Quality Manager

Summary

The Quality Manager develops, implements, and coordinates the Total Quality Management System (TQMS) to meet and exceed certification requirements for ISO/TS 16949 and other applicable quality standards. This role manages the product quality program through the implementation of quality standards designed to prevent and eliminate defects in both new and existing products within the manufacturing plant.

The Quality Manager serves as the Quality Management Representative (QMR) for the facility and fulfills the customer representative function for serial production. This position is responsible for leading and mentoring the quality team to maintain high levels of motivation, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

The Quality Manager interfaces directly with customers regarding quality-related issues and works closely with plant operations personnel to address quality concerns and implement recommended process improvements. This role ensures quality issues are reported promptly and corrective actions are identified and implemented effectively.

These responsibilities are carried out personally or through subordinate engineers and auditors.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Collaborate with senior management to establish site-specific quality policies, procedures, and objectives to maintain or exceed customer quality expectations.

• Maintain and enforce corporate quality programs, policies, and procedures.

• Ensure the Quality Management System is aligned with internal and external requirements, including current versions of DIN ISO 9001, VDA 6.1, ISO/TS 16949, and CCC standards.

• Lead quality initiatives at the plant level and establish quality standards to meet customer requirements.

• Oversee corrective actions related to customer quality issues and coordinate implementation with plant operations.

• Lead management review processes and monitor key quality performance indicators.

• Analyze quality performance data and recommend corrective and preventive actions.

• Develop and modify product assurance programs, defining responsibilities, personnel requirements, and operational procedures.

• Evaluate the effectiveness of current quality assurance programs and collaborate with senior leadership on quality strategy and budgeting.

• Exercise authority to stop production lines when quality concerns require immediate action.

• Review technical problems, operating processes, and production procedures and recommend solutions to quality-related issues.

• Support supplier quality development through supplier visits, evaluations, and quality discussions.

• Participate in APQP processes and ensure timely completion of documentation required for PPAP submissions.

• Coordinate with Human Resources to provide quality-related training to employees.

• Utilize ERP systems (preferably SAP) to manage quality data and reporting.

• Conduct audits and risk assessments and develop mitigation strategies.

• Ensure compliance with TISAX audit requirements as they relate to quality functions.

• Follow and enforce all safety protocols and guidelines and promote a safety-first culture.

• Lead the implementation and ongoing maintenance of ISO/TS 16949 quality initiatives.

• Serve as the management representative for Quality Management System (QMS) matters.

• Plan and lead internal and external quality audits in accordance with ISO/TS 16949 and VDA 6.3 requirements.

• Serve as Product Safety Agent.

• Respond to customer quality concerns using structured analytical methods and ensure documentation of findings and corrective actions.

• Serve as the primary escalation contact for customers regarding quality matters.

• Determine and monitor implementation of corrective and preventive measures.

• Provide technical leadership and oversight of the quality department.

• Conduct internal and external audits, including certification audits.

• Support project management for customer programs as needed.

• Conduct supplier assessments and potential analyses.

• Perform material and dimensional testing according to specifications, CAD data, drawings, and applicable regulations.

• Apply total quality management tools to analytical and reporting processes.

• Design and implement quality control training programs.

• Develop quality reports and define improvement initiatives.

• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position supervises Quality Engineers and Quality Lab Technicians and indirectly oversees an hourly staff of Quality Technicians.

Qualifications

To perform this role successfully, candidates must be able to perform each essential duty effectively. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Required competencies include:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

• Strong presentation and communication skills with the ability to address managers, clients, and cross-functional teams

• Strong leadership, analytical thinking, and problem-solving skills

Education and Experience

Candidates should have strong knowledge of quality processes within a manufacturing environment and demonstrate experience leading quality systems and continuous improvement initiatives.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in a quality-related or engineering discipline or eight (8) years of relevant quality experience

• Leadership training and structured problem-solving experience

• Experience with core quality tools (FMEA, Control Plans, PPAP, etc.)

• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications

• Ability to analyze data and apply logical problem-solving methods

• Basic statistical knowledge for data analysis and studies

• Minimum of five (5) years of industrial experience in ISO/TS 16949 or equivalent quality systems

• Demonstrated experience in Quality Assurance leadership within the automotive industry

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with 5S and Six Sigma methodologies

• Professional certifications such as ASQ CQA, CQE, or CQM

Recommended Internal Training:

• HR policies and employee handbook

• Diversity and harassment training

• Safety and HAZCOM training

• Emergency response procedures

• AED (defibrillator) training

Language Skills

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret technical documents and business materials

• Ability to communicate complex instructions clearly

• Ability to write reports, procedures, and business correspondence

Mathematical Skills

• Ability to apply principles of basic mathematics

• Understanding of statistical analysis methods including reliability testing, sampling theory, and correlation techniques

Reasoning Ability

• Ability to identify problems, collect and analyze data, and develop effective solutions

• Ability to interpret instructions in written, oral, diagram, or schedule formats

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this position, employees may be required to:

• Stand, walk, sit, and move throughout office and plant environments

• Use hands to handle equipment and materials

• Lift or move items weighing up to 30–50 pounds

• Utilize close, distance, and color vision

• Work with computers and quality measurement tools

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Work Environment

This position operates in both office and manufacturing plant environments and requires frequent collaboration with cross-functional teams.

The role regularly interacts with:

• Executive leadership

• Operations management

• Program management

• Production supervisors and line leaders

• Engineering teams

• Quality personnel

• Customer and supplier quality representatives

Domestic and international travel may occasionally be required.