Richard Zoller

• Provided detailed documentation on audit findings, facilitating swift corrective action when necessary.
• Ensured compliance with regulatory requirements by performing regular audits and staying up-to-date on industry standards.
• Streamlined audit processes, improving efficiency and reducing time spent on each audit engagement.
• Certified multiple organizations to selected standards including entire corporations to ISO 9001, ISO/TS 16949, IATF 16949 and ISO 14001
• Maintained confidentiality, handling sensitive information discreetly throughout all stages of the audit process.

• Established a culture of continuous improvement by fostering open communication channels and empowering employees to voice their ideas.
• Cultivated a positive work environment that fostered employee engagement, increased retention rates, and boosted overall team morale.
• Realigned business plans to include distinct measurable goals and objectives in line with the Quality Policy and refocused the organization on key principles.
• Established and retained QS 9000 and ISO 9001 certification in multiple manufacturing facilities
• Directed and implemented ISO 14001 certification
• Established and implemented Corporate wide Lean Manufacturing processes at five plants
• Directed training programs in 6S, SMED, Kanban, Kaizen Blitz, Core tools and led or facilitated multiple teams resulting in increased productivity and cost savings
• Worked with implementation team selecting and implementing an enterprise-wide ERP system.
• Established training programs in internal auditing and effective corrective action implementation
• Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
• Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.

• Directed Quality assurance programs and achieved ISO 9002 certification for a billion dollar plus manufacturer of specialty chemicals, polymers, rubber chemicals and crop protection chemicals to multiple
• Developed and led Total Quality and continuous improvement programs
• Managed multiple professional and technical employees
• Managed physical, chemical and environmental testing laboratory including support of on site process water treatment facility
• Worked closely with Corporate Purchasing, R&D, Technical Services, Business and Sales management
• Developed a Quality Excellence Program to maintain and enhance a number one marketplace rank for service and response time
• Member of Corporate Total Quality Recognition Committee recognizing world-wide employees for achievements
• Member of RMA Technical Committee responsible for establishing an industry-wide Supplier Certification System
• Served on an evaluation team assessing joint ventures with Chinese, Japanese and Mexican partners
• Established a unique Cost of Quality program which reduced customer complaint response by over 90% and serious complaints by over 70%
• Directed and Implemented Continuous improvement programs including a factory SPC program resulting in a 50% production increase in key products
• Conducted supplier audits and improved raw material and specification control for better product uniformity
• Conducted regular internal audits to ensure adherence to established internal and customer requirements
• Worked with Corporate to establish Quality Circles and Adopt a Customer programs
• Trained team members on quality assurance principles, fostering a culture of accountability and high performance.

• Improved customer satisfaction with thorough final product inspections and adherence to strict quality control guidelines.
• Updated quality control standards, methods, and procedures to meet compliance requirements.
• Conducted regular audits of production facilities, ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations.
• Enhanced product quality by implementing rigorous inspection procedures and standardized testing protocols.
• Responsible for Managing Environmental program including key reporting and hazardous waste management
• Participated in new product development, laboratory evaluations and in-plant trials, resulting in successful new products with sales in excess of $3 million dollars
• Spearheaded root cause analysis investigations when needed, determining underlying issues and recommending appropriate fixes.
• Participated in regular management review meetings, providing updates on quality control performance and suggesting areas for improvement.

Conducted compound development activities for light radial truck tires

Developed multiple rubber compounds as a member of a team that developed the first radial truck tire for General Tire matching the best industry standard performance