Quality & Continuous Improvement Manager

Quality & Continuous Improvement Manager – Greer, South Carolina Walter Tools has an opportunity for a Quality & Continuous Improvement Manager at our Greer, South Carolina production facility. This role leads the quality function and drives the continuous improvement culture across our solid carbide drill manufacturing and reconditioning operations. Key Responsibilities Lead and develop the quality team, building technical capability, accountability, and a culture of quality ownership across the production floor. Oversee incoming, in-process, and final inspection activities to ensure product conformity for solid carbide drills and reconditioned tools. Drive root cause analysis and corrective actions to reduce defects, scrap, and cost of poor quality using structured problem‑solving methodologies (8D, 5‑Why, Fishbone). Ensure compliance with ISO9001 and internal Quality Management System requirements; maintain and improve the site’s QMS documentation and audit readiness. Lead supplier qualification and performance improvement processes and manage corrective action requests. Partner cross‑functionally with Operations, Engineering, and Supply Chain to improve process capability, grinding quality, and reconditioning consistency. Monitor and report key quality KPIs including scrap rate & cost, rework cost and customer complaints. Ensure compliance with carbide tool inspection standards, CNC grinding tolerances, coating quality, and reconditioning service acceptance criteria. Manage customer complaint resolution process; lead investigations, coordinate responses, and implement preventive actions to eliminate recurrence. Support new product introduction (NPI) and production transfers by defining quality gates, inspection plans, and process validation requirements. Continuous Improvement: Lead and coordinate Lean and continuous improvement projects across all departments; drive a structured CI program using Lean, Six Sigma, and Kaizen methodologies to reduce waste, cycle time, and variability. Facilitate and coach cross‑functional CI teams; build internal capability in problem‑solving and process improvement tools. Track CI project progress, measure financial and operational impact, and present results and roadmap updates to Walter and Sandvik headquarters. Champion a culture of continuous improvement and psychological safety where employees at all levels are empowered to identify and solve problems. Benchmark best practices across Walter and Sandvik global sites; identify and implement relevant improvements for the Greer facility. Environment, Health & Safety (EHS): Serve as the primary responsible party for all EHS activities at the Greer production site. Champion a zero‑accident safety culture aligned with Sandvik’s vision of zero workplace accidents; ensure EHS is embedded into daily operations across all departments. Chair all site EHS committees; lead safety meetings, drive corrective actions, and report EHS performance to site leadership and Walter and Sandvik headquarters. Ensure full compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local EHS regulations (OSHA, EPA) as well as Sandvik and Walter internal EHS standards. Own and continuously improve the site’s EHS management system in alignment with ISO14001 and ISO certification requirements. Lead all incident investigations using root cause analysis methodologies; implement corrective and preventive actions to eliminate recurrence. Conduct regular safety audits, risk assessments, and hazard identification walks across manufacturing and reconditioning areas; Escalate and close findings. Own and manage all EHS training programs to ensure all employees are properly trained on safety procedures, PPE requirements, and emergency response protocols. Define, track, and report key EHS KPIs including recordable incident rate (TRIR), near‑miss frequency, lost time incidents, and environmental compliance metrics. Oversee proper handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials used in solid carbide grinding operations, including coolants, grinding oils, and carbide dust. Your Profile Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, or Manufacturing preferred); or equivalent experience in a precision manufacturing environment. 5–8+ years of experience in manufacturing quality in a precision machining, cutting tool, or similar high‑precision environment. 3+ years of leadership experience managing quality personnel and cross‑functional improvement teams. Solid understanding of CNC grinding processes, solid carbide tool manufacturing, or reconditioning services is a strong advantage. Demonstrated experience leading root cause analysis, corrective action, and process improvement initiatives. Working knowledge of ISO9001 QMS requirements and audit management. Proficiency in data analysis tools (Excel, PowerBI, or similar); strong written and oral communication skills in English. Preferred Qualifications ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) or Certified Quality Manager (CQM). Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification. Lean certification or demonstrated experience leading Lean transformation projects. Experience working within a global manufacturing group and reporting to international headquarters. Technical Skills & Competencies Root Cause Analysis: 8D, Fishbone, 5‑Why. Lean tools: Value Stream Mapping, KANBAN, SMED, 5S, Kaizen. Statistical Process Control (SPC) and process capability analysis. Metrology, inspection systems, and measurement equipment used in precision tool manufacturing. Strong data analysis and reporting capabilities (Excel, PowerBI, or similar). Familiarity with ERP systems (SAP preferred) for quality and nonconformance tracking. Benefits Excellent 401(k) plan: company match of ½ up to3% plus5% company contribution every paycheck. Company‑paid life insurance at2× annual salary and company‑paid Short‑Term Disability. Competitive medical, dental, and vision insurance plus many elective benefits. Tuition Reimbursement Program. Generous Paid Time Off (PTO), paid parental leave, and11 paid holidays. Our Culture At Walter Tools and Sandvik, safety, quality, and people are at the heart of everything we do. We believe different perspectives drive creativity, so we invest in learning together and supporting each other in a dynamic and inclusive work environment. We are equally proud of our precision manufacturing roots and our commitment to continuous improvement and innovation. #J-18808-Ljbffr