Overview

Provide clear leadership for the development of an environment focused on Quality.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for maintaining relationships with customers and suppliers to maximize profit potential and ensure efficiency.
• Develop quality-process links with customers in line with the Quality Management system (including: TS16949, ISO14001 / ISO 9001) Production Part Approval Process (PPAP), Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP), Controls Plans, Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA) and Supplier Quality Assurance (SQA) processes and oversee continued compliance and embedding across the business.
• Manage the audit program as well as supplier development and improvement and play a key role in ensuring project deliveries.
• Work proactively with all, Managers, Supervisors and Employees, to maintain a program of continual improvement within their areas of responsibility.
• Responsible for the inspection of all incoming parts from supply chain companies and internally produced components/vehicles to meet the quality standards and systems required.
• Lead a ‘correct at source’ and problem-solving methodology (Lean). Lead the team to achieve quality targets for customers and business goals.
• Implement all relevant procedures described in the Quality Management System (QMS) and ensure compliance
• Ensure that all in-house systems and procedures are updated, revised and modified to meet the needs of external certification bodies.
• Respond to customer complaints putting in containment actions, full analysis, poka-yokes (error proofing), and implementing short-term and long-term countermeasures.
• Champion a program for the implementation and sustainment of a continuous improvement culture.
• Act as a point of contact for warranty issues.
• Update quality documentation and communicate to carry forward lessons learned from quality concerns in new customer contracts.
• Ensure that all necessary systems and procedures are in place to satisfy all customer requirements and audits
• Introduce new systems and procedures where appropriate.
• Oversee internal and process audits of the Quality Management System (QMS).
• Management of the Quality Engineers and Technicians in the sign-off of parts and the resolution of internal/external quality concerns.
• Establish and refine quality sign-off instructions, standards and documentation.
• Report against agreed quality metrics on a monthly basis.
• Stay current and up to date on any changes that may affect the supply and demand of needed products and materials and advise others of any impact.
• Develop, implement, and manage key performance indicators (KPIs) for each area of responsibility.
• Ensure that the function operates in accordance with any health, safety and environmental policies and procedures to ensure the safety and wellbeing of staff and visitors.
• Conduct risk assessments of processes and tasks in the department.
• Manage, coach and develop a high performing Quality Operations team that meets agreed objectives and which delivers best practice results, added value and continuous improvements.
• Review, implement and update company records e.g. training matrices, performance reviews, risk assessments.
• Work as part of the Management team to share ideas and improve operation, recommending, supporting and implementing continuous improvement activities and process and procedure improvements to optimize results and improve quality of delivery, in line with quality standards requirements delivery in line with Company and Customer requirements.
• Develop and maintains Document Control System (DCC).
• May be required to perform miscellaneous related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• BSME or equivalent experience, plus formal training in quality control inspection procedures.
• Minimum five years supervisory experience in a Quality role.
• Significant experience in a high-volume manufacturing environment, preferably automotive.
• Experience of working in Quality Assurance.
• Six Sigma/Lean Manufacturing skills.
• Experience of dealing with customers and supplies.
• Membership of an industry related professional body would be advantageous.