Manager Quality

Dauch is seeking an experienced Quality Manager to join our team in Alamance, North Carolina. This fully onsite role serves as a key strategic partner to plant leadership, playing a critical role in leading and managing all aspects of the plant's quality assurance and quality control programs. This role ensures that products meet internal standards, customer requirements, and regulatory compliance while driving continuous improvement initiatives across the manufacturing operation. The ideal candidate has extensive progressive quality management experience and a proven ability to improve quality performance, reduce defects, and lower cost of poor quality. They bring a strong record of audit success, regulatory compliance, and enhancing customer satisfaction by proactively resolving quality issues. Additionally, they have led impactful continuous improvement initiatives that drive sustainable operational excellence. This person should have the ability to improve overall quality and drive scrap costs down. They should also have excellent problem‑solving, analytical, and decision‑making skills, strong communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to influence cross‑functional teams and drive change. Preferred qualifications include a certification in Quality (e.g., ASQ Certified Quality Manager, Six Sigma Black Belt) and familiarity with ERP/MES systems and data analysis tools. Job Description Quality Management & Compliance Develops, implements, and maintains the plant's Quality Management System (QMS). Ensures compliance with applicable standards (e.g., ISO 9001, IATF 16949, FDA, or other industry‑specific requirements). Leads internal and external audits, including customer, regulatory, and certification audits. Serves as primary point of contact for quality‑related customer concerns and escalations. Quality Control & Assurance Establishes and monitors quality performance metrics (KPIs), including scrap, rework, defects, and customer complaints. Oversees inspection, testing, and validation processes for incoming materials, in‑process production, and finished goods. Ensures proper use of statistical process control (SPC) and other quality tools. Continuous Improvement Leads root cause analysis (RCA) and corrective/preventive action (CAPA) initiatives. Drives continuous improvement programs using Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies. Leadership & Team Development Manages, coaches, and develops the Quality team (engineers, inspectors, technicians). Fosters a culture of quality and accountability across the plant. Provides training on quality standards, procedures, and tools. Supplier & Customer Quality Collaborates with suppliers to ensure quality standards are met and address supplier quality issues. Works closely with customers to resolve quality concerns and maintain strong relationships. Supports new product introductions (NPI) to ensure quality requirements are met. All other duties as assigned. Required Skills and Education Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, or related field. 10+ years of experience in quality management within an automotive manufacturing environment. 5-10+ years of Engineering experience. Previous leadership or management experience required. Strong knowledge of quality systems, tools, and methodologies (e.g., FMEA, SPC, 8D, Six Sigma). Proven ability to drive built‑in quality. Experience with ISO or industry‑specific quality standards. Equal Opportunity Statement AAM will not discriminate against any Associate or applicant for employment because of age, race, color, gender, religion, weight, height, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic history or information, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, national origin, or other characteristic protected by law. AAM will take affirmative action to ensure that applicants are employed, and that Associates are treated equally during employment, without regard to their age, race, color, gender, religion, weight, height, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic history or information, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, national origin, or other characteristic protected by law. For the Disabled Job Seeker: We offer reasonable accommodations for qualified disabled individuals who are applicants for employment. To request assistance or accommodations, please e-mail View email address on click.appcast.io. AAM is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr American Axle & Mfg., Inc.