Quality Manager Role We are seeking a Quality Manager to join our team. In this role, you will be responsible for managing all aspects of product and process quality for the Thacker Pass site. The role serves as the site lead to establish top tier quality programs, ensure compliance with relevant quality standards, and direct placement of final product according to customer specifications. The Quality Manager provides leadership to the analytical laboratory team with one direct and 12 indirect reports. The successful candidate will possess strong analytical skills with a track record of quality management success in specialty chemicals, manufacturing, or other quality driven industry. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to a mission-driven organization committed to innovation, sustainability, and leadership in the clean energy sector.
The role is based at Thacker Pass and reports to the Vice President of Operations Occasional travel to other LAC offices, project sites, or vendor locations may be required.
Key Responsibilities - Ensure smooth and efficient operations of all facets of the quality control laboratory and quality management systems.
- Implementation of high-quality QC procedures and input/approval of data into a laboratory information management system.
- Establish site wide quality programs with measurable goals and objectives.
- Develop, implement and maintain the quality management system (QMS) to ensure compliance with relevant quality standards (e.g. ISO-9001).
- Participate as a member of the Operations Leadership Team to share ideas and support sitewide improvement initiatives.
- Lead the quality control laboratory team. Provide guidance, coaching, goal setting, and mentoring for the team.
- Collaborate with the Health, Safety and Environmental (HSE) teams to align the site quality management system with HSE management systems (e.g. ISO-14001, ISO-45001).
- Provide training as needed to ensure employees understand the importance of quality and how they contribute to it.
- Use data and statistical techniques to establish quality trends, control limits, and other gauges of process and product quality.
- Track, analyze, and document production quality metrics and establish plans to address quality concerns as needed. Lead problem-solving efforts for quality issues utilizing Root Cause Analysis (RCA) tools, develop corrective actions and track corrective actions resolution.
- Create dashboards, reports and other communication tools for stakeholders.
- Carry out inspections and/or audits as needed to continuously gauge and improve process performance.
- Engage with customers (established and potential) to understand and meet their quality needs and assist with qualification and sampling needs. Engage with raw material suppliers to ensure LAC receives materials meeting established quality specifications.
- Act as the ultimate decision-maker on final product disposition based on product quality and specific needs of customer base. Provide effective communications to Site Leadership regarding issues that may impact the release of product.
- Help ensure a safe working environment, being a visible leader for safety, and providing a daily commitment to zero harm to employees, contractors, environment at the Quality Control Laboratory.
- Actively manage and participate in the company corrective action system and customer complaint system related to quality control.
- Responsible for setting up and working with operations on in-process analytical instruments and in-process laboratories within the plant.
- Develop Key Performance Indicators and utilize 5S for all laboratories within the plant.
- Work closely with the Technical Center Team on continuous improvement in the lab and quality systems where applicable.
- Build and maintain trusted relationships across all teams while championing a culture that reflects and supports our Purpose, Vision, and Values.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications - Bachelor's Degree in relevant field such as engineering, manufacturing, chemistry, or quality management required.
- Three or more years' experience serving in a quality management or related role required.
- Previous team leadership experience, (mentoring and coaching) in a laboratory environment is a plus.
- Six Sigma or ASQ credentials are a plus.
- Experience in high purity product industries a plus.
- Personal commitment to Lithium Americas' core cultural values of safety, teamwork, and environmental stewardship.
- Previous experience in developing and delivering training programs is a plus.
- Previous experience in Root Cause Analysis and Corrective Action management is a plus.
- Familiarity with analytical instrumentation and other characterization methods typically used for specialty products is a plus.
- Strong skills in data analysis, statistics, and proficiency with statistical software packages (Minitab, R, etc.)
- Effective and open verbal and written skills with ability to communicate and collaborate with multiple stakeholders, both internal and external.
- Ability to multi-task and coordinate several projects in parallel, while prioritizing and pursuing critical-path tasks on an accelerating schedule.
- Ability to work well with others.
- Ability to critically challenge assumptions, "think outside the box", and deliver creative solutions.
- Be a self-starter: highly motivated, able to work independently, with high energy.
- Bring a positive attitude and have fun in the workplace. We strive to create and maintain an enjoyable and comfortable work environment.
- Personal commitment to Lithium Americas' Purpose, Vision, and Values.
