Quality Assurance/ISO Manager

Description

The South Dakota Science and Technology Authority (SDSTA) owns and operates the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF). The Quality Assurance/ISO Manager is a pivotal role that combines expertise in quality control and compliance with the ability to lead and guide a team. This role involves developing, implementing, and maintaining quality control and compliance measures to meet International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards and processes through an Integrated Management System (IMS), delivering high-quality services to customers, and overseeing and mentoring a team of professionals in achieving these objectives. The manager will collaborate cross-functionally, drive continuous improvement, mitigate risks, and maintain a culture of quality and compliance throughout the organization. This position will uphold the organization's commitment to delivering high-quality services while adhering to IMS. The role requires a combination of technical expertise, leadership skills, and the ability to drive quality and compliance excellence across the organization.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

The following reflects SDSTA’s definition of essential functions for this position and does not restrict other tasks that may be assigned. SDSTA retains the right to re-evaluate the duties of the position when considering a reasonable accommodation or at other appropriate times. The essential functions include, but are not limited to, the following:

Quality Control

• Develop, implement, and maintain a robust quality control and IMS procedures and processes, and guidelines.
• Conduct thorough inspections and tests to assess product or process to quality standard.
• Monitor, analyze, and interpret quality performance metrics to drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Investigate and resolve quality-related nonconformances.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to ensure consistent adherence to organization quality standards and compliance standards requirements.

Compliance Management

• Stay updated on evolving, compliance standards and best practices.
• Develop, implement, and maintain compliance programs, policies, and procedures, keeping the team informed and aligned.
• Lead compliance assessments and audits, as required.
• Collaborate with regulatory agencies and support the team in ensuring compliance.

Documentation and Reporting

• Oversee the maintenance of accurate and up-to-date controlled documentation related to quality and compliance standards.
• Review and approve comprehensive reports on quality and compliance for management review.
• Ensure that nonconformances, corrective actions, and continuous improvement measure are well-documented and executed.
• Submit quality reports to proper authorities as required.

Training and Education

• Develop and deliver training programs to educate employees on quality and compliance standards.
• Foster a culture of quality awareness and compliance consciousness across the organization.
• Provide guidance to teams on proper procedures and practices to maintain quality and compliance.

Strategic Initiatives and Continuous Improvement

• Lead strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing quality and compliance processes across the organization.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify root causes of quality issues and drive effective corrective and continuous improvement actions.
• Analyze data trends to identify opportunities for process optimization and improved efficiency.

Risk and Opportunity Management

• Identify potential risks and opportunities to quality and compliance standards and develop strategies to mitigate or implement them.
• Participate in risk assessment activities and contribute to risk and opportunity management plans.

Leadership and Team Management

• Lead a team of quality control and compliance professionals, providing guidance, mentorship, and coaching.
• Set clear performance expectations and objectives for team members and provide regular feedback.
• Foster a collaborative and empowering work environment that encourages innovation and growth.
• Delegate responsibilities effectively and ensure efficient workflow within the team.
• Conduct performance evaluations, identify training needs, and facilitate professional development opportunities.

Other Essential Functions

• Maintains consistent and reliable attendance.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Requirements

Education

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Quality Management, Compliance, Engineering).

Certifications and Licenses

• Currently or ability to receive certification as an ISO Lead Auditor.
• Certifications related to quality (e.g., Six Sigma, ASQ) are a plus.

Experience

• A minimum of five (5) years of direct experience in Quality Assurance and/or Quality Control.
• A minimum of two (2) years of direct experience with either an ISO 9001, 14001 or 45001.
• Demonstrated experience with ISO system auditing.
• Demonstrated experience of conducting Management Reviews.
• Demonstrated experience in maintaining an ISO System.
• In-depth knowledge of relevant industry standards and quality methodologies.
• Strong leadership and team management experience.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a cross-functional environment.
• Proficient in using quality management software and tools.
• Experience working in a government-regulated environment (DOE, EPA, etc.) or construction industry, mining, excavation, environmental, safety experience a plus.
• Experience in use of computer-based tools such as Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, and Excel), maintenance management system development, and use of project scheduling and tracking tools is required.

Competencies, Knowledge and Skills 

• Adaptability—Ability to effectively adjust to changing priorities and demands; must be able to work independently to solve problems and keep management informed of progress and status. Ability to accept criticism and to adjust plans as appropriate.
• Attention to Detail—Ability to maintain constant awareness of surroundings and ensure tasks are completed carefully and accurately.
• Communication—Communicates effectively and clearly with a wide range of audiences in both written and oral form.
• Decision Making—Ability to assess situations, evaluate options, choose most appropriate course of action, and effectively communicate decisions to staff.
• Influence—Ability to gain acceptance or support for ideas, projects, and solutions.
• Initiative—Persists despite difficult conditions and makes suggestions for improvements.
• Organization—Plans ahead and works in a systematic, organized way.
• Problem-solving—Ability to determine the root-cause of a problem, investigate and analyze complex information and identify, prioritize, and select alternatives for a solution.
• Safety—Ability to learn, understand and comply with SDSTA’s safety requirements. Willing to accept and enforce strict safety practices.

Personal Attributes

• Ethical and responsible mindset.
• Problem-solving orientation.
• Organized and systematic approach to work.
• Adaptability to changing regulations and requirements.
• Team player with the ability to lead and influence others.
• Strong commitment to delivering high-quality results.

Working Conditions

The working conditions described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. When applicable and appropriate, consideration will be given to reasonable accommodations.

• Perform work in a typical office environment which includes individual workstations, shared workspaces, meeting rooms, and common areas such as a break room and kitchen.
• The noise level is generally low to moderate, typical of an office setting, with occasional background noise from office equipment and conversations.
• The office is well-lit with a combination of natural and artificial lighting to ensure a comfortable working environment.
• The office maintains a controlled temperature environment, with heating and air conditioning systems to ensure comfort throughout the year.
• Ergonomic office furniture and equipment are provided to support employee health and well-being.
• The company is committed to providing a safe working environment and adheres to all relevant health and safety regulations.
• Employees are expected to comply with SDSTA’s ESH Manual safety program.
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) and adherence to safety Standards protocols are mandatory.
• Act in accordance with SDSTA’s core values: Safety Focused, Care for Others, Professionalism and Being a Team Player.

Mental and Physical Demands

• Regular interaction with team members, supervisors, and other departments and collaborators.
• Capacity to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Ability to remain calm and focused in high-pressure or emergency situations.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing situations and work in a fast-paced environment.
• Clear and conceptual thinking ability; excellent judgment, troubleshooting, problem solving, analysis, and discretion; ability to handle work-related stress; ability to handle multiple priorities simultaneously; and ability to meet deadlines
• Ability to follow safety protocols and procedures.
• Sitting for extended periods of time while using a computer
• Hearing, Speaking, Vision (With and without corrective lenses)
• Dexterity to operate office equipment such as computers, printers, and telephones.
• Perform occasional physical labor and light lifting up to 50 pounds
• Occasional standing, walking, climbing up and down flights of stairs, and otherwise moving around the office to perform tasks
• Ability to travel as needed.

Job Information

Supervisory Duties:  Yes

Direct Reports:  Quality Control (QC) Technician, ESH/Quality Field Technician

Work Arrangements:  On-Site

Hours:  M-F; 7AM - 4PM

Travel Required:  Infrequent

Mission/Vision/Core Values

Mission: We advance world-class science and inspire learning across generations.

Vision: The world’s preferred location for underground science and education.

Core Values:

• Safety Focused: We do not compromise safety or endanger the environment.
• Care for Others: We embrace and honor the fundamental value and dignity of all individuals. We listen knowing everyone has something to offer and to learn.
• Professional: What we do is important to our community and the world. We sweat the details to achieve big things. Our behavior and ethics exemplify our best.
• Team Players: We provide unmatched service. We are respectful and deliver for our customers and partners. We build trust not barriers.

Equal Opportunity Employment Statement 

The South Dakota Science and Technology Authority (SDSTA) is an equal opportunity employer committed to the development of a diverse workforce. We foster a work community where every individual feels welcomed, valued, respected and heard and discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, ancestry, national origin, age, disability, genetic information or political affiliation is prohibited.