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Chao, 29 – Quality and Inspection Manager at Fives Stein in Shanghai
1. Background
After graduating from Hefei University of Technology, Liu specialised in steering and quality control, and has particular knowledge of the ISO 9001 standard. He started his career in a heavy machinery plant in Shanghai, and was recruited in April 2006 as an inspection manager at Fives Stein’s offices there. He has just been promoted to the position of quality and inspection manager.
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2. Could you say a few words about your role at Fives Stein?
My job covers two main functions – quality steering and inspection management. On the quality side, I assist the management committee in the implementation of its quality policy and the improvement of our ISO 9001 approach as regards guidelines, procedures, objectives, and so on. This means I supervise all of the steps and procedures put in place internally concerning problem management, transmission of information and customer feedback, and implementation of monitoring procedures. In addition I manage the inspection team that monitors the quality of our suppliers’ products. That involves inspection plans, individual project programs and instruction manuals. I also supervise the manufacture of equipment in order to avoid problems, particularly during the production cycle.
3. What are your main day-to-day responsibilities?
I work with the project managers and the design department, monitoring quality and progress on the sites that I’m responsible for. People rely on me for answers to the full range of technical questions relating to quality and to the procedures we put in place for each of our projects. My job also involves coordinating the various subcontractors involved in our projects. Building relationships of trust with them is one of the keys to meeting deadlines.
4. With such a cross-functional job, you must be in contact with a lot of different people?
Internally, I’m basically in touch with the quality inspectors who check our production workshop. Externally, I interact with suppliers and subcontractors in the course of my monitoring and quality-control activities. I’m also in contact with our customers for the final monitoring and inspection phases.
5. What would you say is most attractive about your job?
This job at Fives Stein has already given me lots of experience, which is very important for me, and it’s not restricted to the technical side – I’m also active in the areas of people management, communication and customer/supplier relations.
6. If you were asked to describe the Fives Group in a few words, and encourage new people to join us, what would you say?
Through its subsidiaries, the Fives Group gives young employees like me opportunities for growth. I joined Fives Stein less than two years ago, and I’ve already been promoted, which is highly motivating. I also like the teamwork and the positive atmosphere in the various departments at Fives.