Director, Product and Process Quality

Brocade® (Nasdaq: BRCD) provides the industry’s leading platforms, solutions, and services for intelligently connecting, managing, and optimizing IT resources in shared storage environments. By developing innovative Storage Area Network (SAN) and File Area Network (FAN) solutions, Brocade helps organizations increase efficiency, reduce costs, and maximize their data assets. (www.brocade.com)

Position Description:

Director, Product and Process QualityKey RelationshipsKey relationships: Internal• Four Business Unit General Managers and their respective executive staff members:• Product Marketing• Sales• Engineering• Operations• Service and SupportExternal• OEM and Direct CustomersSummaryThe primary goal for this executive is to drive visionary leadership for long range quality objectives and programs, aligned to Brocade’s business strategies. Tactically, this involves instilling the right competencies and processes to achieve and sustain world-class product quality and reliability performance and customer satisfaction. Responsibilities include:Leadership • Lead development of business unit quality strategy, establish quality goals/scorecard, define ‘right’ business quality tools and metrics, drive effectiveness of Quality SystemStrategic Planning • Drive “distributed quality system� throughout Brocade to ensure achievement of product and process quality goals• Long term strategy for quality assurance in operationsCustomer & Market Focus • Customer advocate and relationship management with customer account and supply chain executives• Improve quality ratings with top OEM customersInformation/ Analysis • Innovate the quality information systems to reduce data capture/analysis and corrective action implementation timeHuman Resources • Attract and develop world class talent• Manage Quality leadership pipeline• Ensure all quality assets are aligned to the needs of the businessProcess Management • Quality process optimization and ongoing management• Quality metrics & reporting – COPQ, AFR, ARR, Key Customer Satisfaction Drivers (OEM and Direct)• Drive quality review and action plans via BU GM’s• Assimilate with other failure data systems for key learning’sIdeal Experience• Experience in fast paced environments characterized by cross-functional teamwork and aggressive product cycles. Fundamental knowledge of the storage and server sectors is a plus. • Detailed knowledge of US and International quality standards, and knowledge of quality systems and tools. Significant experience as quality leader with a deep understanding of business performance and quality metrics.• Experience working in operational role with a successful track record of navigating matrixed organizational structure. Experience working independently and in support role without direct control over resources• A history of succeeding with external constituencies. A reputation as both a customer advocate and an internal change agent.• Understanding of international perspectives and global supply chain business issues. Critical Competencies for Success• Demonstrated competency in quality management – Leverages a personal command of business statistics and performance metrics to build a compelling case for specific decisions and/or recommendations measures. Identifies root causes and organizational levers to address barriers to world class business performance. Reflects facts to capitalize on global best practices and innovation. Identifies critical systems and processes and determines how they can be improved to world class standards. • Customer orientation – Advocate or ally of the customer, seeking and acting on their feedback and ensuring that others in the organization act to appreciate the customers’ perspective. • Superior change management acumen – Effectively communicates enthusiasm for new initiatives and drives key functional leaders to embrace quality as critical element of success. Exhibits a high level of energy to create support for quality initiatives and influence others who may not take quality seriously and/or are resistant to change. • Excellent leadership skills – This individual has the credibility to go “toe to toe� with the various business unit leaders and must possess an unrivaled ability to succeed through influence. Self-assurance and ability to appropriately defend decisions and recommendations. Provide objective, accurate, and truthful data to drive improvement in quality and deliver on quality scorecard goals. The right candidate should demonstrate the maturity and wisdom of wielding “veto� power within an organization.

To Apply Visit Brocade Communications Systems, Inc.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 10 years senior design, development and quality experience. Technically sound, understands all aspects of the product life cycle, including ideation, design, NPI, manufacturing, forward / reverse logistics and end-of-life. A foundation in R&D is desired and specific experience in both hardware and software quality assurance is mandatory. Has effectively managed organizations of 20 people or more.• A technical undergraduate and/or graduate degree is mandatory. International experience and cultural diversity is highly valued.