Manager, Manufacturing QualityGrade: 12
Reports to: Director, Quality Department: Quality
Classification: Salaried Exempt Division: Systems
Date: 3/3/2026 Approved: Director, Quality
JOB SUMMARY:We are seeking a proactive and floor-focused Quality Manager who will lead our efforts to significantly reduce internal and external quality defects, improve process performance, and drive down scrap through disciplined analysis and escalated actions when needed. This role will be the operational backbone of our defect reduction strategy-owning the scrap KPIs, mentoring key users on SPC and data accuracy, and ensuring actions are executed with urgency and accountability at all levels.
The Manager, Quality Manufacturing has plant-wide authority to escalate quality issues that require corrective actions or stop production when the quality risk is unacceptable.
In addition, this role will maintain an auditing and mentoring program that strengthens operational discipline and supports long-term skill development for production personnel and process owners.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:Scrap & Quality Defect Reduction- Lead daily defect reduction efforts across Cold Heading, Qualifying, Thread Rolling, and Heat Treat processes.
- Manage and track scrap-related KPIs at the machine, department, and part-level.
- Facilitate Root Cause / Corrective Action (RCCA) reviews for recurring scrap or defect trends.
- Prioritize and escalate issues when actions stall or KPIs trend negatively.
- Partner with Production, Engineering, and Maintenance to drive concrete improvement actions.
SPC, Data Integrity & Reporting- Ensure robust use of data for decision-making (I-MR charts, capability analysis, trend escalation).
- Maintain visibility of scrap performance and SPC compliance through structured dashboards or reviews.
Auditing & Mentoring Program- Improve a layered auditing program for all operational training and process controls.
- Support ongoing training related to process knowledge, standard work, and quality alert responses.
Collaboration & Leadership- Directly manage and develop quality team members, including performance management, capability development, and workload prioritization.
- Collaborate with manufacturing leaders to align daily performance goals with scrap and quality KPIs.
- Promote a culture of problem-solving, prevention, and process ownership.
- Act as a liaison between Quality and Technical Training
- Consulted on any adjustments or improvements related to the structure of the technical training programs
- Determine when quality-related topics must be included in training curricula or weekly departmental meetings to improve quality outcomes.
- Act as a resource for VDA 6.3 / IATF compliance in floor-level practices and documentation.
CORE COMPETENCIES REQUIRED: - External / Internal Customer Focus & Professionalism
- Effective Problem Solving and Root Cause Analysis
- Data-Driven Decision Making
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Drive / Ownership / Follow-Through
JOB QUALIFICATIONS: - Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality, or related field preferred (or equivalent technical background).
- Minimum 5 years quality experience in an automotive manufacturing environment.
- Minimum 5 years experience in a fastener manufacturing environment.
- Working knowledge of IATF 16949, ISO 9001, APQP, PPAP, and VDA 6.3.
- Demonstrated capability in root cause analysis, 8D, PFMEA, and control plan methodology.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
- Must be self-motivated and able to perform effectively in a remote / hybrid role.
WORK SCHEDULE: - Standard Monday-Friday schedule, with flexibility for urgent external support needs.
ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURES: - Noise - heavy machinery, vibratory bowls and air feed systems - if in plant.
- Chemicals, oils, acids, sprays, coolants and solvents.
- Responsible for complying with regulations and standards covered under MISOSHA.
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITMENT & RESPONSIBILITIES- Demonstrate active commitment to the company's ISO 14001 Environmental Management System.
- Ensure departmental processes comply with environmental policies, legal requirements, and customer expectations.
- Identify and reduce environmental risks, waste streams, and resource consumption within area of responsibility.
- Support environmental objectives and targets, including waste reduction, recycling, energy efficiency, and pollution prevention.
- Promote employee awareness and accountability for environmentally responsible behaviors.
- Participate in internal and external EMS audits and support corrective action activities.
- Support spill prevention, containment, and response practices.
Employees are responsible for understanding the environmental and safety policies related to their job functions and performing work in a manner consistent with the company's environmental and safety policies.
