Global Quality Manager

Job RequirementsWhy work for us?Alkegen brings together two of the world’s leading specialty materials companies to create one new, innovation-driven leader focused on battery technologies, filtration media, and specialty insulation and sealing materials. Through global reach and breakthrough inventions, we’re delivering products that enable the world to breathe easier, live greener, and go further than ever before. With over 60 manufacturing facilities with a global workforce of over 9,000 of the industry’s most experienced talent, including insulation and filtration experts, Alkegen is uniquely positioned to help customers impact the environment in meaningful ways.Alkegen offers a range of dynamic career opportunities with globe-spanning reach. From production operators to engineers, technicians to specialists, sales to leadership, we’re always looking for top talent ready to bring their best. Come grow with us! The Global Quality Manager is responsible for leading and standardizing quality strategy, systems, and performance across 12 global manufacturing locations. This role ensures consistent adherence to automotive quality standards (e.g., IATF 16949), drives continuous improvement, and develops embedded site-level quality managers, engineers, and technicians into a cohesive, high-performing global quality organization.The position requires strong leadership across geographically dispersed teams, with a focus on customer satisfaction, defect prevention, and operational excellence.Key ResponsibilitiesGlobal Quality LeadershipDefine and deploy the global quality strategy aligned with business objectives and customer expectations.Establish standardized quality systems, processes, and metrics across all manufacturing sites.Ensure compliance with automotive standards including IATF 16949, ISO 9001, and customer-specific requirements.Serve as the escalation point for critical quality issues impacting customers or multiple sites.Multi-Site Quality Management / Team ManagementProvide direct line leadership to quality managers and quality engineers embedded in 12 manufacturing locations.Direct line management of Lead Process Specialist(s) responsible for customer specific quality requirements, PPAP coordination and tracking.Ensure consistency in quality practices, reporting, and problem-solving methodologies across all sites.Conduct monthly global quality reviews and regular site performance assessments.Drive alignment between regional/site leadership and corporate quality priorities.Customer Quality & SatisfactionLead global customer quality strategy, including complaint resolution, warranty reduction, and scorecard performance.Ensure robust root cause analysis (8D, A3, DMAIC) and timely corrective actions.Act as key interface for major OEM customers on quality-related topics.Improve customer satisfaction metrics (PPM, warranty claims, audit scores).Operational Quality & PerformanceEstablish KPIs and dashboards (e.g., PPM, scrap, rework, cost of poor quality).Drive defect prevention through APQP, PPAP, FMEA, Control Plans, and SPC.Lead initiatives to reduce variation, improve process capability, and eliminate waste.Oversee internal and external audit programs.Team Development & Organizational LeadershipBuild and mentor a global network of site quality managers, quality engineers and plant leadership.Define competency models and training plans for quality personnel.Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and technical excellence.Promote best practice sharing across sites.Continuous Improvement & TransformationLead global initiatives focused on quality excellence, digitalization, and standardization.Implement advanced quality tools and data analytics.Drive Lean Six Sigma projects to improve quality and reduce cost.QualificationsEducationBachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, or related field (Master’s preferred)Experience10+ years of experience in automotive quality5+ years in a multi-site or global leadership roleStrong background in manufacturing quality systems and customer-facing rolesProven experience managing distributed teams and influencing across regionsRequired Skills & CompetenciesDeep knowledge of IATF 16949, APQP, PPAP, FMEA, SPC, MSAExperience with CI and Lean methodologies, ideally Six Sigma Black BeltStrong leadership and matrix management skillsExcellent problem-solving and analytical abilitiesAbility to influence and drive change across cultures and regionsStrong communication skills (executive-level presentations, customer interaction)Experience with quality data systems and reporting toolsTravel: 30–50% global travel to manufacturing locations and customer sitesCompensation:$137,912 - $172,390Pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements dependent on the position offered. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment.If you are interested in being part of a world class function here at Alkegen then we would love to hear from you.At Alkegen, we strive every day to help people – ALL PEOPLE – breathe easier, live greener and go further than ever before. We believe that diversity and inclusion is central to this mission and to our impact. Our diverse and inclusive culture drives our growth & innovation and we nurture it by actively embracing our differences and using our varied perspectives to solve the complex challenges facing our changing and diverse world.Employment selection and related decisions are made without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, nation of origin, religion, color, gender identity and expression, age, disability, education, opinions, culture, languages spoken, veteran’s status, or any other protected class.SummaryLocation: Detroit, MI; Buffalo, NYType: Full time