Quality Manager

About the role

As a member of the Quality team, the Quality Manager is responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining quality systems that ensure the production of products meeting customer, regulatory, and Lear requirements. This position provides leadership for plant quality activities, ensures compliance with IATF 16949 and ISO 14001 standards, and serves as the primary customer quality representative for the facility.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute plant quality objectives aligned with customer requirements and business goals.
• Establish, monitor, and improve key quality performance indicators including PPM, customer complaints, internal defects, scrap, and warranty performance.
• Lead quality planning activities for new product launches and engineering changes.
• Serve as the facility Management Representative and champion compliance with IATF 16949, ISO 14001, customer-specific requirements, and Lear standards.
• Maintain the effectiveness of the Quality Management System through audits, corrective actions, and management review processes.
• Lead internal, external, and customer audits and ensure timely closure of findings.
• Ensure control plans, PFMEAs, work instructions, and other quality documentation remain current and effective.
• Analyze statistical data and process capability information to identify improvement opportunities and reduce variation.
• Collaborate with Operations and Engineering to improve product quality, process efficiency, and cost performance.
• Lead structured problem-solving activities utilizing methodologies such as 8D, 5-Why, Fishbone, SPC, and Six Sigma principles.
• Coordinate training activities related to quality systems, customer requirements, and problem-solving methodologies.
• Lead, coach, and develop Quality Supervisors, Engineers, Technicians, and Inspectors to achieve department goals.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, or a related technical field.
• Minimum five (5) years of progressive quality leadership experience within a manufacturing environment.
• Experience leading quality teams and managing customer-facing quality activities.
• Working knowledge of IATF 16949, Core Tools (APQP, PPAP, FMEA, SPC, MSA), and problem-solving methodologies.
• Strong analytical, communication, presentation, and leadership skills.
• Ability to interpret technical specifications, customer requirements, and regulatory standards.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and quality data analysis tools.
• Experience implementing Automated Quality Assurance Systems (AQAS), Digital Quality Management Systems (QMS), and Automated Defect Detection technologies in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience with product and facility quality launch activities, including APQP execution, PPAP readiness, process audits, and customer quality requirements.

Bonus Qualifications

• Tier 1 Automotive seating experience.
• IATF 16949 Lead Auditor certification.
• Experience working directly with OEM customers.
• Knowledge of APIS, quality management software, and statistical analysis tools.
• Lean Manufacturing and/or Six Sigma certification.