Automotive Plant Quality Lead: Lead, Improve & Audit

Henderson Group Recruiting; Warren (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Henderson Group Recruiting is seeking a Plant Quality Lead to oversee the plant's quality activities and develop the Quality Engineering team. The role ensures compliance with customer requirements and IATF 16949 while partnering with Operations and Engineering on continuous improvement.

You will drive root cause analyses, application of APQP/PPAP, and audits to enhance overall plant quality performance. Strong leadership and cross-functional collaboration are essential for success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, or related field preferred.
• Minimum 5+ years of quality experience in automotive manufacturing or supplier environment.
• Minimum 2–3 years of supervisory or direct people-management experience required.
• Demonstrated experience leading and developing Quality Engineers.
• Strong knowledge of IATF 16949, ISO 9001, and automotive customer requirements.
• Working knowledge of APQP, PPAP, FMEA, Control Plans, SPC, MSA, and 8D.
• Experience managing customer quality issues, audits, and corrective actions.

Responsibilities

• Lead, supervise, coach, and develop the plant Quality Engineering team.
• Establish team priorities, assign responsibilities, and hold team members accountable for performance and results.
• Oversee daily quality activities and ensure manufacturing processes meet customer and internal requirements.
• Maintain and improve the plant Quality Management System in accordance with IATF 16949 and customer-specific requirements.
• Lead resolution of customer complaints, corrective actions, and 8D responses.
• Drive root cause analysis and corrective actions to prevent recurring quality issues.
• Oversee APQP, PPAP, FMEA, Control Plans, SPC, and MSA activities.
• Monitor quality metrics, including customer PPM, scrap, rework, and cost of poor quality.
• Lead internal, external, and customer audits.
• Partner with Operations and Engineering to drive process improvements and reduce defects.
• Communicate quality performance, concerns, and improvement initiatives to plant leadership.
• Promote a culture of quality, accountability, and continuous improvement throughout the facility.

Skills

Quality leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Problem-solving

Accountability

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Quality/Manufacturing

Tools

APQP

PPAP

FMEA

Control Plans

SPC

MSA

8D

Job description

Henderson Group Recruiting is seeking a Plant Quality Lead to oversee the plant's quality activities and develop the Quality Engineering team. The role ensures compliance with customer requirements and IATF 16949 while partnering with Operations and Engineering on continuous improvement.

You will drive root cause analyses, application of APQP/PPAP, and audits to enhance overall plant quality performance. Strong leadership and cross-functional collaboration are essential for success.