Director Quality

Itasca Plastics is a closely-held, family-operated, and values-oriented custom plastic extrusion business, possessing a premier customer base and experiencing significant growth. Itasca Plastics possesses the expertise and agility to supply product for a broad variety of applications in both commercial and industrial markets. This company is on the lead-edge of innovation in its industry, has the expertise and creativity to bring products to market rapidly, and has consistently invested new capital over time to develop these capabilities.

            The development and implementation of a scalable enterprise-wide system that builds quality into processes is imperative to reduce waste and support continued growth. Pursuant to this goal, Itasca Plastics will bring on board the company’s first-ever dedicated quality leader, carrying the title Director Quality. The Director Quality will be a key leader in the organization, have enterprise-wide influence, and will see significant opportunity for professional development as the company grows. This is a high-impact role that will be supported with capital investment as needed.

 

Responsibilities: Development and implementation of sustainable and scalable enterprise wide process improvement, across a three-shift operation. Utilization of tools such as root cause analysis, six sigma, and lean techniques to gain critical operating efficiencies across the organization. An active presence on the manufacturing floor, and willingness to “get one’s hands dirty.” Extensive interaction with customers to ascertain and negotiate job specifications to balance required product tolerances with manufacturing capabilities. A key voice in the strategic direction of the business.

Qualifications: A broadly-focused entrepreneurial mindset, capable of driving quality improvements, but also influencing the overall direction of the business. A team player who is able to challenge conventional thinking on critical issues, while supporting the overall direction of the company. A strong understanding of how Quality fits into the overall value stream. A process-oriented, analytical thinker possessing intellectual agility, and creativity.

Experience: 5-10 years experience in the manufacturing or quality functions; Demonstrated and measurable accomplishments leading an organization toward meaningful improvements in quality; A familiarity with world-class process improvement practices; A six-sigma greenbelt or similar level of experience; A bachelor’s degree in a related field is strongly desired.





This position will be based out of the Itasca Plastics headquarters, which is located in St. Charles, Illinois, widely recognized as one of Chicago’s most family-friendly suburbs.  St Charles sits on the Fox River, is home to outstanding public schools and a vibrant downtown, and is approximately one hour from Chicago’s Loop by car or train. There are a wide variety of housing options available within a 30-minute commute including older suburbs like Wheaton and Glen Ellyn, more rural locales such as Sugar Grove and DeKalb, and entry level price points in Hanover Park and Bloomingdale.