Senior Quality Manager

Precision Castparts Corp. (PCC) is a leading worldwide, diversified manufacturer of complex metal components and products. It serves the aerospace, power, and general industrial markets. PCC is the market leader in manufacturing large, complex structural investment castings, airfoil castings, and forged components used in jet aircraft engines and industrial gas turbines. The Company is also a leading producer of highly engineered, critical fasteners for aerospace and other general industrial markets, manufactures extruded seamless pipe, fittings, forgings, and clad products for power generation and oil & gas applications, and supplies metal alloys and other materials to the casting and forging industries.  PCC is a high quality business with dominant positions in most segments of the markets in which it serves. The company has a history of superior earnings growth and was the fourth best performing stock in the S&P 500 during the last decade, up 1580%.

Headquartered in Portland, Oregon, this over $10 billion publicly traded company (NYSE:  PCP) employs more than 29,500 people worldwide.  PCC has over 160 plants and has a presence in twenty-six states in the US and in over a dozen countries.  PCC is relentless in its dedication to being a high-quality, low-cost and on-time producer; delivering the highest value to its customers and shareholders while continually pursuing strategic, profitable growth.

Effective early February 2016, Berkshire Hathaway, led by chairman and CEO Warren E. Buffet, acquired Precision Castparts Corp. Mr. Buffet stated, “I’ve admired PCC’s operation for a long time. For good reasons, it is the supplier of choice for the world’s aerospace industry, one of the largest sources of American exports. Berkshire’s Board of Directors is proud that PCC has joined Berkshire.”

“We are very pleased to be joining forces with Berkshire Hathaway,” said Mark Donegan, PCC’s chairman and chief executive officer. “We see a unique alignment between Warren’s management and investment philosophy and how we manage PCC for the long-term.  We believe that as part of Berkshire Hathaway, PCC will be exceptionally well-positioned to support our customers’ needs into the future. This transaction offers compelling and immediate value for our shareholders, and allows PCC’s employees to continue to operate in the same manner that has generated many years of exceptional service and performance to our customers.”

With more than 120 operations and approximately 20,000 employees worldwide, Precision Castparts Corp. is the market leader in manufacturing large, complex structural investment castings, airfoil castings, forged components, aerostructures and highly engineered, critical fasteners for aerospace applications. In addition, we are the leading producer of airfoil castings for the industrial gas turbine market. We also manufacture extruded seamless pipe, fittings, and forgings for power generation and oil & gas applications; commercial and military airframe aerostructures; and metal alloys and other materials for the casting and forging industries. With such critical applications, we insist on quality and dependability – not just in the materials and products we make, but in the people we recruit.

PCC is relentless in its dedication to being a high-quality, low-cost and on-time producer; delivering the highest value to its customers while continually pursuing strategic, profitable growth.

In 2016, Berkshire Hathaway, led by Chairman and CEO Warren E. Buffett, acquired Precision Castparts Corp.

SUMMARY

The Senior Manager of Quality reports to the Site Leader and is responsible for overseeing and managing all aspects of quality assurance and quality control within our organization and establishing necessary quality programs to accomplish these needs. This function is accomplished through direction of Quality Engineering and Administration, Quality Control Metrology and Metallurgical Laboratories including Inspection and Process Control, and Technical Data and Safety and Environmental programs.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND RELATIONSHIPS

Within this established area of jurisdiction, the Senior Manager Quality is responsible for the specific functions listed below:

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

• Quality Assurance Leadership: Develop, implement, and maintain quality management systems to ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations.

• Process Improvement: Identify areas for improvement in quality processes and lead initiatives to enhance product quality and operational efficiency.

• Team Management: Lead and mentor a team of quality professionals, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.

• Risk Management: Conduct risk assessments and develop strategies to mitigate quality-related risks.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with R&D, production, and supply chain teams to ensure quality is integrated into all aspects of product development and delivery.

• Data Analysis: Analyze quality data and metrics to identify trends and make data-driven decisions.

• Audits and Compliance: Prepare for and participate in internal and external audits, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.

• Training and Development: Develop and deliver training programs to enhance quality awareness and competencies across the organization.

• Develop and Implement Quality Control Processes:

• Design and oversee quality control systems to ensure product consistency and compliance with company and regulatory standards.

• Create, document, and enforce standard operating procedures (SOPs) for all quality assurance activities.

• Manage Quality Team:
  • Lead, train, and mentor a team of quality control inspectors and other staff members.
  • Assign daily tasks, conduct performance evaluations, and ensure continuous training.
  • Inspection and Testing:
  • Supervise the inspection and testing of products to ensure they meet predefined specifications.

• Review and analyze test data to identify areas for improvement.

• Implement corrective actions when non-conformities are detected.

• Monitor Production Process:
  • Collaborate with production teams to ensure quality standards are maintained throughout the manufacturing process.
  • Conduct audits and monitor operations for adherence to quality processes.
  • Compliance and Reporting:

• Ensure compliance with relevant regulatory bodies and industry standards (e.g., ISO, FDA, etc.).

• Generate reports on quality metrics, analyze trends, and propose corrective actions.

• Manage internal and external audits.

• Supplier Quality Management:
  • Work closely with suppliers to ensure materials meet quality standards.
  • Conduct supplier audits and performance evaluations.

• Continuous Improvement:
  • Identify opportunities for process improvements and drive initiatives to enhance overall product quality.
  • Implement lean, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies to optimize processes.

• Customer Interaction:
  • Address customer complaints related to quality and take proactive steps to prevent reoccurrence.
  • Collaborate with customer service and product development teams to address concerns and implement feedback.

Required Skills:

• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community. Ability to write speeches and articles for publication that conform to prescribed style and format.
• Ability to apply advanced mathematical concepts such as exponents, logarithms, quadratic equations, and permutations. Ability to apply mathematical operations to such tasks as frequency distribution, determination of test reliability and validity, analysis.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
• To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of Word Processing software; Spreadsheet software; Inventory software; Development software; Design software; Internet software; Order processing systems; Project Management software; Manufacturing software; Database software and Contact Management systems.
• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to work near moving mechanical parts; fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals; risk of electrical shock and vibration. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet or humid conditions (non-weather) and extreme heat (non-weather). The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
• 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.

Required Experience and Education:

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality Management, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• 7+ years of experience in quality management, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
• In-depth knowledge of quality management systems (e.g., ISO 9001, Six Sigma, etc.).
• Strong analytical skills with experience in data analysis and process improvement methodologies.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to quality challenges.
• Certification in Quality Managements (e.g., ASQ CQM, CQE, ISO 9001, Six Sigma, or ASQ Certification, etc.) is a preferred.