BASIC FUNCTION: The Quality Manager is responsible for establishing, maintaining, and continuously improving the site’s Quality Management System to ensure full compliance with IATF 16949:2016 and all customer-specific requirements. This includes ownership of all activities necessary to achieve and sustain IATF certification and annual recertification, such as internal audits, external audits, documentation control, corrective actions, and continuous improvement initiatives. The role ensures that quality standards are met across all processes, products, and supplier interactions, while serving as the primary liaison for customer quality concerns, driving root cause analysis, and implementing advanced quality tools. The Quality Manager provides leadership, technical expertise, and strategic direction to safeguard product integrity, customer satisfaction, and organizational compliance with industry standards. PRINCIPLE ACCOUNTABILITIES: (MAJOR END RESULTS FOR WHICH POSITION IS ANSWERABLE)Key Responsibilities:
Leadership and Mentorship:
Lead and develop the Quality Technician team, fostering a culture of ownership, accountability, and continuous improvement
Serve as a technical resource for quality related training and development
Quality Management System (QMS):
Own and maintain the site’s QMS in full alignment with IATF 16949:2016 and all Customer Specific Requirements
Ensure documentation control across manuals, procedures, work instructions, and forms
Collaborate with the Technical Director to align sit level practices with corporate quality strategy
Auditing & Compliance:
Perform and oversee internal audits and process audits across manufacturing operations
Coordinate and host external audits, including customer and third-party assessments
Evaluate supplier performance and compliance through vendor audits aligned with IATF expectations
Customer Quality & Issue Resolution:
Act as the primary contact for customer complaints and quality concerns
Lead structured root cause analysis using 8D, 5-why, and other problem-solving tools
Drive timely and effective corrective and preventative actions
Advanced Quality Tools & SPC:
Implement and monitor Statistical Process Control (SPC) systems to ensure process stability and capability
Analyze data using control charts, pareto analysis, and histograms to identify trends and prevent defects
PPAP Preparation:
Lead PPAP submissions including DFMEA, PFMEA, Control Plans, ISIR, and PSW documentation
Review and approve supplier PPAP packages
Maintain sample retention and traceability documentation to IATF and Customer Specific Requirements
Required Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (Quality Management, Engineering, or related discipline).
5+ years in automotive manufacturing quality management
Certified IATF 16949 Lead Auditor as well as VDA 6.3 Process Auditor certification
Familiarity with customer-specific requirements
Strong analytical, communication, and leadership abilities
Preferred Traits:
Strategic thinker with hands-on troubleshooting skills
Passion for legacy-minded documentation and system sustainability
Ability to translate technical findings into actionable insights for operators and leadership teams
NATURE AND SCOPE: (SIGNIFICANT ASPECTS OF JOB AND WHAT THE JOB IS ALL ABOUT)The Quality Compliance Auditor is responsible for implementation of all policies and to advise the Executive Management Team of any significant concerns that may exist. The incumbent deals with subcontractors, plant personnel and the external customer. Local activities include development of quality plans, both short and long range for never ending improvements of both processes and products; promotion of continuous training; and assurances to Executive and Plant management of conformance to established guidelines and policies. The incumbent serves as an interface with the external customer, in the area of quality management and external audits. The incumbent is required to professionally represent the facility with customers and suppliers to develop trust, promote good relations, implement various requirements of customers and to be a contributing participant in team functions. RESPONSIBILITY, AUTHORITY, AND INTERRELATION OF PERSONNEL WHO MANAGE, PERFORM, OR VERIFY WORK AFFECTING QUALITYDelegates authority and responsibilities to Quality Assurance personnel for inspecting and testing incoming materials, product and process audits, sample building and delivery, product change notices, customer complaints, customer returns, and calibration of inspection and measuring equipment. Incumbent has complete authority to halt all production of any suspect material that does not meet internal or customer requirements. KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCEMust be familiar with all facets of company operation. The incumbent must have a thorough knowledge of statistics in order to train and maintain a good data gathering process within the plant(s). Ability to conduct detailed tours with customers is required. The incumbent must possess proficient oral and written communication skills; and must have a thorough knowledge of ISO 9001 requirements. ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDSThis multi-faceted position will require working in an office environment, warehouse and manufacturing facility. The ability to sit at a computer workstation operating a keyboard and transcribing order information is essential as well as the viewing of data on a computer monitor or in printed form. DECISION MAKING AUTHORITY AND GUIDANCE RECEIVED
The incumbent receives guidance from the Owners and Technical Director, working primarily from policies and general objectives
Failure to prevent the acceptance of defective raw material or failure to prevent shipment of defective goods could lead to substantial loss
The incumbent has the authority to stop production and initiate Corrective Action teams for customer studies and responses
Establish priorities for Quality Assurance inspectors
Conduct all internal training as it relates to the operations of the Company’s quality systems
GUIDANCE GIVENThis position gives guidance to the East Coast fabrication team, Cutting Machine Operators, Binders and Sergers and works closely with the receiving and shipping departments.
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