Assistant Manager - Inspection

Sumitomo Electric Carbide, Inc. is seeking an experienced Assistant Manager for our Inspection Department.

About the role

A leader who can roll up their sleeves, inspire frontline teams, and drive accountability and collaboration. Responsible for effectively managing, coaching, and developing the inspection team through proactive planning, practical implementation, addressing problems/concerns, and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team across first, second, and third shift.
• Train, cross-train, coach, and develop the inspection team to equip them with the necessary tools to succeed.
• Monitor and improve labor efficiency and reduce overtime.
• Maintain accurate training records and update the skills matrix.
• Support continuous improvement efforts through lean manufacturing and 5S principles.
• Serve as backup for the team leads in the Inspection Department.
• Coordinate and plan tasks with the shift supervisor – understand and communicate department goals and objectives to all team members.
• Resolve employee issues through problem and conflict resolution.
• Streamline processes and enhance the Inspection Department's workflow.
• Tackle real-time challenges.
• Shape department culture, implement Lean/Kaizen, and support long-term strategy.
• Engage in continuous improvement.
• Perform inspection activities to assess conformance of products to the design as defined by the engineering drawings and/or models.
• Use precision measuring tools such as calipers, micrometers, height gauges, and microscopes to measure tools for all parameters and document measurements on inspection reports.
• Inspect tools for visual defects.
• Consult with engineers and production personnel to acquire information as directed.
• Perform internal process audits and create efficiency changes.
• Conduct detailed mechanical/dimensional visual inspections.
• Read and interpret engineering drawings.
• Communicate with the production team to address issues.
• Interpret detailed blueprints, work orders, and engineering specifications to determine production processes and tolerance limits.
• Ensure the finished product is packaged and loaded correctly.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Proven ability to lead both supervisors and hourly teams across multiple shifts.
• Hands-on, early-rising leader who thrives in fast-paced, evolving settings.
• Strong background in Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement, with the ability to apply concepts.
• Able to navigate personalities, drive accountability, and promote open communication.
• Supervisory experience, including coaching, directing, and motivating a diverse group of employees.
• May require in-depth ability to read, interpret and explain blueprints, engineering drawings, work orders, and specifications.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Advanced ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of personnel and production challenges.
• Experience and understanding of 5S and Kaizen activities.
• Four years of high school and five years of related experience in a manufacturing environment; or a combination of education and experience.
• An associate's or bachelor’s degree in a related field is preferred.

Benefits

• Competitive wages
• Manager bonus opportunity
• Medical insurance with $0 deductible option
• Dental and vision insurance
• Paid vacation, personal time, and holidays
• 401(k) employer match, dollar-for-dollar up to 4%
• Company-paid short-term and long-term disability insurance
• Company-paid basic life insurance
• $2,000 hiring bonus
• Numerous additional benefits available