Senior Director, Quality Assurance & Continuous Improvement

At YETI, we believe that time spent outdoors matters more than ever and our gear can make that time extraordinary. When you work here, you'll have the opportunity to create exceptional, meaningful work and problem solve with innovative team members by your side. Together, you'll help our customers get the high-quality gear they need to make the most of their adventures. We are BUILT FOR THE WILD™.

Leading a team located at YETI's headquarters in Austin, TX and reporting to the Global Vice President of Quality Assurance, Product Safety & Compliance, the Senior Director of Quality Assurance & Continuous Improvement is responsible for the development and oversight of the Global Quality System that is utilized throughout product development and ongoing manufacturing at YETI's supplier/partners. This role will also focus on the development and implementation of a cross functional Continuous Product Improvement program at YETI and will be responsible for supplier quality globally. This highly visible, hands-on role will work closely with YETI's Marketing, Product Development, Manufacturing, Product Safety& Compliance, and Procurement Teams to improve and implement YETI's quality management system, continuous product improvement processes, supplier quality and document management processes, ultimately improving the predictability of product and process outcomes. This role will focus on the establishment of the internal structure to drive improved quality throughout product development and supply chain by implementing effective and scalable processes related to product development, production/process controls, training CAPA, supplier controls, document control and continuous improvement. This role will also be responsible for leading YETI's global Supplier Quality Team and related processes, as well as the local Document Control Team and launch/administration of YETI's PLM system. This individual is considered a subject-matter expert in areas that include Quality Systems, Quality Assurance, Quality Control, Continuous Improvement, Supplier Quality and a broad scope of quality and engineering topics. This leader will know how to develop quality programs and support a high rate of new product development, link quality assurance and APQP to supplier requirements, integrate electronic quality system software and drive quality performance throughout the global supply chain utilizing Key Performance Indicators and Lean tools.

Position Type (See Workplace Approach Below): Hybrid

Responsibilities:

• Identify areas for personal and professional growth and development for YETIzens within the Quality Assurance and Continuous Improvement Team, focusing on long term growth and success for YETI and for each individual. Further develop Quality YETIzens through coaching and leadership towards a high performing team concept, driving cross functional collaboration throughout the functional areas.
• Implement and manage effective document management and training processes within the quality system. Support the launch and integration of YETI's PLM system and processes within the quality system and across the functional teams. Transition related processes and resources to long term administration of the PLM system.
• Reviews quality control documentation such as checklists, logs, and reports for effectiveness, accuracy, and relevance.
• Ensure that scalable quality strategies and processes are established to meet business objectives and operational needs. Standardize processes to drive predictable outcomes without hindering growth or speed to market.
• Lead the execution and improvement of key cross-functional quality system processes including CAPA, training, change control, document distribution, PPAP and others.
• Manage YETI's Supplier Quality Team and process globally. Ensure new products and product changes are properly planned and validated through tier 1 & tier 2 suppliers. Lead YETI's supplier qualification and pre-shipment inspection processes globally. Manage YETI's PPAP process, ensuring product and process validation meet YETI's specifications and technical requirements.
• Lead the organization in critical thinking and understanding and application of quality tools, disciplines, and methods to develop organizational effectiveness and improve operational results. Foster a culture of continuous improvement in terms of quality, cost, and efficiency within our supply chain.
• Develop, implement, and uphold Quality KPIs at the product and supplier level to ensure product development and manufacturing processes are in line with world class Quality System. Report on quality KPIs and Continuous Improvement to Senior Leadership Team and own long-term corrective actions. Leverage KPIs to drive prioritization in Continuous Improvement projects throughout YETI's product families.
• Enthusiastically collaborate and drive a culture of quality, reliability, and continuous improvement throughout the organization.
• Drive predictable outcomes through early integration into the commercialization process, partnering with design engineering and manufacturing engineering teams to establish effective quality and reliability standards.
• Implement and drive YETI's Continuous Improvement processes, leveraging product and process data to establish global Key Performance Indicator's, as well as product and process improvement priorities. Leverage cross functional team to analyze quality issues within YETI's products and manufacturing processes. Drive product and process improvements to ensure that YETI's products meet or exceed quality and reliability requirements.
• Further develop, implement and oversee YETI's global quality management system. Identify, assess, and define strategies to mitigate risks and drive predictable outcomes within YETI's new product launches and supply chain.

Qualifications and Attributes:

• Bachelor's Degree in engineering required
• Strategic thinker with the ability to roll up sleeves to get work done when needed
• At least 8 years of experience leading quality teams in a high growth environment with high product and process mix. Specific experience in the consumer goods industry a plus
• Deep understanding of Lean practices with strong experience leading root cause analysis and continuous improvement through utilization of Lean Tools, with specific focus on Value Stream Mapping, Standard Work, Variability Reduction, Transactional Process Improvement and Kaizen methodologies
• Demonstrated ability to act as a change agent with manufacturing partners to lead improvements
• Broad and versatile set of skills capable of managing multifaceted projects and collaborating with cross functional partners
• At least 15 years of end-to-end global quality experience in positions of increasing responsibility in high growth environments
• Previous experience with product, design and manufacturing processes related to YETI's products and supplier processes, including but not limited to injection molding, roto molding, cut & sew operations and light assembly required
• Excellent team mentoring and coaching skills with a demonstrated track record of building and developing high performing collaborative teams
• Demonstrated ability to develop, communicate, and execute a multi-year global Quality Assurance and Continuous Improvement strategy
• Strong drive for results with ability to thrive in a fast-paced, constantly changing environment
• Deep expertise and experience developing, implementing and managing global quality systems, including the integration of traditional quality tools including FMEA's, DFx, Product/Process Validation, Control Plans, PPAP, etc…
• Master's Degree in related field and quality certifications are strongly preferred
• Extensive experience establishing and managing quality performance metrics and Continuous Improvement throughout product and process value streams. Specific experience with managing supplier quality throughout a highly integrated supply chain highly desired
• Must be amenable to domestic and international travel up to 75% depending on location
• Inquisitive, detail oriented, fact-based, and data-driven
• Previous hands-on experience with the development, launch and integration of electronic Product Lifecycle Management and/or Quality Management System tools

US Workplace Approach:

• Onsite: Role requires you to be onsite full-time.
• Hybrid: Role requires you to be located in Austin, Texas and is a mixture of onsite and remote.
• Remote: Role is full-time remote.

Approach may vary based on role.

YETI is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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