Job Description

We are seeking an experienced Quality Manager to lead the Quality function at our automotive heavy-stamping manufacturing facility. This is a key plant leadership position for someone who understands that Quality isn't just about responding to problems-it's about building strong processes, developing people, partnering with Operations, and preventing problems before they reach the customer.

If you have a strong automotive background, understand the demands of a fast pace stamping operation, and enjoy being out on the manufacturing floor working with your team, this could be a great opportunity.

To help us drive excellence, you'll get to:

• Lead, coach, and develop the plant Quality team, including Quality Engineers and Quality Technicians.
• Drive a strong Quality-at-the-source culture throughout the manufacturing operation.
• Maintain and continuously improve the plant's IATF 16949 Quality Management System.
• Serve as the primary Quality contact for automotive customers and manage customer concerns, scorecards, corrective actions, and escalations.
• Lead structured problem solving and corrective actions utilizing 8D, 5-Why, root cause analysis, and other problem-solving methodologies.
• Lead and support APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, Control Plans, SPC, MSA, Gage R&R, and other Automotive Core Tools.
• Partner closely with Production, Engineering, Tool & Die, Maintenance, Materials, and plant leadership to improve product and process quality.
• Drive reductions in scrap, rework, sorting, containment, customer complaints, PPM, and Cost of Poor Quality.
• Support new product and tooling launches, engineering changes, and production readiness.
• Lead internal, customer, and third-party audits and ensure timely closure of findings.
• Monitor Quality KPIs, identify trends, and develop action plans that deliver measurable improvements.
• Ensure customer-specific requirements are understood and effectively implemented throughout the plant.
• Build capability within the Quality organization through training, mentoring, accountability, and succession development.
• Be a visible leader on the manufacturing floor who works collaboratively with Operations to solve problems at the source.

This full-time role is a part of our Bluffton Quality team and reports to the Plant Manager.

Experience:

• Progressive Quality leadership experience within an automotive Tier 1 or Tier 2 manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of IATF 16949 and automotive customer-specific requirements.
• Hands-on experience with APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, Control Plans, SPC, MSA and GD&T.
• Experience working in metal stamping, heavy stamping, press operations, tooling, welding, or related automotive manufacturing processes.
• Demonstrated success leading customer corrective actions and resolving complex manufacturing Quality issues.
• Strong knowledge of root cause analysis and structured problem-solving techniques.
• Experience leading and developing Quality Engineers and Technicians.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• The ability to confidently represent the plant during customer visits and audits.
• The ability to balance technical Quality requirements with the realities of a fast-paced manufacturing operation.

Working conditions:

We'll provide position-specific details including physical and focused efforts, working environment and conditions, and reasonable accommodation during the interview process

Where you'll be:

This position is located at our Bluffton, in Bluffton, Ohio, offering many community events, resources, programs, and recreational opportunities for you and your family.
• Excellent Rated School Systems
• Great family events and parks
• Well known for their "Blaze of Light" displays during the winter holiday season.

Why you'll enjoy working here:
• Competitive Wages and Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k) with Company contribution match, and 15 paid holidays, including a bridge holiday in December.
• Work-Life Balance: Many of our Associates have stayed with us for 25+ years! It takes a good work-life balance to make it that far. We support your personal and professional priorities as they impact your well-being.
• Growth Opportunities: Take your career to the next level through tuition reimbursement programs, on-the-job training, learning management systems, and advancement opportunities from within our organization.
• Learning and Development: We empower all our Associates - from entry-level to senior-level - with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in their current roles and beyond at AUTOKINITON.