Business Processes, Methodology and Quality Manager
While Averna is dedicated to helping global customers produce market-leading high-tech products, this could not be achieved without their talented team of employees. Averna understands that each group and department are linked, and every individual is required to make the company a success. In this new series, Averna will chat with one of these individuals and understand their point of view on their contribution.
Mélanie Turcotte is a leader of quality in a company where quality is the highest priority. She has extensive experience in the field which adds an incredible perspective to company processes. Having experienced a variety of industries, Mélanie understands the impact a solid quality process can have. Through hard work, dedication and positive attitude, her enthusiasm is contagious, company-wide.
Q: Where were you before Averna and how did you get here?
A: I started in quality control in a factory that manufactured clothing for firefighters. Over time, I worked hard and gained experience to become the quality coordinator for the same company. I was able to transfer this experience to different industries including cardboard production, communications and construction. While learning about these different industries, 4 years of that time was actually spent here, at Averna. I left temporarily to try a position as quality director in the injection molding industry but eventually came back to Averna, with more experience and ideas.
Q: What attracted you to quality?
A: I love the diversity and systemic approach to situations! In Quality Assurance (QA), we touch on all aspects of a company’s business process, and we can’t just make plans. We need to come up with original processes and actually implement them. Also, it doesn’t end there! We need to continue to monitor, measure and improve our internal processes to ensure they are optimized and relevant. It’s an endless wheel that requires a lot of rigor and analysis, which particularly attracts me.
Q: What is your favorite aspect of your current role?
A: I love working with all the different regions! It’s an exciting challenge to integrate all of our differences into our global Quality Management System.
Q: Is test engineering a more challenging field for your role with the range of technologies that must be addressed?
A: I would say that it is more the project approach and constant new development that is more of a challenge in my work. It’s never the same thing, never the same project. We need to manage a lot of new things and deal with constant change management.
Q: Have you had any key mentors or people who deeply influenced who you are, what you believe in and what you’re committed to in your work and life?
A: Not really mentors…Books like “Good to Great”, and trends like “Lean Management” including “green belt” and “black belt” type projects have been more effective for me.
Q: Do you feel you achieve a good work/life balance?
A: Yes, absolutely!
Q: What are you most proud of?
A:Having implemented the quality management system at Averna in our resource centers in 9 months and having obtained ISO certification!
Q: What have you learned from Averna that will be a takeaway for the rest of your life?
A: Open-mindedness, collaboration, mutual respect, leadership, and the importance of achieving results while having fun!