Group Leader Quality Assurance

Looking for a career where you can make a difference?
At Mary Kay we are committed to enriching the lives of women and their families around the world, we offer careers with unlimited opportunities to do something beautiful every day. More than 5,000 employees work in locations around the world. They provide the products, marketing and other support to millions of Independent Beauty Consultants (IBCs) who work as independent contractors, selling our products directly to consumers in nearly 40 markets on five continents.
We are a company that believes in our people and cares for them with truly exceptional benefits. We offer:
• A comprehensive health plan which includes medical, dental, and vision with low premiums
• 401(k) plan
• A generous profit-sharing program
• Free access to on-site fitness center and on-site clinic
JOB SUMMARY
Accountable for planning, scheduling, developing, coordinating work and supervising the laboratories which perform quality inspection testing of all incoming components and finished goods, both contract and internal production. Effectiveness is measured through assessment that all products manufactured by or for Mary Kay Inc. meet the quality standards necessary to support corporate goals and policies.
The Quality Assurance Department performs sampling and physical, mechanical and functional analysis of all finished goods, both contract and internal production. Provides quality disposition of these finished goods and components. Working with Quality Response leadership, this includes investigating product quality issues, communicating to key internal and external customers and daily reprioritization of work. Investigates, analyzes, makes recommendations and tracks nonconformance issues and assists in resolution of inventory discrepancies., documentation, resolution, and corrective action for out-of-specification situations and failure in manufacturing.
This leader will partner with Operations leadership in the development, execution and administration of Cellular Manufacturing. Provides clear direction to Operations leadership on the Quality expectations and success criteria necessary for production. Develops and leads the execution of the Quality team's responsibilities and staff competence.
RESPONSIBILITIES

• QUALITY AUDIT AND INSPECTION - Supervises the quality inspection and audit function. Plans, initiates, and supervises the systematic inspection and analysis of finished products and packaging components to meet defined objectives. Develops systems and implements new methods and procedures to improve efficiency, effectiveness and flexibility of all QA/QCC operations, monitor standardized work procedures and facilitate effective communication of procedures to affected areas. Develops metrics, monitors results, and implements systematic improvements as needed to meet strategic objectives, provides support in tracking quality trends and initiates training and or communication addressing those trends, technical direction to staff members. Maintains or implements quality systems to ensure compliance with FDA regulations and business objectives.
• CELLULAR MANUFACTURING - Partners with Operations leadership in the development, execution and administration of Lean Cellular Manufacturing. Develops and leads the execution of the Quality team's responsibilities. Supervises the Quality staff in auditing processes and responding to non-conformances. Provides clear direction to Operations leadership on the Quality expectations and success criteria necessary for production. Ensures Operations leadership is supported and equipped to lead their team members successfully. Provides timely and direct feedback when gaps are identified. Partners with Operations and other Quality personnel to work through production challenges. Applies engineering skills to analyses trend and make final disposition recommendations and or to determine if a contract finished good or component part number may be a candidate for reduced sampling and testing.
• LEADERSHIP AND TRAINING - Provides technical direction and supervision to a group which includes supervisors, Auditors, and Inspectors. Ensures the ongoing training and development of department staff. Trains and mentors, the Quality staff to be empowered ambassadors of Quality and leaders in continuously training and educating all members of Operations, Engineering and Maintenance. Interfaces with Management throughout the Company to facilitate quality improvement programs. Maintains a safe, positive working environment for the department. Selects, motivates, counsels, and appraises staff members. Develops and reviews operating procedures. Administers projects to staff.
• QA TECHNICAL ADVISOR - Interfaces with Managers and Directors of Production Operations, Research and Development, Marketing, Contract Services, Planning, and Distribution by responding to in-house technical questions or problems related to product quality. Serves as in-house expert and liaison to other functional units by responding to technical questions related to product quality, statistical data analysis, statistical quality control, sampling plans, or quality methods.
• SUPPLIER CERTIFICATION SUPPORT - Assists with the supplier certification program working closely with Quality Supplier Quality Management team, Contract Manufacturing and Purchasing. This includes working with suppliers to write operating procedures to be used in the manufacture of product and negotiating quality standards by which vendors will be gauged for quality performance. Assists in developing feasible operating budgets and manages resources to stay within the operating budget.
• This job requires on-site work at a Mary Kay facility.
• In addition to the above, incumbent is expected to meet the required competencies for this position as defined in the competency profile.

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE
Experience: 5+ years Working in a food, drug, or cosmetic consumer products manufacturing environment is preferred. 3+ years of supervisory experience or demonstrated leadership/management skills.
Education: Bachelor's degree in engineering or science field.
Certification: Certified Quality Auditor required
SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Must possess strong technical skills and experience with GMP. Certification by ASQ as a CQA or CMQ/OE is preferred. A good understanding of the quality improvement process, audit protocol, statistics, inspection procedures, and FDA regulations are necessary to make sound decisions. Experience with Lean/Cellular manufacturing preferred.
• Must possess excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to facilitate communications between various groups to achieve quality objectives.
• Must be self-motivated, pro-active and results oriented.
• Strong supervisory skills are required.
• Must be diplomatic and able to work effectively with cross-functional work groups including suppliers, customers and peers, both verbally and in writing. Must be able to forge coalitions.
• Must have proven track record of driving continuous quality improvement in a manufacturing environment and have thirst for continuously seeking new knowledge and application opportunities.
• Must be able to lead, motivate and inspire a diverse workforce,