Director Quality and Process Improvement

Director, Quality and Process Improvement

Join Goodwill Great Lakes as the Director of Quality and Process Improvement and lead transformative initiatives that shape operational excellence across multiple locations. In this strategic leadership role you’ll drive continuous improvement through Lean and Kaizen methodologies, oversee quality assurance and compliance, and champion change management to enhance efficiency and service delivery. You’ll have the opportunity to influence long‑term projects, develop innovative training programs, and foster a culture of excellence while collaborating with senior leaders and community partners. If you’re passionate about making a measurable impact, leading high-level projects, and building a legacy of quality and innovation, we invite you to apply and help us advance our mission.

The Director of Quality and Process Improvement provides strategic and operational leadership for all quality assurance, process improvement, change management, Lean/Kaizen activities, contract compliance, operational training activities, and key operational projects across Goodwill Great Lakes.

Principal Duties

• Lead strategic planning, prioritization, and activities for all quality and process improvement initiatives across multiple locations and departments. Oversee and reenergize the Kaizen culture and Lean strategy execution, ensuring continuous improvement and alignment with contract and Goodwill program objectives.
• Oversee the design, strategy, and execution of operational training programs to ensure staff are properly trained and processes are consistent and effective.
• Identify, lead, and oversee the completion of large or special projects; develop monthly, weekly, and daily reports; analyze data and recommend changes and provide strategic planning and direction for those activities.
• Direct and oversee Good Lakes quality and continuous improvement policies, objectives, and operational initiatives, including acting as a point of contract with senior management and stakeholders for those initiatives and Good Lakes safety objectives.
• Work with the SVP, Executive Directors, Directors, and Assistant Directors to strategize, prioritize, and help drive overall Good Lakes operational and mission strategies.
• Work proactively to anticipate issues and continuously improve Good Lakes in conjunction with overall organization efforts; assess and continuously improve division effectiveness to ensure business units needs are being met.
• Maintain positive working relationships with internal and external customers, vendors, government and other agencies and community organizations.
• Oversee the Quality Control Plan for the Food and Logistic Services contract. This includes ensuring division wide compliance with all requirements and updating as needed to reflect changes due to improvements or newly implemented customer requirements.
• Ensure customer service standards are met, as stated in contract. Monitor service through established methods to identify trends and work with key staff to resolve areas of opportunity with service issues in a timely manner.
• Oversee and maintain contractual compliance, using the Quality Control Plan & Food Safety Program (HACCP) for monitoring contract performance and developing and implementing SOPs to standardize all aspects of operations.
• Ensure operations are conducted in accordance with Federal Contracting Laws and AbilityOne Program requirements.
• Manage organizational design for the area of responsibility and direct talent planning, hiring, development and training of staff.
• Serve as project owner for high‑complexity department, cross‑functional or multi‑location projects and improvement initiatives. Set project direction including project scope, timeline and resources. Manage change through effective planning, communication and coaching. Build and participate in leadership coalition supporting and implementing organizational change.
• Actively engage with community partners and link activities to business performance.
• Complete other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration or related equivalency. A minimum of 8 years of experience in quality assurance, organizational leadership or industrial engineering (or 10 years directly related experience and at least 5 years relevant experience).
• Proven track record in project management, change management, quality assurance, and/or strategic planning.
• Expertise in Lean, Six Sigma and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Six Sigma Black Belt certification strongly preferred; alternatively ability to obtain certification within 12 months of hire.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and data analytics tools.
• Ability to manage ambiguity, drive change and deliver results under pressure.
• Required to obtain a Common Access Card (CAC) within 90 days of hire, pursuant to US Navy security guidelines.
• A REAL‑ID‑compliant driver’s license or identification card is required for access to the naval installation and for employment.

Leadership Competencies

• Business Insight: Demonstrates thorough business/industry knowledge and can synthesize business information and respond to changing market dynamics effectively.
• Courage: Fosters a culture that supports people taking well‑reasoned risks, confronts actions that are inconsistent with the Guiding Principles, and provides leadership through high‑stakes situations.

Core Cultural Competencies

• Customer Focus: Fosters a customer service‑focused environment with a sense of urgency.
• Values Differences: Cultivates an environment that makes people feel valued and encourages diversity and inclusion.
• Communicates Effectively: Promotes a free flow of information throughout the organization.
• Situational Adaptability: Demonstrates flexibility in a changing, competitive environment and initiates change.
• Drives Results: Pushes the organization to move forward in difficult circumstances.
• Ensures Accountability: Holds leaders accountable for team performance and sets and monitors goals.

Physical/Sensory Demands

Job requires the following: remain stationary for sustained periods of time; ability to move about to accomplish tasks; must be able to operate a computer or similar technology; visual acuity to perform activities such as preparing data, operating equipment or reviewing thoroughness of work; ability to communicate with others and exchange information. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Equal Opportunity Employer (SEW)

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