Quality Manager (Metal Coatings)

Position Summary
Leads the development and execution of product and process assurance systems to prevent defects and ensure compliance across manufacturing operations. Oversees quality assurance and quality control functions to deliver products that meet internal standards and customer requirements. This role supports metal automotive components, including stamping, heat treatment, finishing, and industrial coating processes, with a strong emphasis on metallurgy, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct quality systems and assurance activities across manufacturing operations, ensuring alignment with automotive customer and industry standards.

• Analyze production capability, quality performance, and operational risks to support management decision-making.

• Partner with cross-functional leadership to define quality policies, procedures, and performance objectives.

• Drive corrective and preventive actions through structured root-cause analysis and trend evaluation.

• Support new product introduction, launch readiness, and APQP activities.

• Lead internal and external audit preparation, execution, and follow-up within an IATF-based quality system.

• Monitor nonconformance trends and implement improvement actions affecting internal processes and supplier performance.

• Interface with customers and suppliers to address quality concerns, capacity assessments, and compliance requirements.

• Review quality metrics, prepare analytical reports, and support budget planning for quality operations.

• Ensure appropriate staffing, training, and development of quality personnel.

• Stay current with relevant technical and industry developments.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related discipline, or equivalent experience.

• Master’s degree in Metallurgy, Materials Science, or Materials Engineering required.

• Experience supporting automotive OEM and Tier-1 customer requirements and portals.

• Background in IATF 16949 systems, internal/external audits, and corrective action management.

• Familiarity with AIAG CQI standards (e.g., heat treat, plating, coating).

• Quality certifications (ASQ or equivalent) and Lead Auditor credentials preferred.

• Hands-on experience with APQP, PPAP, FMEA, MSA, SPC, GD&T, and Lean/Six Sigma methods.

Skills & Competencies

• Deep technical expertise in metallurgy and surface/coating processes

• Strong analytical and structured problem-solving ability

• Effective cross-functional and customer communication

• Leadership experience in high-volume manufacturing environments

• Data-driven decision making with a customer-focused quality mindset