Quality Manager – Automotive The Quality Manager leads the quality management system and ensures EPS/EPP molded packaging products meet automotive customer, regulatory, and industry requirements. This role oversees product and process quality, material validation, compliance, problem-solving, and continuous improvement.
Reports To: Operations Manager
Duties & Essential Job Functions:- Quality Systems and Compliance
- Manage and continually improve the quality management system in accordance with ISO 9001:2015, IATF 16949, customer-specific requirements, and applicable regulations.
- Develop and maintain quality control plans, inspection standards, work instructions, and test protocols for EPS/EPP molding processes.
- Lead APQP activities, including PFMEA, Control Plans, PPAP, MSA, SPC, and customer-specific documentation.
- Conduct internal audits, manage corrective actions, maintain required quality records, and support plant-wide 5S activities.
Product and Process Quality:
Establish methods to inspect and evaluate raw materials, products, molding processes, and production equipment.
Partner with Production and Engineering to improve process consistency, dimensional accuracy, material performance, and product quality.
Oversee product and material testing, including density, compression, dimensional, and drop testing.
Analyze SPC data, capability studies, inspection results, and quality metrics to identify trends and drive improvements.
Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions using 8D, 5 Whys, fishbone diagrams, and other structured problem-solving tools.
Customer, Supplier, and Cross-Functional Support:
Lead, coach, and develop Quality team members; establish priorities, performance expectations, and department goals.
Lead responses to customer concerns, including containment, corrective actions, customer meetings, on-site reviews, and quality reporting.
Work with suppliers to ensure raw materials meet bead specifications, steam and pressure parameters, and molding requirements.
Collaborate with Production, Engineering, Supply Chain, Sales, and other teams to resolve quality concerns and support product launches and process changes.
Prepare and communicate quality metrics, audit results, performance trends, and corrective action status.
Lead continuous improvement efforts that increase process capability, reduce defects and waste, and promote a culture of quality and accountability.
Required Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in Quality, Industrial, Mechanical, Manufacturing, Materials, or a related engineering field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
A minimum of five years of progressive quality engineering experience in automotive manufacturing or an automotive packaging environment, including at least two years in a quality leadership role.
Experience working with Tier 1, Tier 2, or OEM automotive customers.
Strong knowledge of IATF 16949 and AIAG Core Tools, including APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, MSA, and SPC.IATF 16949 Lead Auditor or VDA 6.3 Process Auditor certification, or ability to obtain certification within 12 months of hire.
Ability to interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, customer specifications, and dimensional tolerances.
Experience leading root cause investigations and corrective actions.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and computer-based quality and reporting tools.
Preferred Qualifications:
ASQ CMQ/OE, CQE, CQA, Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, or comparable quality certification(s).Experience with EPS/EPP, foam molding, injection molding, or a similar manufacturing process.
Familiarity with mold tooling, steam systems, and EPS/EPP molding cycle controls.
Experience with statistical analysis or quality management software.
Physical Requirements/Work Environment:
Ability to sit or stand for extended periods and frequently walk, bend, stoop, and navigate production and warehouse environments.
Ability to lift, carry, pull, and push up to 25 pounds regularly.
Ability to travel by car or air, including occasional overnight travel.
Ability to wear required PPE, including safety glasses, safety footwear, and hearing protection.#L1-JV1
