Sylvia Krutz
Montreal West,QC
Summary
Accomplished Quality Assurance Lead with a proven track record at Keeco LLC/Hollander, enhancing product quality by implementing rigorous testing protocols and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Expert in Quality Metrics Analysis and adept at team mentoring, significantly improved QA processes and efficiency. Achieved higher customer satisfaction and reduced error rates through strategic decision-making and strong analytical abilities. Veteran Quality Assurance Lead provides critical support maintaining QMS standards. Over 23 years of experience performing necessary QA audits and pulling key data to assemble detailed analytical reports. Maintained high quality threshold levels, overseeing comprehensive technical framework drafts and reviews. Issued detailed calls-to-action, noting criteria and obstacles to quality management system effectiveness.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Quality Assurance Lead
Keeco LLC/Hollander
2001.09 - Current
- Mentored junior team members in quality assurance best practices, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
- Implemented continuous improvement initiatives within the QA team to elevate performance levels consistently across projects over time.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration of QA efforts into product development lifecycle.
- Performed internal audits to maintain operating procedure and regulatory standards compliance.
- Identified process gaps and implemented corrective actions, resulting in higher efficiency and reduced error rates.
- Improved customer satisfaction with high-quality products through meticulous QA processes.
- Coached and motivated 2-3-person QA team to develop competencies.
- Delivered timely and accurate reports on test results, facilitating informed decision-making for product improvements.
- Acted as key point of contact for all QA aspects of releases by providing QA services and coordinating QA resources internally and externally.
- Managed testing initiatives, establishing metrics, standards, methodology and necessary testing precautions and scheduling execution.
- Evaluated new testing tools and technologies, making recommendations for adoption when appropriate to enhance overall QA capabilities.
- Streamlined the QA workflow by automating repetitive tasks, increasing overall efficiency.
- Communicated directly with QA team to resolve user-reported problems and questions.
- Led root cause analysis efforts for major defects, preventing reoccurrence and improving overall product stability.
- Recommended software solutions such as automated test tools or improved test processes to meet business strategies.
- Directed day-to-day quality assurance department activities, establishing rapport with team members to facilitate effective communication and coordination.
- Enhanced product quality by implementing rigorous testing procedures and protocols.
- Established and updated QA processes and metrics in line with industry best practices and project goals.
- Investigated variances, performed root-cause analysis and documented corrective actions to resolve complications.
- Enforced compliance with federal, state, local and internal regulations related to product quality and operational activities.
- Created detailed defect reports for clear communication between development teams about identified bugs.
- Wrote, reviewed and approved documents to preserve quality assurance.
- Coordinated with developers to troubleshoot issues discovered during testing, expediting resolution times and minimizing delays in product release schedules.
Production Lead
Louisville Bedding Company
2001.09 - 2013.02
- Trained new hires on production procedures, ensuring a quick ramp-up time and consistent performance levels across the team.
- Managed a team of production workers, ensuring timely completion of tasks and adherence to safety protocols.
- Maintained safe work areas by keeping pathways and stations free of hazards and excess waste or materials.
- Improved production efficiency by streamlining processes and implementing effective scheduling techniques.
- Participated in safety training programs to maintain a thorough understanding of best practices, ensuring full compliance within the team.
- Communicated clear instructions for general operations and product-specific runs to prevent errors and rework.
- Collaborated with Quality Control teams to address any issues identified during inspections, implementing corrective actions as necessary to prevent reoccurrence.
- Increased overall product quality by closely monitoring production processes and providing constructive feedback.
- Monitored employee activities to verify consistent use of good manufacturing principles.
- Reduced downtime by proactively identifying potential bottlenecks and addressing them promptly.
- Facilitated open communication channels between team members, fostering a positive work environment conducive to high performance levels.
- Kept production line ready for monthly inspections and yearly audits by consistently following optimal processes.
- Ensured compliance with all relevant industry regulations, maintaining detailed documentation for audit purposes.
- Contributed to continuous improvement and lean initiatives by implementing directives.
- Organized regular production line cleaning and sanitation to prevent contamination and consumer illnesses.
- Sustained tour-ready production line through continuous and effective housekeeping plans.
- Evaluated employee performance regularly, providing actionable feedback and support for further professional development.
- Supported employees by accurately tracking time and proactively resolving any conflicts.
- Coordinated with other departments for seamless integration of cross-functional tasks, resulting in smoother operations.
- Worked with supervisor and other team leads to manage and prioritize staffing assignments to meet customer demand and production schedules.
- Monitored workers on site during production activities for safety procedures compliance.
- Updated production metrics and facilitate regular team communication.
- Trained new production staff members on safe and efficient production procedures and proper machine operations.
- Met production targets and tight deadlines by collaborating closely with team members.
- Made sure that products were produced on time and are of good quality.
- Examined incoming materials and compared to documentation for accuracy and quality.
- Organized and prepared workstations and materials needed for operations to maximize productivity.
- Used problem-solving and issue-resolution skills to promptly and successfully address production problems.
- Inspected products to maintain quality and efficiency.
- Collaborated with other departments to optimize production workflows.
- Prepared reports and technical documentation of day-to-day production processes.
- Maintained organized work area by cleaning and removing hazards.
- Reviewed production schedules and streamlined processes.
- Investigated processing errors and malfunctions, resolving issues with minor machine repairs.
- Tested products or subassemblies for functionality or quality and troubleshot problems with equipment, devices, or products.
- Calibrated machines to maintain required productivity levels and adherence to quality standards.
- Assembled products according to changing daily work orders and specific customer needs.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Fine Arts/Art History
Concordia University
Montreal, QC05.1985
DEC Arts Plastiques - Fine Arts
Champlain College
Lennoxville, Qc08.1981
Skills
- Quality Metrics Analysis
- In-depth Technical Knowledge
- Test Data Management
- Strategic Decision-Making
- Continuous Improvement Mindset
- Test environment setup
- User Acceptance Testing
- Quality Control Testing
- Strong Analytical Abilities
- Performance Testing Expertise
- Agile Methodology Expertise
- QA
- Efficient Defect Management
- Proficient Test Execution
- Customer Service
- Team Collaboration
- Manual Testing
- Defect Tracking and Reporting
- Decision-Making
- Manual test case preparation
- Strong Problem Solver
- Documentation skills
- Teamwork and Positive Attitude
- Test Plans and Test Methodologies
- Agile Best Practices
- Training and Onboarding
- Collaborative Team Player
- Team Mentoring
- Defect monitoring
- Automation knowledge
- Test Planning
- Performance Testing
- Root Cause Analysis
- Test implementation
- Test Procedure Documentation
- Results and Deadline-Driven
- Developing Quality Standards
- New product testing
- Client Requirements
- Monthly maintenance validations
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
French
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Quality Assurance Lead
Keeco LLC/Hollander
2001.09 - Current
Production Lead
Louisville Bedding Company
2001.09 - 2013.02
Bachelor of Arts - Fine Arts/Art History
Concordia University
DEC Arts Plastiques - Fine Arts
Champlain College
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