Quality Manager - AutomotiveJOB SUMMARYThe 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 TOOperations Manager
DUTIES & ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONSQuality 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.
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