Director, Quality - Batteries

PREFERENCE WILL BE GIVEN TO THOSE APPLICANTS CURRENTLY RESIDING IN THE RALEIGH-DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA AREA.

Director, Quality - Batteries

Forge Nano Inc. is a fast-growing materials company with a focus on manufacturing nano-scale coatings across a wide range of markets. Our vision is that our brand will be known for Superior Performance and High-Quality Batteries made in the USA. Forge Battery is seeking a Director of Quality to Lead areas contributing to Forge Nano's success. Preference will be given to those applicants with the background and skills that will enable them to grow into a VP role.

Skills And Responsibilities

This role will be responsible for leading the development, implementation and administration of initiatives related to our Quality system needs to meet industry standards. Key areas of engagement include Customer Satisfaction, Quality Labs, Supply Chain Quality, QMS, Document Control/Records, Best Practice sharing, Strategic Planning, AOP, and Quality Team management.

• Lead and Direct Quality activities
• Development/compliance/execution of standards for meeting customer requirements, quality, cost control/waste reduction
• Develop/implement innovative world class Quality strategies and tactics
• Establish clear goals and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that yield high-impact business results in a dynamic environment, Execute to KPI metrics including Target setting, Plan details to achieve targets, and drive corrective actions as necessary within Business Operating System Demonstrate adaptability and willingness to take on additional responsibilities as the company expands and evolves.
• Integrate the Structure necessary to improve Quality Systems
• Recruit, form, lead, coach and mentor a diverse Quality team
• Lead Quality deployment and assures support/engagement of workshops/projects
• Complete needs analysis of business processes, enabling ISO certification and compliance
• Teach/mentor Team-based problem solving approaches to identify/resolve root causes
• Engage/advocate Lean/Shainin/6Sigma tools to achieve targeted improvements
• Develop training network leveraging a train the trainer approach
• Develop a future pathway to support APQP needs (Advanced Quality support needs)
• Works with SQE to align & integrate supply chain into APQP deliverables, organize/mentor/coach IQC, and problem solving of vendor quality issues
• Budget Management: Assure effective management within allocated budgets.
• Provide accurate and timely financial information to the Finance department, ensuring transparency in budget utilization.
• Develop and implement contingency plans as necessary in response to evolving business conditions, ensuring financial resilience.
• Oversee Improvement implementation with Staff
• Develop / oversee improvement project review process
• Insure improvement process ties annually to individual performance planning
• Support the development of a project pool for future improvements.
• Develop, implement process to close performance gaps and implement best practices
• Support Best Practice sharing/implementation in Quality
• Benchmark best Quality practices, internally and externally, Communicate between Departments
• Develop/maintain Best Practice database with Staff, leveraging future application
• Assists Staff in development of Strategic/Business Plans and Budgets
• Work with Leaders/peers on preparing Annual Operating Plan, Strategic Action Plans and Budgets
• Provide input on anticipated improvements to critical KPI metrics
• Connect the Strategic/Business plan to Vital Few annual Priorities within Quality
• Customer & Team Collaboration:
• Cultivate, negotiate, and maintain robust relationships with key customers and strategic partners to assure high Satisfaction levels, maximize quality presence, and foster customer retention
• Collaborate with other departments to drive alignment and foster a cohesive company culture around delivering new products that meet / exceed customer expectations
• Support delivering a flawless launch of new products / facilities
  
  

Required Experience / Education And Qualifications

• Prior experience working in a fast-paced, start up, high-growth environment
• 6-8+ years of Quality leadership experience, preferably within Li-ion batteries
• Proven ability to develop and execute strategic plans that drive success in Quality, demonstrates a history of exceeding targets and fulfilling leadership responsibilities as needed.
• Deep understanding and experience w/ FMEA, QCP, Gage Control/GR&R, SPC, Minitab
• 1-2+ years in Automotive or Li-ion Battery industry quality, and/or Operational Excellence roles
• 1-2+ years experience in APQP (Advanced Product Quality Planning) related role
• 3-5 years leadership experience as a Quality Manager/Director
• Current passport, ability to travel globally as the job requires
• Bachelor's degree in Technical field (ie., Engineering)
• Relevant experience in cylindrical style battery electrodes, cell assembly & testing.
  
  

Preferred Experience And Qualifications

• Exposure to environments practicing Lean Manufacturing, Shainin Red X, and Six Sigma Process Improvement methodologies
• Advanced degree in Business, or an Engineering discipline
• Relevant experience in pouch style battery electrodes, cell assembly & testing. Module and Pack experience is a plus.
  
  

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work will be in an office or manufacturing environment. The employee will be required to wear all appropriate safety equipment including but not limited to eye protection, gloves, steel toe shoes, lab coat, and in the plant, a hard hat. Strict adherence to corporate and/or plant policies, rules and regulations in these areas is required. Forge Nano follows all recommended COVID-19 safety protocols and accepted candidates must be willing to adhere to these policies.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The employee occasionally will work near moving mechanical parts. The noise level in the work environment is moderate. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear (communicate). The employee may be required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms.

TRAVEL

Frequent travel (25-50%) may be required depending on current activities

Compensation/Benefits

• 175K – 195K depending on experience
• Medical/dental/vision/disability and life insurance, holidays, PTO, Flexible Spending Account, and 401(k) plan with company match
  
  

Forge Nano is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.