Area SQM Manager, America

KONE, founded in 1910, is one of the largest, award-winning elevator companies in the world and our offering for employees is as competitive as our offering for customers. Not only do we provide highly competitive salaries, company vehicles for specific roles, and world-class benefits for our salaried employees - we also pride ourselves on our culture and principles. Innovation, sustainability, collaboration, and ethical business practices are just some of the pillars that we use to define our own success. Come join our family in KONE Americas to be a part of something big!

JOB OVERVIEW

The Area SQM Manager, America is the team leader of the Supplier Quality Management (SQM) team located in the Americas region. In this role, the person will drive supplier development and continuous improvement in the Americas. Also, the role will drive corrective & preventive actions (CAPA) for suppliers’ issues claimed by various sources such as KONE frontline, factories and suppliers. The individual will also ensure reporting and following up on CAPA pertaining to import components quality issues with the source’s Americas SQM team.

JOB DESCRIPTION

• Monitor supplier quality performances, and KPIs for the suppliers in the Americas - this includes the following:

  • Collaborate with supplier quality contact and provide Americas-level feedback on agreed CAPA matters abd critical issues.

  • Review SQM CAPA process, to guarantee proper CAPA practices such as 5 Why, fishbones, DMAIC

  • Record and share lessons learned regarding critical issues addressed and observations for ways of working which have been proven effective for process improvements.

• Drive supplier maturity development and continual improvement at suppliers located in the Americas - this includes specific KONE projects including:

  • Supplier Maturity 2.0 implementation. 

  • Supplier-related Lean and 6-Sigma projects

  • Organize regular audits of existing suppliers to assess compliance with quality standards and identify areas for improvement and work with suppliers to implement corrective actions. 

  • Monitor and report on supplier performance metrics.

  • Ensure suppliers are certified with applicable quality standards and regulatory local requirements (Safety, Environmental, etc.).

• Coordinate necessary activities when verification/assessments are needed at supplier manufacturing sites in the respective Area. 

• Supporting procurement in new supplier scouting.

• Conduct various management and administrative duties aligned with the role. 

HIRING REQUIREMENTS

Master's degree in engineering, 6 Sigma Green or Black Belt, Lean and expertise in Quality System management.

5-10 years in a relevant industry in progressive roles including management.

Possesses both verbal and written language proficiency in English (Finnish language is a plus).

· Master's degree in manufacturing technology or relevant experience

· 6 Sigma (Green Belt or ideally BB)

· Lean knowledge

· Quality systems knowledge such as ISO / Automotive Industry standard

About KONE

At KONE, we foster an innovative and collaborative culture, valuing each individual's contribution. Employee engagement and sustainability are key focuses, promoting ethical practices and mutual respect. We're proud to offer experiences and opportunities to help you achieve career and personal goals while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. 

We hire diverse individuals because we believe diversity drives innovation.  

• We value your authentic self.  

• Diversity, equity and inclusion is embedded in our strategy and values. 

• Collaborative, creative, and supportive work environment. 

• Passionate about safety, quality, and innovation  

• We care about the communities where we live and work.  

Just some of our many benefits include:  

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