0504 - Quality Control Assistant General Manager (AGM)

Quality Control General Manager (AGM)

Pay: $100,000.00 - $130,000.00

Location: Smithville, TN

The Quality Control General Manager (or AGM) holds total responsibility for product quality across all plants and operational phases. This executive role includes full accountability for an annual budget (P&L) and provides strategic leadership to the technical organization. Key focuses include maintaining customer standards, improving process capability, fostering customer relationships, and driving employee development.

Essential Job Functions & Duties

Leadership & Strategy

• Zero-Defect Initiatives: Lead the Internal Defect Reduction Committee to drive quality improvements.
• Strategic Planning: Drive long-term quality planning and analyze trends to optimize profitability and minimize risk.
• Corporate Alignment: Support Hoshin Kanri objectives to ensure quality goals align with corporate strategy.
• Continuous Improvement: Champion corporate Kaizen initiatives and oversee scrap reduction programs.

Operational Oversight

• Budget Management: Develop and review annual budgets within 60 days of fiscal year-end and conduct monthly performance reviews.
• Compliance: Develop and implement quality control policies to ensure strict adherence to IATF 16949 and industry standards.
• Product Launch: Serve as an active member of the Preproduction Committee to integrate quality requirements into new launches.
• Problem Solving: Facilitate daily quality meetings and collaborate with production teams to resolve issues promptly.

Personnel & Relationship Management

• Team Development: Manage department personnel, including training, mentoring on quality tools, and setting performance standards.
• Performance Monitoring: Measure individual and departmental performance against established KPIs.
• Customer Relations: Act as the primary point of contact for customer audits, visits, and high-level meetings.

Qualifications

Candidates may qualify through one of the following two paths:

Path A: Experience-Based

• Experience: Minimum 5 years in automotive manufacturing, including 3 years in a management role.
• Expertise: Demonstrated success in documentation management and new product launches.
• Systems: Toyota Production System (TPS) experience is strongly preferred.

Path B: Education & Experience

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality Management, or a related field (or Associate's degree with 2+ years of relevant experience).
• Experience: 3+ years of experience managing a quality department specifically within automotive manufacturing.

Universal Requirements & Skills

• Technical Knowledge: Deep expertise in APQP, PPAP, FMEA, and ISO 9001/IATF 16949 standards.
• Industry Background: Experience with press/stamping operations and robotic welding systems.
• Soft Skills: Excellent interpersonal communication and the ability to lead cross-functional teams in high-volume environments.
• Tools: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and data analysis tools.
• Travel: Willingness to travel as required, typically twice weekly.