manufacturability, cost efficiency, and quality standards are met.
• Establish key quality performance metrics (KPI's) and track progress toward improvement goals.
• Analyze product and process performance to identify areas for improvement and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Conduct time studies to optimize pricing and quoting, capacity planning, standardization, cost reduction, and other process improvement efforts.
• Lead process optimization projects to improve productivity, reduce waste, and increase cost efficiency while maintaining product quality.
• Implement Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, and/or Six Sigma methodologies to drive process excellence and improve product yields.
• Ensure that manufacturing processes adhere to safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.

Documentation & Reporting:

• Ensure that all product and process specifications, procedures, and guidelines are well-documented and maintained.
• Prepare and present regular performance reports to senior management on quality metrics, project progress, and ongoing improvements.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulatory standards and industry best practices.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Work closely with production, operations, supply chain, and other departments to ensure alignment of engineering initiatives with business goals.
• Provide technical support to production teams during the implementation of new products and processes.
• Participate in Contract Review activities, ensuring that technical requirements and production risks have been identified, are understood, and can be satisfied or mitigated.
• Function as the point of contact for customer concerns related to product quality and resolve issues in a timely and efficient manner.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to develop and execute the company's quality vision, strategy, objectives.
• Develop and/or maintain a supplier quality management system (SQMS).
• Monitor supplier performance through incoming quality control (IQC) and defect rates.

Minimum Job Requirements (but not limited to):

• Strong background in quality assurance, process engineering, product development, and continuous improvement.
  • 5+ years of engineering experience in a manufacturing environment.
  • 5+ years of experience in quality management.
  • Working knowledge of ISO 9001:2015
• Excellent leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and inspire engineers.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, with the ability to address complex technical challenges.
• In-depth knowledge of manufacturing processes, systems, and automation technologies.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to understand and/or present complex technical concepts.
• Strong knowledge of GD&T.
• Attention to detail, organizational, and time management skills.
• Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification (preferred).
• Quality management system certifications (e.g., ISO 9001 Lead Auditor) (preferred).
• Ability to work in a manufacturing environment with potential exposure to noise, machinery, and other factory-related conditions.
• Occasional travel to manufacturing facilities or supplier sites may be required.
• Standard working hours, but availability during off-hours or weekends may be necessary depending on business needs.