Quality Systems & Warranty Manager

Company Description

Founded in 1875 in Kitzingen, Fehrer is a leading developer and production supplier for the automotive industry. With a global presence, Fehrer works closely with partners to provide tailored solutions along the entire value chain — from material development and innovative engineering to tool-making and series production. As a trusted Tier 1 supplier, Fehrer delivers high-quality components while offering comprehensive customer-focused service. Dedicated to driving progress, Fehrer has been part of the evolution of the automotive industry from its inception.

Role Description

The Quality Systems & Warranty Manager is responsible for developing, maintaining, and improving quality systems to ensure compliance with industry standards and customer requirements. Key tasks include analyzing and managing warranty claims, driving corrective actions, leading continuous improvement initiatives, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to resolve quality-related issues. This is a full-time, on-site role, located in Duncan, SC, that requires detailed reporting, process reviews, and adherence to quality benchmarks.

Qualifications:

Warranty & Field Quality

· Serve as primary customer contact for warranty, goodwill, and field quality topics

· Lead warranty lifecycle management, including data analysis, cost recovery, and reporting

· Manage complex field issues using structured problem solving methods such as 8D and RCA

· Coordinate containment and corrective actions across engineering, manufacturing, and suppliers

· Lead field returns and no trouble found investigations with clear documentation

· Support General Managers and Finance on warranty cost alignment and recovery actions

· Drive KPI tracking such as warranty cost, claim rates, and debit note trends

· Lead regular customer quality reviews with OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers

· Translate global warranty standards into regional execution

Quality Management Systems & Compliance

· Maintain and improve the regional Quality Management System aligned with IATF 16949

· Support and oversee ISO systems including ISO 14001, ISO 45001, and ISO 50001

· Lead internal audit programs across NAFTA, including system, process, and layered audits

· Prepare for and support external certification and customer audits

· Ensure implementation of corrective and preventive actions and verify effectiveness

· Standardize processes across US and Mexico operations

· Act as key user and trainer for quality systems tools such as ConSense

Continuous Improvement & Operations Support

· Drive cross functional improvement initiatives focused on PPM reduction and cost of quality

· Support process owners in defining and improving workflows

· Deliver KPI reporting to regional leadership

· Train teams on automotive core tools including APQP, PPAP, FMEA, MSA, and SPC

· Support product and process improvements based on field performance data

· Align regional practices with global and business unit standards

Leadership & Collaboration

· Provide functional leadership to Field Quality Engineers and site quality teams

· Partner with Business Unit leadership and AUNDE Group on standards and initiatives

· Collaborate across engineering, manufacturing, purchasing, and EHS teams

· Act as escalation point for quality and warranty issues

· Own regional quality performance, including warranty cost, PPM, and audit outcomes

· Accountable for customer scorecards and quality KPIs across NAFTA

· Approve corrective actions and quality decisions impacting customers

· Escalate and resolve critical quality and warranty risks across sites