Quality and Continuous Improvement Coordinator - Maryland

About the Role

District Photo Inc. is seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented Quality and Continuous Improvement Coordinator to play a pivotal role in ensuring the highest standards of quality in our dynamic production facility. This position supports the development and implementation of training programs to enhance the skills of our production team.

Responsibilities

• Implement and maintain quality control processes throughout the print production workflow.
• Conduct regular inspections and audits to identify and address deviations from quality standards and standard operating procedures (SOP).
• Monitor and correct behaviors contrary to SOP; implement and support non-conformance material containment processes.
• Collaborate with production teams to continuously improve quality metrics and reduce defects.
• Investigate and resolve quality issues, implementing corrective and preventive actions.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance operational efficiency, reduce waste, and optimize production processes using Lean Six Sigma methodologies.
• Analyze data and performance metrics to identify improvement opportunities and track progress over time.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of training programs through assessments and feedback.
• Establish priorities based on trends from inspections, audits, and customer feedback.
• Partner with training facilitators to assess training needs and develop training materials, including manuals, visual aids, and e-learning modules.
• Conduct regular training sessions, workshops, and refresher courses to ensure ongoing skill development.
• Maintain accurate records of quality control activities, audits, inspections, training sessions, and performance metrics.
• Generate regular reports on quality performance, training completion, and corrective actions taken.
• Work closely with production, engineering, and management teams to align quality and improvement efforts with overall business objectives.
• Facilitate cross-functional collaboration to implement best practices and standardized processes.
• Communicate effectively with team members to provide feedback, guidance, and support.
• Foster a culture of quality consciousness and continuous improvement.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field or equivalent work experience.
• Proven experience in quality assurance and training in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to identify problems, patterns, and make required corrections, as well as report information as needed.
• Experience with nonconformance documenting, root cause, and corrective action analysis.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficient in the use of quality management tools and software.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office suite.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bilingual in English and Spanish.
• Knowledge of printing technologies, Print on Demand industry, or related manufacturing sectors.
• Certified Six Sigma Green Belt.

Working Conditions

• Significant walking, bending, and standing.
• Physical activities including reaching, pulling, pushing, gripping, grabbing, and lifting up to 50 lbs.
• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

Benefits

• 401K
• Paid vacation
• Paid holidays
• Sick and safe leave
• Life insurance
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits
• Short-term and long-term disability benefits

About District Photo

Founded in 1949 by Melvin Cohen as a small black & white photo lab, District Photo grew into a large wholesale photofinishing lab serving mid-Atlantic retailers and a national mail-order film business. Under Neil Cohen’s leadership in the late 1990s, DPI acquired a photo business in the UK and transitioned into multiple state-of-the-art digital labs shipping millions of photos worldwide daily. Today, District Photo is one of the largest variable data printing companies globally, with over a million square feet of manufacturing space and a global reach. With seven production fulfillment facilities in the United States (MD, PA, KY, AZ), England, the Czech Republic, and Australia, District Photo leads in creating photo-based products, delivering millions of prints, greeting cards, books, calendars, blankets, mugs, and other gift items yearly.