Product Quality Manager

Somerset is currently looking for a Product Quality Manger with a focus on product quality management.  This position is for an individual who has the ability to become proficient with mill data systems, work closely with a variety of functional groups within and external to the organization to prioritize customer product requirements, product expectations in the field, and work to ensure product quality and performance for improved customer value.  The successful candidate must be able to work with variety of stakeholders; mill operations personnel, technical teams, R&D personnel, external converting representatives,  Customer Solutions team members, Inside and Outside sales, and external customers as appropriate.  This person will; assist with product development and improvement efforts, build systems and reports to monitor and communicate quality performance internally, train operations personnel, ensure good interface between operations and customers, assist with mill customer tours, manage all quality claims for Somerset products, and work closely with paper mill production personnel on food safety, ISO, and other critical compliance systems. 

 Responsibilities and Essential Functions

• Effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams, including operations, research and development, sales and marketing, and customer technical services to improve product quality and performance. 
• Acquire system knowledge and competence, operational and informational, building subject matter expertise and process technical knowledge, important for leading product quality improvement.
• Support Customer Technical Service representatives, developing contacts and relationships with customers and a working knowledge of product segments to address customer concerns.
• Oversee product quality assurance, leading initiatives to improve product quality, and customer service experiences to enhance customer value.
• Claim management with Customer Solutions including use of SAP QM system, COA management, and various compliance systems as appropriate.    

 Required Skills and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in an Engineering, Quality Assurance or business-related field desired.  Paper industry or quality management experience may be accepted in lieu of a degree.
• 5-8 years of relevant business experience in product quality assurance, quality systems management, or manufacturing
• Outstanding communication, presentation and leadership skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Process operations and quality assurance knowledge
• LSS Green Belt or Black Belt or ISO Systems knowledge a plus