Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
References
Timeline
Generic

Ralph Fitts

Old Hickory,TN

Summary

Accomplished Quality Manager with a strong record in reducing the Cost of Quality by 65% year-over-year through effective first-article inspection and collaborative supplier engagement. Expertise in continuous improvement methodologies has fostered operational excellence, elevated product quality, and surpassed customer expectations. Strategic leadership and analytical skills drive impactful cross-functional initiatives.

Overview

22
22
years of professional experience

Work History

Quality Manager/Quality Engineer

Feintool
Antioch , TN
05.2013 - Current
  • Achieved a 65% reduction in the Cost of Quality through process optimization, supplier collaboration, and defect management strategies.
  • Partnered with suppliers to set clear quality expectations, conduct audits, and drive accountability for performance improvements.
  • Conducted comprehensive root-cause investigations for non-conformance issues, implementing corrective actions to meet quality and customer satisfaction goals.
  • Maintained product traceability systems across the supply chain, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and seamless issue resolution.
  • Oversaw supplier vetting processes and collaborated with Procurement to onboard new suppliers that aligned with quality objectives.
  • Led a team of 3 engineers and 17 quality technicians, fostering collaboration to achieve operational excellence.
  • Ensured compliance with IATF 16949 standards as an Internal Lead Auditor.
  • Designed and validated SPC gauges and fixtures, improving data accuracy and reducing scrap by 75% through DOE initiatives.
  • Represented Feintool in high-stakes customer print discussions, ensuring alignment on quality expectations and requirements.
  • Responsible for continual improvement activities to enhance the quality system, such as 5S, Kaizen, etc
  • Promoted from Quality Engineer to Quality Manager in 2018.

Quality Engineer

Meridian/Ventra Automotive
Grand Rapids, MI
12.2005 - 05.2013
  • Partnered with suppliers to enhance product quality through comprehensive evaluations and corrective action plans.
  • Analyzed customer complaints and feedback, conducted investigations, and implemented appropriate corrective actions.
  • Reviewed engineering drawings, process specifications, test requirements, inspection plans, and other technical documents for accuracy.
  • Conducted in-depth root-cause analysis for process-related concerns, implementing sustainable corrective actions to meet quality goals.
  • Coordinated cross-functional teams to address quality concerns and close gaps in existing processes.
  • Supported marketplace quality initiatives by ensuring robust product traceability systems, and implementing necessary containment measures.
  • Represented supplier quality issues at OEM assembly plants, including thermoplastics, and composites.
  • Negotiated supplier penalties, and coordinated PSW and PPAP trials with engineering teams.

Quality Specialist

Visteon Corp.
Chesterfield, MI
07.2003 - 05.2004
  • Investigated and addressed outgoing quality issues for Ford Motor Company programs.
  • Supervised production quality inspections, and corrective actions.
  • Maintained traceability through thorough documentation and containment plans.

Shipping & Receiving Supervisor

Auction Canyon, Inc.
Detroit, MI
06.2002 - 07.2003
  • Managed and prioritized shipping documentation to ensure accurate and timely order processing.
  • Scheduled and coordinated packaging and loading operations to meet delivery deadlines.
  • Oversaw order processing urate records, including data entry and verification.
  • Supervised daily shipping and receiving activities, ensuring operational efficiency and adherence to procedures.
  • Provided customer service support by receiving orders, addressing inquiries, and creating detailed work orders for seamless execution.

Education

Bachelors - Business Administration: Management, Minor in Marketing

Baker College
Clinton Township, MI

Liberal Arts -

Central Michigan University
Mt. Pleasant, MI

Skills

  • Supplier Quality Management
  • Root Cause Analysis and Corrective Actions
  • PPAP/AQP and new product launches
  • Process Optimization and Continuous Improvement (5S, Kaizen)
  • Internal auditing (IATF 16946)
  • Analytical mindset
  • Design of Experiments (DOE)
  • Product Traceability Systems (SAP, WMS, etc)

References

Available upon request

Timeline

Quality Manager/Quality Engineer

Feintool
05.2013 - Current

Quality Engineer

Meridian/Ventra Automotive
12.2005 - 05.2013

Quality Specialist

Visteon Corp.
07.2003 - 05.2004

Shipping & Receiving Supervisor

Auction Canyon, Inc.
06.2002 - 07.2003

Bachelors - Business Administration: Management, Minor in Marketing

Baker College

Liberal Arts -

Central Michigan University

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Ralph Fitts