POSITION OVERVIEW

Sonnax Industries has had tremendous growth over the last ten years to become a leading supplier to the Powertrain Automotive Aftermarket. Five years ago, the company transitioned into an employee-owned (ESOP) ownership structure. Continued growth and complexity in our industry have led us to recognize the need to bring in a new level of quality leadership. Sonnax quality is well known and an important part of our brand. As we grow, we need to ensure that this quality, delivered to our customers in both products and service, is able to continue.

The Vice President of Quality is a newly created, executive leadership position responsible for upgrading and continuously improving a corporate quality assurance program. This position will report to the CEO and manage the current quality teams. The ideal candidate should be able to think and implement at both a strategic and a tactical level. Successful experience in at least two companies implementing and developing quality programs is essential.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
The primary responsibilities and duties of this role include:

• Translate the Sonnax mission and quality orientation into effective actionable programs and systems to meet and exceed customer quality expectations to strengthen business performance as the company gets larger and more complex.
• Lead the Sonnax quality management system processes including reinforcing and building a culture of quality through communication, training, teams and continuous improvement in all areas of the company.
• Ensure operational quality metrics are established, reviewed and action items are being executed to drive improvement.
• Build and develop a quality staff that raises the quality skills and abilities in all functional groups in the company.
• Collaborate with Product Development teams to help them build repeatable quality into design and development process to reduce downstream quality needs.
• Partner with manufacturing and purchasing functions to ensure supplier and production quality. 
• Support distribution, sales and marketing functions in their quality efforts to bring product to the customers. 
• Lead quality management teams and reviews. Develop others to also be able to lead.
• Manage ISO and other corporate registrations; participate in all applicable audits as needed.
• Be a voice of the company on quality for our customers.
• Lead monthly quality updates with Executive Team.
• Function as a leader and a coach to both direct and indirect reports; cascade goals and align work.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree required; MBA, ME or other technical graduate degree preferred.
• 15+ years’ experience in Quality Assurance.
• Background should show 7+ years of progressive roles into leadership including senior level roles.
• Manufacturing and Automotive experience highly preferred.
• Six Sigma, CQE, CQM or other applicable quality certification preferred.
• In-depth experience using multiple quality tools, techniques required. 
• Collaborative co-worker, able to build partnerships to advance objectives.
• Strong analytical skills combined with effective and compelling communication skills in both one on one and team settings.
• Experienced in facilitating companywide change programs in sustainable manner.
• Personal credibility and accountability.