Regional Quality Assurance & ISO Manager

Make a +Difference at Kraton!

At Kraton, we make a Positive Difference, and we are looking for individuals who are also looking to make a difference in their jobs, for our customers and to the world.  We are looking to hire a key member of our Quality team at either our Savannah, Georgia or our Panama City, Florida manufacturing sites. 

The US Regional Quality Manager coordinates and spearheads standard practices, continuous improvements initiatives, quality systems, ISO certification, customer complaints, and alignment with similar activities in other regions. These activities will be done in conjunction with the Quality team, and this role is responsible or execution of quality activities in the region.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development, implementation, and auditing of quality and operational processes which support Kraton's strategic objectives.  
• Ensure systems and metrics are developed and implemented that accurately captures and drives improvements in key quality measures.  
• Act as a positive agent of change to create a quality and continuous improvement mindset focused on Customer Service Excellence.  
• Analyze the effectiveness of the plants Quality Management Systems and evaluate where continual improvements can be made. 
• Drive to root cause preventing repeat issues and reducing business risk. 
• Lead the planning and implementation of projects and define project scope, goals and deliverables in the areas of customer complaints, product/service nonconformities, quality execution, supplier assessment/performance, and customer satisfaction. 
• Act as a mentor to the site quality teams and others in the organization on QA process and data evaluation. 
• Support the Operational Excellence program (Operational Discipline + Continuous Improvement/Lean Six Sigma + Best Practices Sharing). Coordinate Continuous Improvement projects as needed. 
• Represent Kraton Quality in meetings with key customers and industry committees to build understanding and alignment in pursuit of building value and loyalty.  
• Collaborates with interdepartmental teams when responding to customer inquiries including audits, capability requests, quality contracts, complaints and specifications. 
• Strongly influences product commercialization success and leads major quality programs/projects development, while integrating Business & Operations strategies into actionable plans and results. 
• And other duties as assigned to safely perform. 

Required Skills

• At least 5 years of quality experience, in refinery or similar industry.   
• Thorough understanding of chemical tests and processes. 
• Project Management leadership experience/knowledge of project management tools. 
• Knowledge of ISO standards-9001, 14001, and OSHAS 18001. 
• Internal audit experience. 
• Knowledge of current industry standards and regulations 
• Strong understanding of laboratory safety procedures 
• Proficient in the use of statistical software programs 
• Quality Management systems experience within a similar industry.  
• Continuous Improvement and Lean 6 Sigma Experience 
• Excellent interaction and negotiation skills required as the job will interface w/ leadership levels from the top levels of the company through technical and operating staff. 

Education, Certifications & Licenses

• Bachelor’s degree required in Chemistry or related field 

• Certified Lean Six Sigma preferred 

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The statements above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this classification.  Statements are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and skills required for this position.

Kraton’s internal talent acquisition team manages our recruiting efforts and from time to time works with pre-selected/pre-approved external staffing agencies. We do NOT accept unsolicited resumes or candidate referrals from recruiters and/or agencies who are not pre-selected/pre-approved.

Kraton is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.