Assistant Quality Manager

Colonial Group; Portland (TN); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Colonial Group is seeking an Assistant Quality Manager to lead the plant Quality department in Tennessee. The role reports to the General Manager and drives the Quality Management System, audits, and continuous improvement initiatives on a daily basis.

The position requires five years of manufacturing quality experience, with three years in automotive manufacturing, and strong leadership to guide engineers and technicians while partnering with Production and Engineering to resolve quality

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, quality, manufacturing, or related field preferred.
• Six Sigma Black Belt or comparable quality certification preferred.
• At least five years of manufacturing quality experience, including three years in automotive manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily Quality department activities and prioritize customer and plant quality concerns.
• Coordinate training, coaching, and development of Quality engineers and technicians.
• Serve as primary customer contact for assigned quality issues and coordinate responses.

Skills

Control plans

PFMEAs

Process flow

In-process inspection

GD&T

SPC

Gage R&R

Automotive Core Tools

Root cause analysis

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering/quality

Six Sigma Black Belt

Tools

Minitab

Quality reporting systems

Customer portals

Microsoft Excel

Job description

GENERAL SUMMARY

The Assistant Quality Manager reports to the General Manager and provides daily leadership for the plant Quality department. This position supports the operation and improvement of the Quality Management System, maintains customer and NASG quality standards, and works directly with Production and Engineering to resolve quality concerns.

Responsibilities include customer communication, corrective action, quality performance improvement, audit readiness, and development of Quality engineers and technicians. This role offers the opportunity to assume broader Quality management responsibilities based on demonstrated performance and business needs.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Lead daily Quality department activities, establish priorities, and follow through on customer and plant quality concerns.
• Evaluate the capabilities of Quality engineers and technicians; coordinate training, coaching, and development in inspection methods, problem solving, and communication.
• Serve as a primary customer contact for assigned quality issues, coordinate responses, and represent NASG in customer meetings as required.
• Monitor and report plant quality performance, identify recurring concerns, and drive actions to reduce defects, scrap, rework, and customer complaints.
• Ensure control plans, PFMEAs, process flow diagrams, and inspection instructions are accurate, current, and aligned with production processes and customer requirements.
• Provide Production with guidance on part inspection, SPC, measurement methods, gauge use, and interpretation of quality requirements.
• Coordinate material review and containment activities to ensure suspect product is identified, segregated, evaluated, and dispositioned through approved procedures.
• Lead corrective and preventive action activities, including root cause analysis, timely customer responses, and verification that actions prevent recurrence.
• Participate in layered process audits and follow up on findings to confirm effective resolution.
• Support new product launches and engineering changes through APQP, PPAP, process validation, and completion of assigned plant quality deliverables.
• Provide leadership and technical support to the Early Production Containment team to verify launch quality requirements are met.
• Work closely with Operations, Manufacturing Engineering, Tooling, and Maintenance to resolve process and product quality concerns.
• Coordinate preparation for internal, external, and customer audits; track findings and ensure corrective actions are completed.
• Support administration of the plant Quality Management System and serve as the designated QMS representative when assigned.
• Help develop and execute the department’s annual improvement plan, with measurable objectives and clear accountability.
• Assist with department budgeting, staffing, equipment needs, and resource planning; manage assigned expenditures.
• Evaluate department processes for compliance, efficiency, and effectiveness; implement improvements that strengthen execution and accountability.
• Maintain a visible, hands‑on presence on the manufacturing floor and coach associates in consistent application of quality standards.
• Provide additional leadership and support as assigned by the General Manager.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, quality, manufacturing, or a related technical field preferred; equivalent relevant education and experience will be considered.
• Six Sigma Black Belt or comparable quality certification preferred.

Experience

• At least five years of manufacturing quality experience, including three years in automotive manufacturing.
• Demonstrated experience leading Quality associates, coordinating department activities, and managing customer quality concerns.
• Experience with automotive quality systems, customer audits, corrective action, containment, and new product launches.
• Prior supervisory or management experience preferred.

Personal and Technical Skills

• Strong working knowledge of control plans, PFMEAs, process flow diagrams, and in-process inspection.
• Proficiency in GD&T, SPC, measurement systems analysis, gauge R&R, and inspection methods.
• Working knowledge of APQP, PPAP, automotive Core Tools, IATF 16949, and customer-specific requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to lead root cause investigations and implement effective corrective actions using structured problem-solving methods.
• Ability to interpret quality data, establish priorities, and hold teams accountable for completing actions.
• Strong leadership, organization, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to address concerns directly and professionally.
• Hands‑on approach to problem solving, including observing processes on the floor and working directly with associates.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and adapt to changing production and customer priorities.
• Flexibility to support multiple shifts and work additional hours when required to resolve quality concerns or meet deadlines.

Language and Communication Skills

• Communicate clearly and professionally with customers, management, and associates.
• Explain technical quality requirements in practical terms and coordinate effective communication between Production and Quality.
• Read, write, and communicate in the primary language of the facility.

Computer and Software Skills

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Experience with quality reporting systems and customer portals.
• Experience Minitab preferred.