Quality Manager

LAPP is a family-owned company headquartered in Stuttgart and a global leader in cable and connection technology. Founded in 1959, we are still fully family-owned today. With around 5,800 employees, we are operating in over 80 countries – globally connected and regionally rooted. Working at LAPP means more: this is where inventive spirit and a hands-on mentality meet cherished values and tradition. We offer all employees the freedom to develop and pursue new opportunities. Flexibility and personal responsibility are just as important to us as a family-friendly work environment. We value all our colleagues with their talents, ideas and perspectives.

Summary: The Quality Manager is pivotal in ensuring Lapp Cable Works maintains the highest quality standards. This involves overseeing quality management systems, conducting inspections and audits, managing nonconforming materials, and implementing continuous improvement initiatives. The Quality Manager collaborates with cross-functional teams to drive quality initiatives, provides leadership to the quality team, and stays updated on industry best practices.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities – include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Maintains and improves quality management systems and procedures.

• Manage the maintenance of ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certification, quality records and document control, and support the facility in implementing ISO 45001.

• Lead a cross-functional quality task force to identify and eliminate the top-quality issues.

• Manage customer complaints and lead corrective action (8D) responses; support supplier quality issues as needed.

• Participate in Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) revisions to identify potential failure points and implement preventive measures.

• Establish and lead the Material Review Board (MRB) to review and disposition all quality-hold in a timely manner and reduce the quality-hold backlog.

• Lead the quality team in conducting regular audits of production processes to verify adherence to work instructions, setup, and in-process checks.

• Define, track and report quality KPIs in daily and weekly tiered meetings.

• Partner with Operations to onboard and train new operators on quality requirements, visual standards and in-process checks, including operator certification before working independently.

• Lead, coach and develop the quality team, setting clear expectations and holding the team accountable for results.

Supervisory Responsibilities: This position supervises the Quality Inspectors at Lapp Cable Works and will have 3 – 4 direct reports. 

Competencies

• Strong leadership skills with the ability to hold others accountable and drive a culture of quality ownership on the production floor.

• Ability to analyze data, identify trends and determine root causes of quality issues.

• Results-driven, with a track record of reducing scrap, rework and PPM.

• Ability to influence and collaborate with Operations, Engineering and leadership.

• Ability to manage changing priorities while meeting critical business commitments.

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Ability to make sound decisions based on available information and data.

• Excellent communication and coaching skills, including training new employees.

• Committed to continuous improvement and staying current on quality best practices.

• Technical understanding of wire and cable manufacturing processes is preferred.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to satisfactorily perform each essential duty. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality or a related field preferred, or equivalent experience.

• Minimum of 5 years of quality experience in a manufacturing environment, including at least 2 years in a leadership role. Wire and cable experience preferred.

• Strong knowledge of ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 standards; UL requirements knowledge preferred.

• Proficiency in quality tools: root cause analysis, 8D, PFMEA, control plans, SPC and MRB processes.

• Lean or Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or higher) preferred.

• Excellent problem-solving, analytical and communication skills.

WORK LOCATION: This position is in New Jersey and reports to the Florham Park, NJ office. 

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS: 0%-5% of domestic travel. A valid driver’s license is expected to be maintained. 

LANGUAGE SKILLS: Proficiency in the English language both written and verbal is required. Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.  Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.  Effective in gathering and analyzing disparate data elements as well as presenting information and responding to inquiries from groups of managers, customers, the general public and global colleagues

COMPUTER SKILLS: To perform this job successfully, an individual should have working knowledge and demonstrated proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite, specifically Outlook, PowerPoint, Word and Excel. Experience with ERP systems (SAP preferred) and quality data analysis tools is a plus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here represent those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand and walk. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

COMPENSATION: After thorough market analysis, LAPP takes many factors into consideration when determining base salary such as experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, etc. of the candidate. The base salary range for this role is $80,000 - $90,000 plus participation in LAPP's bonus plan. We also offer a comprehensive benefits package including Medical, Vision, Dental, Paid Time Off, Paid Holidays, 401(k), HSA/FSA, Life Insurance, and more!

*LAPP is an Equal Opportunity Employer*