New Product Development Quality Manager

As a New Product Development Quality Manager at SharkNinja, you'll be responsible for overseeing quality assurance throughout the product lifecycle. This includes conducting FMEA activities to mitigate risks, ensuring that validation plans are effective, and managing project risk assessments. You'll collaborate closely with engineering teams to support the design and development of various innovative products. Leadership in NPD/NPI quality activities, running 3D CAD analysis, and driving continuous improvement initiatives are all part of this exciting role.

To succeed as a New Product Development Quality Manager at SharkNinja, candidates should possess a Bachelor's degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering and have a minimum of 8 years of experience in quality roles related to consumer products. Experience with mechanical or electrical design and knowledge of quality analytical methods such as FMEA and SPC are also essential. Certifications like Black Belt Six Sigma or Lean Expert are preferred.

At SharkNinja, the work culture is vibrant and innovative, where creativity is encouraged, and contributions are valued. As a New Product Development Quality Manager, you'll thrive in a fast-paced environment that fosters an Outrageously Extraordinary mindset, pushing boundaries to achieve outstanding results. Collaboration across teams is key, and we embrace diversity, ensuring that every employee can bring their authentic self to work.

The New Product Development Quality Manager at SharkNinja plays a critical role in ensuring product quality by implementing structured quality assurance processes. This includes setting governance for design assessments, leading FMEA and DFM facilitation, and conducting robust risk assessments. The manager will also utilize industry-standard methodologies for continuous improvement, ensuring that customer expectations and product specifications are consistently met.

SharkNinja is committed to personal and professional growth, offering high-impact learning programs designed to empower employees. As a New Product Development Quality Manager, you'll have opportunities to expand your skills in quality assurance and product development while potentially leading initiatives across global teams. The company values innovation and offers a supportive environment that encourages career advancement and skill development.

In my experience, conducting FMEA (Failure Modes and Effects Analysis) is essential for identifying potential risks early in the product development process. I also utilize project risk assessments focusing on quality and reliability to ensure that all aspects are considered. Additionally, I encourage cross-departmental collaboration to get multiple perspectives on potential risks, enhancing the reliability of our assessments.

I believe that fostering open communication and teamwork is crucial for cross-functional collaboration. To ensure this, I organize regular meetings with engineering, marketing, and operations teams to discuss project goals and quality metrics. This transparency promotes alignment on expectations and allows us to address any challenges proactively.

I have extensive experience with various quality analytical methods including Weibull Analysis, SPC (Statistical Process Control), and capability studies like Cpk. These methodologies have been instrumental in analyzing product performance and identifying areas for improvement. I regularly apply these techniques to monitor quality metrics and develop actionable insights that inform our quality strategies.

My approach to continuous improvement involves a combination of data analysis and adaptive strategies. I regularly review product performance metrics to identify trends and potential areas for enhancement. In addition, I implement lessons learned from previous projects to refine our processes and drive ongoing innovation throughout the product lifecycle.

When quality issues arise, I take a systematic approach to manage them. This includes conducting a thorough root cause analysis using techniques like the 5 Why method to understand the underlying issues. From there, I collaborate with relevant teams to develop effective corrective actions and preventive measures. I track these issues in platforms like Jira to ensure accountability and timely resolution.

Some of the most critical metrics I evaluate include defect rates, customer complaint rates, and product performance against specifications. I also prioritize the analysis of return rates and warranty claims. These metrics provide valuable insights into product quality and customer satisfaction, allowing us to make informed decisions to enhance our offerings.

I collaborate closely with engineering teams by providing them with the necessary quality standards and guidelines early in the design process. By being involved from the beginning, I can assist in identifying potential quality risks and help implement preventive measures. Regular check-ins and feedback sessions also ensure alignment on quality objectives throughout the entire project.

When presenting quality assessments to leadership, it's important to be concise and data-driven. I utilize visual aids like charts and graphs to communicate complex data clearly. I also focus on the implications of the findings, emphasizing how they relate to overall business objectives. Having actionable recommendations prepared ensures that the discussions stay productive and geared towards solutions.

In the event of a disagreement regarding quality standards, I believe in taking a collaborative approach. I would listen to the team member's perspective and seek to understand their concerns. Open dialogue is crucial, and I would aim to find common ground or refer back to industry standards and data to resolve the disagreement amicably.

One of the most challenging aspects is balancing the need for swift project timelines with the requirement for thorough quality assurance. However, I see this as an opportunity to enhance processes and advocate for proactive quality measures. My goal is to ensure that our products meet or exceed expectations without sacrificing efficiency.