Head of Quality | Auto-Comp /Mechatronics | Gurgaon

Michael Page; Gurugram District; On-site; INR 4,500,000 - 7,500,000; Full time

Job summary

Michael Page represents a well-established manufacturing client in India's automotive sector seeking a senior leader to drive the quality transformation agenda and lead IATF 16949 compliance across the plant. The role emphasizes a zero-defect culture with end-to-end manufacturing quality improvements and cross-functional collaboration at scale.

The successful candidate will have 20+ years in automotive quality leadership, strong expertise in APQP/PPAP and core tools, and a track record of

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or higher in mechanical/production/industrial engineering.
• 20+ years in automotive quality leadership with progressive responsibilities.
• Hands-on expertise in IATF 16949, APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, MSA and SPC.
• Proven track record of reducing PPM and driving quality transformation.
• Experience managing OEM and Tier-1 customer quality relationships.
• Strong leadership and cross-functional influencing skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and continuously improve the IATF 16949 QMS across the plant.
• Act as Management Representative and lead audits.
• Drive layered process audits, process controls, shop-floor quality compliance.
• Lead APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, and quality planning for new launches and changes.
• Ensure defect-free product launches through robust planning and cross-functional collaboration.
• Manage customer quality performance including PPM reduction, complaints, warranty issues, and scorecards.
• Lead structured problem-solving initiatives using 8D, 5 Why, Ishikawa, and other quality methodologies.
• Establish and strengthen supplier quality systems, including audits, PPAP approvals, and development programs.
• Drive supplier and customer PPM reduction initiatives.
• Own SPC, process capability improvement, poka-yoke implementation, and defect prevention systems.
• Lead daily quality reviews, defect analysis, and quick-response quality control processes.
• Develop and mentor quality teams across customer quality, supplier quality, inspection, and metrology functions.
• Build organizational capability in Six Sigma, Kaizen, and Total Quality Management practices.
• Ensure calibration compliance, MSA activities, and measurement system traceability.
• Own quality dashboards, audit performance, COPQ reduction, and governance reviews with leadership.

Skills

IATF 16949

APQP

PPAP

PFMEA

MSA

SPC

Six Sigma Black Belt

Audit leadership

Quality transformation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Production, or Industrial Engineering

Master's degree / PGDBA preferred

Tools

IATF core tools

Job description

• Lead the quality transformation agenda for a high-growth automotive business.
• Drive zero-defect culture while influencing end-to-end manufacturing quality.

About Our Client

Our client is a well-established manufacturing organization serving leading customers within the automotive ecosystem. The company is focused on operational excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement across its manufacturing network. With a strong commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, it provides an environment where senior leaders can drive meaningful business impact and long-term transformation.

Job Description

• Lead and continuously improve the IATF 16949 Quality Management System across the plant.
• Act as Management Representative and lead customer, internal, and certification audits.
• Drive layered process audits, process controls, and shop-floor quality compliance.
• Lead APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, and quality planning activities for new product launches and engineering changes.
• Ensure defect-free product launches through robust quality planning and cross-functional collaboration.
• Manage customer quality performance, including PPM reduction, complaints, warranty issues, and scorecards.
• Lead structured problem-solving initiatives using 8D, 5 Why, Ishikawa, and other quality methodologies.
• Establish and strengthen supplier quality systems, including audits, PPAP approvals, and development programs.
• Drive supplier and customer PPM reduction initiatives.
• Own SPC, process capability improvement, poka-yoke implementation, and defect prevention systems.
• Lead daily quality reviews, defect analysis, and quick-response quality control processes.
• Develop and mentor quality teams across customer quality, supplier quality, inspection, and metrology functions.
• Build organizational capability in Six Sigma, Kaizen, and Total Quality Management practices.
• Ensure calibration compliance, MSA activities, and measurement system traceability.
• Own quality dashboards, audit performance, COPQ reduction, and governance reviews with leadership.

The Successful Applicant

We're looking for someone who has:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Production, or Industrial Engineering; Master's degree/PGDBA preferred.
• 20+ years of progressive experience in automotive component manufacturing quality leadership.
• Strong hands-on expertise in IATF 16949, APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, MSA, SPC, and other automotive quality core tools.
• Proven track record of leading OEM and Tier-1 customer quality relationships.
• Demonstrated success in reducing customer PPM, improving audit scores, and driving quality transformation.
• Experience managing supplier quality development within a complex multi-tier supply chain.
• Strong leadership, stakeholder management, and cross-functional influencing skills.
• Lead Auditor certification in IATF 16949 and/or Six Sigma Black Belt certification will be advantageous.

What's on Offer

• Opportunity to lead the entire quality function for a strategically important manufacturing business.
• High visibility role with direct reporting to senior leadership.
• Platform to drive transformational quality initiatives and operational excellence.
• Exposure to leading automotive customers and advanced manufacturing environments.