Quality Manager

Verdant Specialty Solutions, Inc.; Halifax; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player seeks a Quality Manager to lead their Quality Control department. This role is pivotal in ensuring that quality is embedded across all functions, requiring a strong background in chemistry, particularly surfactants. You will manage the Quality Management System and collaborate closely with departmental managers to drive continuous improvement initiatives. Responsibilities include overseeing lab operations, managing audits, and ensuring compliance with various quality standards. If you are a proactive leader with a passion for quality and improvement, this is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact.

Benefits

Competitive salary with bonus scheme

Pension

Life Assurance x4 salary

25 Days Holiday + Statutory

Private Medical Insurance

Employee Assistance Program

Qualifications

• 2+ years of management experience in a quality control environment.
• Strong background in chemistry, particularly surfactants.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Quality Control department and ensure compliance with ISO standards.
• Develop and track quality KPIs to improve overall quality performance.

Skills

Management experience

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Troubleshooting abilities

Organizational skills

Continuous Improvement techniques

Education

MS or BS in Chemistry

MS or BS in Chemical Engineering

Tools

SAP

GC (Gas Chromatography)

IR (Infrared Spectroscopy)

Microsoft Office

Job description

The Quality Manager is responsible for leading, managing, and supporting the Quality Control department, managing the Quality Management System, and working with Departmental Managers to ensure Quality is embedded across all functions within our business. The role requires an individual with a chemistry background, specifically with surfactants. The role provides support to the plant regarding new and existing analytical methods, lab equipment, specifications, technical issues, batch adjustments, raw materials, and finished products.

Responsibilities:

1. Responsible for overall quality performance, developing and tracking quality KPIs to improve quality performance.
2. Establishes lab HSE protocols and verifies lab employee adherence to all site HSE rules, procedures, and training schedules.
3. Manages day-to-day activities for the lab, including supervising lab technicians, scheduling, equipment maintenance and calibrations, and managing laboratory chemical inventory.
4. Analyzes samples as needed to fill gaps in lab technician availability.
5. Maintains job performance standards and provides training and performance feedback for employees to achieve and maintain the required level of proficiency.
6. Serves as technical contact for batch issues or adjustments, including off-hours phone calls.
7. Assists with sample requests.
8. Leads investigations and manages follow-up of quality incidents.
9. Leads customer and quality audits and manages audit follow-up.
10. Responsible for training of internal auditors and management of the schedule.
11. Works closely with Departmental Managers to ensure Quality is embedded across all site functions.
12. Carries out audits and gap analyses to identify areas where Quality is not compliant with internal policies and procedures, and implements corrective actions.
13. Produces and maintains product performance data and metrics to identify process deviations and opportunities for improvement.
14. Responsible for existing lab equipment and new purchases.
15. Participates in development of analytical methods and validations.
16. Responsible for lab instructions for manufacturing processes.
17. Identifies rework opportunities for slow-moving and off-grade materials into new production.
18. Works closely with the Technical Services Team and acts as the site quality resource for new product introductions.
19. Manages quality data in the site ERP system.
20. Owns the site document control process for the Quality department, in compliance with company and site standards.
21. Owns the Quality Management System and verifies site adherence to ISO 9001, EFfCI standards, and other quality/lab responsibilities such as ISO 14001, Halal, Kosher, and RSPO.
22. Manages adherence to lab waste protocols.
23. Communicates regularly with site management and other departments.
24. Drives continuous improvement by working closely with the Operations Manager and Production Engineers to identify quality improvements and cost-saving opportunities.

Minimum Qualifications:

• MS or BS in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering.
• Minimum 2 years of management experience.
• Management experience is essential.
• Strong people and performance management skills.
• Experience with IT systems including Office and SAP.
• Experience with classical wet methods and instrumentation including GC and IR.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Solid analytical and troubleshooting abilities.
• Ability to operate independently with little supervision.
• Ability to lead by influence.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to multi-task.
• Knowledge of Continuous Improvement techniques.
• Flexibility to adapt as business operations change and develop.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary with bonus scheme.
• Pension.
• Life Assurance x4 salary.
• 25 Days Holiday + Statutory.
• Private Medical Insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program.