Head of Global Design Quality Assurance / APQP (gn)

Page Executive; Deutschland; Vor Ort; Vertraulich; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

A leading global systems manufacturer is seeking a senior quality profile as 'Head of Global Design Quality and Advanced Product Planning'. This pivotal role entails defining and deploying a global Design Quality strategy and ensuring excellence in products from concept through to production. Candidates must possess over 15 years' experience in Design Quality, especially in high-reliability industries. Expected fluency in English and a willingness to travel internationally (25%). The position offers a chance to influence innovation outcomes within a technology-focused organization.

Qualifikationen

• 15+ years of experience in Design Quality, Quality Engineering, and APQP.
• Strong background in regulated or high-reliability industries.
• Demonstrated success in driving global transformation programs.

Aufgaben

• Own and develop the global Design Quality Assurance and APQP framework.
• Embed quality-by-design and reliability engineering into processes.
• Drive global APQP governance, metrics, and design verification standards.

Kenntnisse

Design Quality

Quality Engineering

APQP

DFMEA/PFMEA

Lean

Six Sigma

Fluency in English

Jobbeschreibung

Key Highlights

• Enhance development quality with a global system manufacturer
• Senior quality profile for strategic initiative and impact

About Our Client

Our client is a global player in designing and manufacturing efficient energy and data management systems for all types of mobile equipment and machinery. With around 30 sites globally, the main development and manufacturing hubs are in Germany and Western Europe. To drive the global design process excellence initiative, we are seeking a senior quality profile as "Head of Global Design Quality and Advanced Product Planning", ideally based south of Freiburg/Breisgau or Dresden. In that role, you will define and deploy a global Design Quality and Quality Engineering strategy, ensuring quality is designed into products from concept through industrialization. Acting as a change agent, you will elevate quality maturity, standardize APQP practices, and drive a culture of defect prevention, reliability, and continuous improvement across R&D, Engineering, Operations, and Supply Chain.

Job Description

• Own and develop the global Design Quality Assurance and APQP framework across all product development activities
• Embed quality-by-design, DFMEA/PFMEA, DFSS, DFMA, and reliability engineering into innovation and NPD processes
• Drive global APQP governance, metrics, and design verification & validation standards
• Mentor, and develop a global quality engineering organization and Centers of Excellence
• Partner with Product Management, R&D, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Customer functions to mitigate technical and quality risks early
• Excel in defect prevention, predictive quality, and data-based optimization measures
• Ensure compliance with international quality standards and regulatory requirements
• Act as executive sponsor for global problem-solving and continuous improvement initiatives (Lean, Six Sigma, 8D)

The Successful Applicant

• Senior quality profile with 15+ years of experience in Design Quality, Quality Engineering, and APQP within complex, global manufacturing environments
• Strong background in regulated or high-reliability industries (automotive, aerospace, medical devices, high-tech)
• Demonstrated success in driving global transformation programs and influencing senior stakeholders
• Deep expertise in APQP, DFMEA, PFMEA, Six Sigma, Lean, and international quality standards
• Strategic, structured, and data-inspired people leader with strong executive presence
• Fluent in English; additional languages are a plus (ideally German, French, Chinese)
• Willingness to travel internationally (25 %)

What's on Offer

This is a high-impact opportunity to shape global product quality strategy, influence innovation outcomes, and leave a lasting footprint on a growing, technology-focused organization with a strong culture of safety, quality, and operational excellence and a passionate and accessible senior executive team!