Jeff Derbi-Okae

Pioneered a rigorous quality and safety culture in a high-tech laboratory by implementing 8D problem-solving and 5S principles, establishing foundational standards for internal operations and supplier quality expectations.

Leveraged advanced non-destructive inspection systems (X-ray/CT) to conduct complex defect analysis, track failure causes, and provide critical data that informed the development of new, more effective testing protocols for finished products.

Authored and implemented new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and training guides for complex testing protocols, standardizing internal data consistency and clearly defining quality requirements for external suppliers.

Spearheaded a data-driven continuous improvement project by monitoring and analyzing quality metrics to isolate recurring anomalies, leading to enhanced measurement reliability and resolution of supplier-traceable quality issues through Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and new testing protocols.

Directed the end-to-end establishment of a new quality control department, including instrument installation and calibration, successfully leading the laboratory to its first ISO 9001:2015 certification audit.

Managed the supplier quality process for critical raw materials, conducting on-site audits and establishing quality agreements, and leading 8D problem-solving teams to achieve a 30% reduction in incoming material defects.

Led cross-functional initiatives with production and engineering teams, implementing in-process checks that optimized production processes, reduced end-of-line defects, and ensured consistent compliance with regulatory and product quality standards.

Served as primary liaison with national regulatory authorities, successfully navigating complex approval and certification processes for three new product lines, enabling legal market entry.

Oversaw all quality assurance activities, serving as lead internal auditor and primary liaison for national regulatory and client-led audits, and chaired the annual QMS Management Review to ensure continuous ISO 9001 compliance.

Architected and implemented the laboratory's sample lifecycle management system, authoring new SOPs that standardized testing protocols and guaranteed 100% traceability for all incoming materials and finished products.

Championed a proactive problem-solving culture by leading non-conformance investigations using 8D and Root Cause Analysis (RCA), implementing robust Corrective/Preventive Actions (CAPA) that significantly reduced recurring errors and drove continual process improvement.

Served as senior technical point of contact for major clients, communicating complex technical findings and managing expectations during quality investigations, resolving non-conformities, and securing long-term partnerships.