Quality Assurance Continuous Improvement

Bekele (Beck-El-A) Gedion

Manhattan Beach, CA

Phone: 310-***-****

Email: ********@*****.***

Summary

Accomplished and results-driven Quality Professional with over 25+ years of progressive experience in quality management, supplier management, process improvement, project management, and new product development across various industries. Proven ability to implement quality systems and processes where none existed, driving significant improvements in operational efficiency and product quality. Expertise in leading cross- functional teams, mentoring staff, and developing strategies for continuous improvement. Core Competencies

• Quality Management Systems (QMS)

• Supplier Quality Assurance & Audits

• Project Management & Cross-Functional Leadership

• Process Optimization & Continuous Improvement

• Root Cause Analysis & Corrective Action (RCCA, SCAR)

• Product Development & Regulatory Compliance

• Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, TQM

• Team Development, Training & Mentorship

• New Product Introduction (NPI) & APQP

• KPI Development & Performance Tracking

• Quality System, QS9000/ISO9001 documentation and implementation Professional Experience

Lakeshore Learning Materials, Carson, CA Quality Assurance Manager April 2023 – January 2025

$800M Educational Materials Company

• Led and mentored four Senior Quality Engineers, driving their professional development through regular one-on-one meetings, feedback, and goal-setting.

• Align team goals with RD&D and company objectives, ensuring accountability and measurable outcomes.

• Develop and standardize testing practices, ensuring consistency and reliability in testing deliverables.

• Implement and monitor KPIs to track quality performance and drive continuous improvement across testing and product development.

• Collaborate with Product Compliance to align testing deliverables with regulatory standards.

• Lead the RCCA and SCAR processes, providing clear insights through performance dashboards.

• Prioritize team workload and manage QE capacity to support business objectives and change management initiatives.

Exemplis Corporation, Buena Park, CA Sr. Supplier Quality Engineer April 2013 – April 2023

$300M Manufacturer & Distributor of Office Products

• Managed supplier quality across multiple countries (US, Italy, Canada, Germany, Mexico, China), conducting assessments and driving improvement initiatives.

• Developed and presented quarterly supplier scorecards, ensuring clear and actionable feedback to suppliers.

• Trained suppliers on PPAP and SCAR processes, ensuring compliance with industry standards.

• Led audits, DOE, and FMEA projects to improve product quality and resolve customer complaints.

• Worked closely with sales, customers, and suppliers to address quality concerns and establish quality standards for new products.

• Supervised three Quality Receiving Inspectors and Lab Technicians, ensuring quality assurance procedures were met consistently.

Kimberly-Clark, Fullerton, CA IV Process Project Engineer June 2010 – March 2013

$1B Manufacturer & Distributor of Health Care Products

• Initiated and optimized manufacturing processes to meet rigorous safety, quality, and performance standards.

• Led teams of 3-15 members in projects with budgets ranging from $1M to $10M.

• Mentored and developed process and reliability technicians, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Master Halco, Orange, CA Quality Engineering Manager May 2008 – June 2010

$550M Manufacturer & Distributor of Fencing Products

• Oversaw operations and engineering across six Regional Distribution Centers and seven manufacturing sites.

• Managed budgets and led cross-functional teams to improve manufacturing and distribution processes.

• Supervised teams, mentored engineers, and led continuous improvement initiatives across various departments.

Sealy INC, South Gate, CA & Phoenix, AZ Quality Assurance Manager April 2004 – May 2008

$500M Manufacturer & Distributor of Bedding Products

• Led new product launches, performing design verification testing and process capability studies.

• Implemented Sealy’s quality control plan to comply with federal fire and flammability standards

(ASTM).

• Managed PPAP processes and FMEA for new products, ensuring smooth production launches.

• Supervised 12 quality inspectors and auditors, maintaining rigorous quality control standards. DaimlerChrysler Corporation, Belvidere, IL Product Quality Engineer Feb 1999 – April 2004

$4.2B Manufacturer & Distributor of Automobiles

• Led PPAP and FMEA processes for new product launches, ensuring defect-free designs.

• Planned and oversaw APQP projects during the prototype and production phases.

• Worked with engineers to improve design and manufacturing techniques while ensuring adherence to FMVSS regulations.

Education

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, 1997 Certifications & Training

• Certified Six Sigma Greenbelt, Daimler Chrysler, 2004

• Certified Black Belt Steering Committee, Daimler Chrysler, 2004

• Management/Leadership Skill Certification, Sealy Inc., 2004–2006

• Management/Leadership and Business Strategy, Adaptability & Resilience, McKinsey Academy, 2024

Contact this candidate