Quality Assurance Manager

About the role

The Quality Assurance Manager leads and directs employees involved in quality assurance, laboratory analysis, physical testing, customer technical service, product development, and end-application for the Steel Mill Division. They may also lead and direct scheduling and billet handling functions.

Dimensions

• Direct Reports: 1-5
• Indirect Reports: Up to 30 in span of control
• Annual Production: 300,000-3 million tons

Nature and Scope

The Quality Assurance Manager ensures production adherence to customer specifications and/or accepted standards. They assist the corporate sales group with product applications and recommendations and handle all product quality issues for the assigned Steel mill. They also ensure the mill's compliance with the Gerdau Business System (GBS).

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in metallurgy or materials science
• Minimum of 7 years of related steel mill experience
• In-depth knowledge of testing techniques and analytical procedures related to product quality, metallurgical requirements, and standards for steel products
• Familiarity with chemical, mechanical, and metallurgical analysis and respective testing equipment
• Demonstrated understanding of quality control and process control techniques, as well as investigation process and reporting
• Knowledge in the product application area
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated success with supervision and people development

Responsibilities

• Ensure production adherence to customer specifications and/or accepted standards
• Assist the corporate sales group with product applications and recommendations
• Handle all product quality issues for the assigned Steel mill
• Ensure mill’s compliance with the Gerdau Business System (GBS)
• Chemical analysis and mechanical testing of each batch for adherence to company and customer standards
• Investigate any discrepancies in the quality of product
• Meet with customers to discuss product adherence to specifications and application and support of quality functions
• Develop and present effective recommendations to operating departments on metallurgical issues
• Establish standard practices and procedures in conjunction with the Melt Shop and Rolling Mill leadership
• Resolve quality issues and develop new products without compromising quality or safety
• Manage interdisciplinary teams and have accountability for the interests of all parties in creating and modifying work procedures and equipment
• Recommend disposition of batches not meeting specifications
• Maintain and calibrate laboratory and other test equipment
• Inform the VP & General Manager of any deviations in the products
• Determine personnel needs, select applicants, and train new employees
• Coach and mentor personnel on product quality, operational effectiveness, and career development
• Stay abreast of current technology to recommend changes for continual quality and process improvement

Benefits

Equal Employment Opportunity: Gerdau is committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment. It is the policy of Gerdau that there will be no discrimination against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, marital status, sex, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.