Quality Manager

Job Description
Quality Manager

Full-Time

Chicago, IL

We are seeking a strategic and dynamic Quality Manager to lead our quality assurance and continuous improvement initiatives across both plant and office environments. This role is responsible for overseeing all aspects of product and process quality, driving corrective actions, and ensuring compliance with internal and external standards.

The Quality Manager will lead and develop the Quality Department, serve as the primary liaison for customer quality concerns, and champion a data-driven approach to operational excellence. The ideal candidate is an innovative leader with a passion for customer satisfaction, continuous improvement, and fostering a culture of growth and accountability.

• Leadership & Development: Lead, mentor, and manage the Quality Department team. Develop and implement individual development plans to enhance team capabilities. Monitor departmental performance and drive continuous improvement.
• Corrective Actions & Customer Satisfaction: Oversee the execution of all corrective actions. Track and improve customer satisfaction metrics (e.g., PPMs, PRRs, NCTs, QRs). Ensure timely and effective resolution of quality issues.
• Core Tools & Documentation: Ensure timely updates to Core Tools (Control Plans, PFMEAs, etc.), especially following corrective actions. Maintain accurate and organized documentation in alignment with internal, customer, and AIAG requirements.
• Problem Solving & Reporting: Provide cross-functional leadership in internal problem-solving activities. Implement and maintain data-driven systems for product and process reporting. Promote a culture of continuous improvement through root cause analysis and corrective action.
• Product & Process Quality: Ensure all product specifications are met regarding fit, finish, durability, and appearance. Monitor and report performance on key product and process characteristics (KPCs). Drive improvement plans for underperforming areas.
• Compliance & Certification: Maintain internal and customer databases to ensure accuracy and compliance. Ensure proper use and maintenance of Compulsory Certification Marks for finished, nonconforming, and changed products. Notify certification bodies of any product changes affecting certification status.
• Customer & Supplier Relations: Serve as the primary plant-level contact for customer quality concerns. Oversee supplier quality performance, including conducting audits and site visits as necessary. Lead supplier quality assurance efforts and manage incoming quality inspection activities to ensure compliance with standards.
• Operational Support: Support initiatives to reduce scrap, downtime, and improve efficiency and First Time Quality (FTQ). Document all quality-related activities as required.
• S afety & Other Duties: Adhere to company emergency evacuation procedures to ensure employee safety. Perform additional responsibilities as assigned by management.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a manufacturing-related field required; Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum 7-10 years of experience as a quality manager in the automotive industry, including Tier 1 manufacturing, with at least 3 years in a supervisory quality control or quality assurance role.
• Proven leadership experience in a turnaround manufacturing environment
• Extensive experience managing supplier quality assurance programs and overseeing incoming quality inspection processes to ensure compliance with established standards and specifications.
• Certifications & Technical Skills:

oSix Sigma (Green/Black Belt) Certification

oASQ CQE preferred

oStrong knowledge of IATF 16949, ISO 9001, and Ford Q1 standards

oProficient in Minitab and 8D problem-solving

oSkilled in AIAG Core Tools (Control Plans, PFMEA, MSA, SPC, APQP, PPAP)

• Hands-on experience with color and appearance testing; familiar with Macbeth and other industry-standard equipment.