Partner Quality Manager

Partner Quality Manager - Usa

Does the thought of joining one of the fastest-growing, privately held data center companies sound exciting to you? Do you enjoy collaborating with team members to drive and operate some of the industry's leading and most innovative infrastructure solutions?

At Aligned Data Centers, not only do we celebrate success across our platform, we celebrate the very teams that drive and support that success! Our culture is founded in passion, engineered from innovation, and driven by the pursuit of operational excellence. We are a company dedicated to driving positive change in the industry through continuous data center innovation, diversity and inclusion, and corporate sustainability.

As part of our exciting growth, we are currently searching for a Partner Quality Manager.

The Partner Quality Manager collaborates with primarily external owner furnished equipment partners ("OFE Partners") to develop their manufacturing quality and field service excellence capabilities to continue to scale with us. This position requires excellent problem-solving and critical thinking skills, as well as the ability to work successfully in a team environment under limited supervision. Excellent organizational, time management, and technical quality abilities are a must.

Duties and Responsibilities (to include, but not limited to):

• Structure, draft and publish a field service quality/excellence addition to our OFE Partner Quality Manual.
• Focusing primarily on OFE Partner's field service scope of work during pre-energization and equipment startup activities, lead comprehensive gap assessments and work with OFE Partners to effectively address and close open actions.
• Conduct both factory and field level assessments of OFE Partner field service processes and procedures.
• Provide cross functional support to team members focused on factory assessments and design/materials Supplier Corrective Action Review ("SCAR").
• Assign SCARs to OFE Partners for quality issues as per established procedures and conduct follow-up activities to drive robust corrective/preventive actions.
• Liaison with Aligned stakeholders (Operations, Commissioning Teams, and Contractors) when quality issues are identified and facilitate communications with responsible OFE Partners.
• Follow a Plan-Do-Check-Act methodology when addressing Supplier Partner gaps in performance.
• Superb written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Exhibit a professional, positive attitude in all circumstances.
• Perform other related activities within the scope of this role as required.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree preferred.
• 5 years' experience in manufacturing quality role with exposure to field service processes and procedures.
• Direct experience running root cause and corrective action processes (8D, 5-Why, etc.).
• Working knowledge of a Quality Management System structure.
• Supplier quality experience within low-volume, high-mix manufacturing.
• Standard MS Office Proficiency (Outlook, Excel, Word, Power Point)
• Ability to multi-task, with strong time management and organizational skills.
• Desire to work in an extremely fast-paced and ever-changing environment.
• Must have a strong attention to detail.
• Ability to maintain discretion and confidentiality.
• Ability to travel 25% of the time, with an expected cadence of approximately two trips per calendar month.

Additional Desired Skills and Experience:

• Applied knowledge using Core Quality Tools, such as APQP, PPAP, DFMEA, PFMEA, Process Control Planning, MSA, etc.
• ASQ Certifications, e.g., CQE, CMQ/OE, and/or CQA
• Statistical Analysis (SPC, Minitab, etc.)
• Six Sigma Belt Certified
• Direct experience using Lean Manufacturing Tools, such as Value-Stream Mapping, Kaizen, 5S, Gemba, etc.
• SharePoint or other data repository experience
• MS Access or similar database experience

Competencies:

• Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
• Analytical - Synthesizes complex or diverse information; Collects and researches data; Uses intuition and experience to complement data; Designs workflows and procedures.
• Business Acumen - Understands business implications of decisions; Displays orientation to profitability; Demonstrates knowledge of market and competition; Aligns work with strategic goals.
• Change Management - Develops workable implementation plans; Communicates changes effectively; Builds commitment and overcomes resistance; Prepares and supports those affected by change; Monitors transition and evaluates results.
• Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Keeps commitments; Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan.
• Diversity - Demonstrates knowledge of EEO policy; Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; Educates others on the value of diversity; Promotes a harassment-free environment; Builds a diverse workforce.
• Ethics - Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; Inspires the trust of others; Works with integrity and ethically; Upholds organizational values.
• Interpersonal Skills - Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Maintains confidentiality; Listens to others without interrupting; Keeps emotions under control; Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things.
• Judgement - Displays willingness to make decisions; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate people in decision-making process; Makes timely decisions.
• Motivation - Sets and achieves challenging goals; Demonstrates persistence and overcomes obstacles; Measures self against standard of excellence; Takes calculated risks to accomplish goals.
• Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Plans for additional resources; Sets goals and objectives; Organizes or schedules other people and their tasks; Develops realistic action plans.
• Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
• Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments.
• Project Management - Develops project plans; Coordinates projects; Communicates changes and progress; Completes projects on time and budget; Manages project team activities.
• Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure quality.
• Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures; Determines appropriate action beyond guidelines; Reports potentially unsafe conditions; Uses equipment and materials properly.
• Strategic Thinking - Develops strategies to achieve organizational goals; Understands organization's strengths & weaknesses; Analyzes market and competition; Identifies external threats and opportunities; Adapts strategy to changing conditions.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

• Ability to be self-supervised, especially when working remote.
• When visiting supplier partner facilities, frequently required to walk and stand.
• Comfortable in manufacturing environments which may include hot/cold, dust, dirt, noise, etc.
• Occasionally work near moving mechanical parts.

Compensation:

• $140,000 - $165,000 + Bonus

Benefits & Perks:

• Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts: HSA with employer contribution for eligible participants. FSAs offered for health and dependent care to increase tax savings.
• Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with company match
• Paid Time Off and Holiday Pay
• Company-Sponsored Insurance: Short-Term Disability, Life Insurance, and Long-Term Disability (with medical election)
• Optional Benefits: Voluntary life, critical illness, legal, and additional disability coverage
• Wellness Programs: Employee assistance program (EAP), Wellhub gym membership, and other wellness initiatives