Quality control manager

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.