Manufacturing Team Lead & Quality Champ

Job Summary: The Team Lead and Quality Champion is an enabling position that is critical to the management of the manufacturing process and vital to value stream quality assurance. Team Lead and Quality Champions are working members of the team. The role of Team  Lead and Quality Champion is to help team members be successful at meeting safety requirements, quality levels, velocity requirements, and performance goals. Team Lead and Quality Champions are responsible for a variety of work tasks/activities including, but not limited to:

• Helping train new Team Members with on-the-job training.
• Filling in for absent Team Members, other Team Lead and Quality Champions, or Section Managers
• Helping resolve issues related to safety, quality, velocity, and cost.
• Participating in continuous improvement teams.
• Collecting data and updating metric boards as needed.
• Conducting Performance Improvement Dialogues at the cell level.
• Helping create and update Standard Work.
• Monitoring the process to make sure that standard work is being followed.
• Helping implement and embed Lean manufacturing principles.
• Assisting with Value Stream Optimization through the engagement of In Process Validation (IPV) and Quality Gate methodologies

The incumbent in this position is expected to model the following practices daily: 1) Demonstrate alignment with the company's mission and core business values; 2) Collaborate with key internal/external resources;3) Participate in ongoing self-development.

Essential Functions:

• Works safely at all times and adheres to all applicable safety policies; complies with all company policies, procedures, and standards.
• Team Lead and Quality Champion must understand the overall flow of the line and technical aspects of the process in the area of responsibility.
• They must be capable of adjusting line staffing to meet flow requirements, supporting the section’s production plan.
• They translate the direction set by the Section Manager to task assignments for each Team Member in the given area to meet the section’s plan/requirements.
• Team Lead and Quality Champions are both a practitioner and teachers of fundamental Lean principles and are committed to their successful implementation. They are continually looking for and identifying waste.
• Team Lead and Quality Champions must be able to communicate effectively with all those in need of information, including Team Members in Management, Engineering, Maintenance, Quality groups, etc. They are required to report on the area’s status relative to the plan.
• They must be able to handle the pressure of production requirements while maintaining a positive working relationship with Team Members on the line.
• Assists in leading Rapid Improvement Workshops (RIWs) and Kaizen events to continuously improve processes, safety, and quality.
• Ability to troubleshoot and diagnose defects; participating in Root Cause Corrective Action (RCCA) team to eliminate reoccurrence.
• Coaches, mentors, and trains Team Members; task and behavior-oriented.
• Updates job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities, e.g., Technician Training Path.
• Ensures the performance of equipment and work area through regular operator checks and maintenance resulting in operational equipment and work areas in good, clean, and orderly condition (Operator Performed Maintenance – OPM, and 5S).
• Works overtime as required by workload and customers’ needs.
• They must participate in or lead Process Improvement Dialogs in their area of responsibility.
• Requires regular and punctual employee attendance.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• The Team Lead and Quality Champion are required to have proven leadership or facilitation skills.
• Familiarity with Windows operating systems and Microsoft Office software applications is desired.
• Must have good organizational and problem-solving skills.
• The ideal candidate will have excellent communication skills, and the ability to promote a team atmosphere.
• Must be willing to attend all internal and external training as required.
• 6 Sigma green belt training & working knowledge of CPS is highly desirable.
• Must follow all safety rules and work safely.

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Seven or more years of work-related experience preferred

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None

Travel:

• Some travel may be expected

Physical Requirements:

• Significant amount of time standing, walking, kneeling, crouching, stooping, climbing, and reaching
• Constant movement and use of limbs, hands; require good manual dexterity, coordination, and stamina
• Ascends/descends with gradual or continuous progress by oneself, using both hands and feet and climbing up and down ladders and/or equipment
• Routinely reacts to visual, auditory, and other signals, including alarms and instructions, and is required to visually inspect work
• Be able to maneuver safely and work underneath equipment and cribbed products
• Frequently lifts and moves materials and equipment weighing up to 50 lbs.
• Must be able to move objects, and use abdominal and lower back muscles to provide support over time without fatigue

Work Environment:

• Regularly works indoors around moving equipment and exposed to flashes of light from welding, and loud noise levels
• Exposure to small quantities of chemicals, dust, steam, high-pressure water, and high speed rotating equipment
• May work in extremely bright or inadequate lighting
• Exposure to high noise levels and body vibration
• May be required to work in confined workspaces, awkward positions, and high places
• Possible exposure to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings

Disclaimer: Please note that the above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not to be interpreted as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of the incumbents so classified. All incumbents may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities, as needed.