Quality Manager – DEFA, Nesbyen, Norway

Rubino Rekrytering; Nesbyen; On-site; NOK 600,000 - 800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Opportunity for career development

Collaborative culture

Work-life balance

Job summary

Rubino Rekrytering is seeking an experienced Quality Manager to join DEFA in Nesbyen. You will lead quality compliance and continuous improvement within the company's Norwegian operations, playing a key role in managing a small team.

This position offers the chance to influence quality performance and ensure compliance while enjoying a unique lifestyle in one of Norway's most scenic areas.

Qualifications

• Experience in quality management systems or compliance in an industrial environment.
• Solid understanding of relevant standards like ISO 9001 and IATF 16949.
• Strong communication skills in English and a Scandinavian language.

Responsibilities

• Drive quality activities within production processes and audits.
• Handle customer complaints and supplier quality issues effectively.
• Lead and support deviation handling and corrective actions.

Skills

Quality management expertise

Auditing skills

Supplier quality experience

Continuous improvement

Knowledge of ISO standards

Education

Higher education in engineering or related field

Job description

Are you an experienced Quality Manager who thrives on improving processes, solving complex quality challenges and creating lasting results?

We are now looking for a Quality Manager to join DEFA and take a leading role in quality, compliance and continuous improvement across our Norwegian operations. Working from our production facility in Nesbyen, you will be part of an international technology company with its own product development and manufacturing, serving customers within the automotive and energy sectors.

You will lead a small quality team and work closely with colleagues across production, sourcing and engineering to strengthen quality performance, drive improvements and ensure compliance with customer and regulatory requirements.

This role offers a unique combination of professional challenge, influence and the opportunity to combine an international career with an exceptional quality of life in one of Norway's most beautiful regions.

Key responsibilities

• Drive and follow up quality activities within production processes and audits.
• Lead and support deviation handling, root cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Ensure effective handling of customer complaints and supplier quality issues.
• Drive supplier quality activities, including supplier evaluations, audits and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with relevant standards, customer requirements and regulatory expectations.
• Support continuous improvement and regulatory compliance across operations.
• Maintain relevant documentation, training and control of measuring and testing equipment.
• Lead and develop the local quality team.

Your background

• Higher education in engineering, production/process engineering or a related field.
• Relevant experience within quality, management systems or compliance in an industrial environment.
• Experience with audits, supplier quality and continuous improvement work.
• Knowledge of relevant standards such as ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001 and IATF 16949, including its core tools, is an advantage.
• Experience from manufacturing, electronics, automotive or other quality-driven industrial environments.
• Good communication skills in English and a Scandinavian language.

Who you are

• Structured, proactive and improvement-oriented.
• A clear communicator who works well across functions and organizational levels.
• Analytical, hands‑on and comfortable balancing operational and strategic work.
• A leader who enjoys developing people, processes and performance.
• Driven by solving problems and creating sustainable improvements.

About DEFA

DEFA is a family‑owned Norwegian technology company founded in 1946. With employees in seven countries across three continents, we have grown from a local family business into an international technology company. Today, our products and solutions are used in more than 30 countries worldwide.

With our own product development, manufacturing and international operations, we combine entrepreneurial spirit with long‑term industrial expertise. Quality, innovation and continuous improvement are at the heart of everything we do.

Through our business areas within automotive and energy solutions, we develop products and services that make everyday life easier, safer and more sustainable.

Life in Nesbyen

Located in the heart of Hallingdal, Nesbyen offers a unique combination of career opportunities and outdoor living. Known for its spectacular surroundings, the area provides excellent opportunities for skiing, mountain biking, hiking and other outdoor activities throughout the year.

With a safe and family‑friendly environment and easy access to Oslo, Nesbyen is an ideal place for those looking to combine a rewarding career with a balanced lifestyle.

What we offer

• A key role in an international technology company with strong market positions and ambitious growth plans.
• The opportunity to influence quality performance and continuous improvement across our Norwegian operations.
• A broad role combining leadership, operational quality work and strategic development.
• A collaborative culture characterized by competence, engagement and innovation.
• The opportunity to combine a rewarding career with an exceptional quality of life.