Quality Assurance Team Lead

Pacific International has been exclusively retained by a leading North American automotive manufacturing partner that operates as a critical extension of a major global OEM. The organization supports high-volume, just-in-sequence module assembly for flagship vehicle programs, operating in a fast-paced, OEM-adjacent environment where precision, responsiveness, and execution are everything.

With continued growth and increasing production complexity, the company is seeking a high-performing Quality Lead to lead a multi-shift quality organization at one of its most dynamic facilities in the Dallas area. This leader will be responsible for strengthening quality systems, driving disciplined problem-solving, and elevating the overall maturity of plant-level quality execution in a customer-facing operation.

This is a highly visible role within a plant that operates minute-by-minute alongside an OEM. The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring product integrity, customer satisfaction, and team alignment in an environment where quality directly impacts production continuity. This opportunity offers meaningful ownership, strong cross-functional exposure, and the chance to make a real impact within a critical automotive manufacturing operation.

What You Will Do:

• Lead all site-level quality activities within a high-volume, fast-paced automotive manufacturing and assembly environment operating in close alignment with an OEM customer.
• Own plant quality performance, including product quality, customer satisfaction, and the site Quality Management System.
• Lead and develop a multi-shift quality organization of approximately 20 team members, including Quality Engineers and frontline quality staff.
• Serve as the primary quality interface for the OEM customer, maintaining strong working relationships and ensuring clear, collaborative communication.
• Own and report key quality metrics including COPQ (Cost of Poor Quality), scrap, rework, and first-time-through quality performance.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across the site using data-driven analysis and structured problem-solving.
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective action activities using methodologies such as 8D, 5-Why, Fishbone, and statistical analysis tools.
• Partner closely with Operations, Engineering, Maintenance, and Plant Leadership to support stable production and rapid issue resolution in a just-in-sequence environment.
• Maintain audit readiness and manage internal, third-party, and customer audits to ensure compliance with ISO-based and customer-specific quality requirements.
• Coach and develop the site team on quality tools, methodologies, and disciplined problem-solving approaches.
• Foster a collaborative, cross-functional culture focused on accountability, transparency, and fact-based decision-making.
• This is a fully onsite role supporting daily plant operations.

What We Are Looking For:

• Bachelor’s degree required; Engineering or a technical discipline strongly preferred.
• 3 years of progressive quality leadership experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Prior experience leading plant-level quality in high-volume automotive manufacturing or assembly environments (Tier 1, Tier 2, or OEM-adjacent).
• Strong customer-facing quality experience, with the ability to partner effectively without being combative or defensive.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams through complex quality challenges using structured, data-driven root cause analysis.
• Solid working knowledge of ISO-based quality systems, audits, and corrective action processes.
• Experience owning and improving key quality KPIs in a fast-paced production environment.
• Proven people leadership skills, including developing engineers and frontline quality teams.
• Strong cross-functional communication skills with the ability to work effectively across Operations, Engineering, and Plant Leadership.
• Comfortable operating in a high-visibility role where priorities shift quickly and decisions must be made with confidence and clarity.

About Pacific International Executive Search:

Pacific International, a globally recognized retained executive search firm, is dedicated to empowering Fortune 500, FTSE 100, and high-growth enterprises in building exceptional C-suite, senior-level, and strategic leadership teams while championing diversity and inclusion. Our adaptability, agility, and forward-thinking ethos distinguish us in the ever-evolving business landscape.

Since 1997, we have been dedicated to building lasting client partnerships based on trust and reliability, and a proven track record of successful C-suite and mid- to senior-level leadership project delivery across many key industries globally.

Diversity Statement:

At Pacific International, diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the core of who we are and what we do. Our commitment to these values is unwavering and we proudly champion diversity on behalf of our clients in every Executive Search mandate we undertake. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law. In pursuit of these objectives, we actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and identities.

For further information on this position and a confidential discussion about your career please contact: aleen.kirmani@pacific-international.com