Quality Manager

Quality Manager

This role leads the overall Quality function for a manufacturing organization, with direct responsibility for the Quality and CMM teams. The Quality Manager ensures that business and quality systems consistently meet customer expectations while driving continuous improvement through Lean principles.

The objective is to strengthen customer satisfaction, streamline processes, reduce unnecessary complexity, and improve coordination and communication across the organization.


What You'll Be Responsible For

Quality Leadership & Strategy

• Lead and develop the Quality and CMM departments
• Define, deploy, and track Quality goals and objectives aligned with business strategy
• Identify and translate customer quality needs, expectations, and requirements into effective systems
• Represent the organization with customers on all quality-related matters

Systems & Process Excellence

• Manage, sustain, and continuously improve the Quality Management System (QMS) in alignment with customer and industry requirements
• Provide the infrastructure to support APQP, PPAP, production launch readiness, and planning processes
• Ensure standardization and alignment of customer requirements across programs
• Support Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives company-wide

Continuous Improvement & Cross-Functional Impact

• Lead problem-solving, corrective and preventive actions, and root cause activities
• Partner cross-functionally to improve processes and organizational effectiveness
• Support increased sales and operational performance through quality-driven metrics
• Contribute to future-state manufacturing processes, systems, and product strategies

People, Planning & Financial Responsibility

• Develop and mentor Quality team members
• Participate in strategic planning and leadership communication processes
• Manage the Quality department budget and proportional capital expenditures

What We're Looking For

Experience

• 10+ years of progressive experience in Quality Management
• Automotive manufacturing experience, specifically in metal products
• Deep expertise in developing and deploying Quality Management Systems
• Strong audit background (Certified Auditor required)
• Experience in IATF-regulated environments
• CQE and/or Certified Quality Manager preferred

Education

• Bachelor's degree required (BS/BA)
• MBA preferred

Skills & Competencies

• Strong planning, data analysis, problem-solving, and follow-through skills
• Proven leadership and people development capabilities
• Ability to teach, influence, and drive quality focus across all levels of the organization
• Experience representing Quality in customer-facing discussions and negotiations
• Solid understanding and application of Lean Manufacturing principles

About Expert Connections
Expert Connections is a boutique recruiting firm specializing in leadership and technical placements in manufacturing, automotive and automation industries. We partner closely with clients and candidates to deliver a high-touch, insight-driven search experience rooted in deep industry knowledge.