Quality Manager
QUALITY MANAGER
Reports To: Quality Director
Department: Quality
Position Summary
The Quality Manager leads the organization’s Quality Management System (QMS) and ensures compliance with IATF 16949, ISO 9001, customer, and regulatory requirements. This role is responsible for customer and supplier quality, quality systems, audits, corrective actions, new product launches, and continuous improvement initiatives. The Quality Manager drives a culture of quality excellence and partners across the organization to achieve quality, operational, and customer satisfaction objectives.
Essential Responsibilities
Quality Systems & Compliance
· Maintain and improve the QMS in compliance with IATF 16949, ISO 9001, and customer requirements.
· Develop and maintain quality policies, procedures, and process controls.
· Lead management reviews, quality objectives, and audit readiness activities.
· Ensure compliance with customer, regulatory, and industry standards.
Customer & Supplier Quality
· Lead customer complaint investigations and corrective actions using structured problem-solving methods.
· Manage customer scorecards, audits, and performance improvement initiatives.
· Establish supplier quality requirements and monitor supplier performance.
· Lead supplier audits, corrective actions, and PPAP approvals.
New Product Launches & Continuous Improvement
· Support APQP activities including PFMEA, Control Plans, MSA, and PPAP.
· Collaborate with Engineering and Operations to identify and mitigate quality risks.
· Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on reducing defects, scrap, rework, and waste.
· Drive root cause analysis and implementation of sustainable corrective actions.
Quality Reporting & Leadership
· Develop and report quality metrics and improvement plans.
· Oversee calibration systems and measurement equipment compliance.
· Lead, coach, and develop quality team members.
· Manage departmental resources and promote employee engagement and accountability.
Key Performance Indicators
· Customer and Supplier PPM
· Scrap and Rework Reduction
· Audit Performance and Corrective Action Closure
· Cost of Poor Quality (COPQ)
· Customer Complaint Reduction
· On-Time PPAP Completion
· First Pass Yield Improvement
· Quality System Compliance
Qualifications
Required
· Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, Business, or related field.
· Minimum 10 years of quality leadership experience in a manufacturing environment.
· Experience managing quality systems and personnel.
· Automotive manufacturing experience with strong knowledge of IATF 16949.
Technical Skills
· Knowledge of APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, Control Plans, SPC, MSA, and GD&T.
· Experience with root cause analysis, statistical methods, metrology, and calibration systems.
· Ability to interpret engineering drawings and specifications.
· Experience with ERP and quality management systems.
Preferred
· Experience with machining, CNC manufacturing, castings, or powertrain components.
· ASQ CQE and/or CMQ/OE certification.
· Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
· IATF 16949 Internal Auditor certification.
· Experience with Plex or similar ERP/MES systems.
J. G. Kern Enterprises, Inc. recognizes that our team members are our most valuable asset, and we are committed to providing them with a safe, drug-free workplace fostering respect and ethical treatment. Unlawful discrimination in employment decisions based on race, color, religion, ethnic/national origin, age, sex, veteran status, disability, or any similar protected status is strictly prohibited. In return for their expertise and shared commitment to our goals, we offer our team members competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package.