Process Manager Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

SMARTLAM NORTH AMERICA

JOB DESCRIPTION

Position Title:

Process Manager

Location:

Dothan, Alabama

Reports To:

General Manager – Dothan, Alabama Complex

Supervises:

Quality Control Technicians

Position Summary

The Process Manager is responsible for leading the Quality Department and driving process excellence throughout SmartLam North America’s mass timber manufacturing operations. This position develops, implements, and maintains quality systems that ensure products consistently meet customer specifications, company standards, and industry certification requirements.

The Process Manager serves as a key leader in continuous improvement initiatives, partnering with production, maintenance, engineering, and safety teams to improve product quality, manufacturing efficiency, and operational performance while supporting SmartLam’s commitment to safety, innovation, and customer satisfaction.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Quality Management

• Lead and manage all quality assurance and quality control activities within the facility.
• Supervise, coach, and develop Quality Control Technicians.
• Maintain and continuously improve the facility’s Quality Management System (QMS).
• Ensure compliance with applicable building codes, product certifications, customer specifications, and industry standards.
• Develop and maintain inspection plans, testing procedures, and quality documentation.
• Monitor product quality performance and establish corrective actions when quality issues arise.
• Lead investigations involving customer complaints, product non-conformances, and internal quality concerns.
• Conduct root cause analysis and implement effective corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).

Process Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve manufacturing processes, product quality, yield, and productivity.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives utilizing Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other process improvement methodologies.
• Analyze production and quality data to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.
• Develop and maintain process controls that ensure consistent product quality.
• Support process validation and optimization efforts throughout manufacturing operations.

Manufacturing Support

• Partner with production leadership to improve process capability and operational efficiency.
• Provide technical support and guidance for quality-related issues on the production floor.
• Assist with implementation of new products, equipment, and manufacturing technologies.
• Participate in cross-functional teams focused on operational excellence and cost reduction.

Compliance and Certification

• Ensure compliance with all applicable regulatory, certification, and customer requirements.
• Coordinate internal and external audits.
• Maintain records and documentation required for quality certifications and inspections.
• Support certification agencies and customer audits as required.

Leadership

• Establish performance expectations and accountability for Quality Control Technicians.
• Conduct employee training, coaching, and performance evaluations.
• Promote a culture of quality, safety, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with plant leadership to achieve company objectives and strategic goals.

Safety

• Promote and enforce all company safety policies and procedures.
• Participate in safety audits, investigations, and improvement initiatives.
• Ensure team members follow all applicable safety requirements and PPE standards.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Technology, Quality Management, Wood Products, or related field preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education and manufacturing leadership experience may be considered.

Experience

• Minimum of five (5) years of manufacturing experience.
• Minimum of three (3) years of leadership experience in quality, process engineering, operations, or continuous improvement.
• Experience in mass timber, engineered wood products, lumber, building materials, or related manufacturing industries preferred.
• Experience leading quality systems and continuous improvement initiatives.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong understanding of quality management systems and quality assurance principles.
• Knowledge of statistical process control (SPC), root cause analysis, and corrective action processes.
• Working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and leadership abilities.
• Ability to influence and collaborate across multiple departments.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and manufacturing data systems.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• First Pass Yield (FPY)
• Internal Defect Rate
• Customer Complaint Rate
• Cost of Poor Quality (COPQ)
• Scrap and Rework Reduction
• Corrective Action Closure Rate
• Audit Compliance Scores
• Continuous Improvement Project Results
• Production Quality Metrics
• Employee Training and Development Completion

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in both office and manufacturing environments.
• Frequent walking, standing, climbing stairs, and exposure to industrial manufacturing conditions.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.