Automotive Quality Manager - IATF Readiness & QMS Lead

GACC Midwest - German American Chamber of Commerce of the Midwest, Inc.; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 100,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

401(k) with match

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Paid holidays

Leadership opportunity

Job summary

GACC Midwest is recruiting a Quality Manager for its U.S. manufacturing operation to lead day-to-day quality activities, maintain ISO 9001 standards, and drive IATF 16949 readiness for newly awarded automotive programs.

The role requires a hands-on approach and close collaboration with cross-functional teams in the United States and Germany. The ideal candidate will have automotive QA experience, the ability to implement core tools, and a track record of leading audits and continuous improvement

Qualifications

• Several years of progressive quality experience in an automotive manufacturing environment.
• Strong working knowledge of IATF 16949 and automotive quality processes.
• Hands-on experience with Automotive Core Tools, including APQP, PPAP, FMEA, MSA, SPC, and Control Plans.
• Working knowledge of ISO 9001 and Quality Management Systems.
• Experience preparing for or participating in internal, customer, or third-party quality audits.
• Experience supporting automotive customer requirements, new product launches, or production quality.

Responsibilities

• Lead, maintain, and continuously improve the site's Quality Management System (QMS), ensuring ongoing ISO 9001 compliance.
• Drive IATF 16949 readiness activities, including gap assessments, documentation improvements, process development, and audit preparation.
• Develop, review, and maintain quality documentation, including procedures, work instructions, Process Flows, PFMEAs, Control Plans, and inspection plans.
• Apply Automotive Core Tools, including APQP, PPAP, FMEA, MSA, SPC, and Control Plans.
• Support new product introductions, production launches, and automotive customer-specific requirements.
• Coordinate internal and customer quality audits, corrective actions, and follow-up activities.
• Lead root cause analysis, problem-solving, and continuous improvement initiatives to reduce defects, scrap, and quality-related issues.
• Work closely with Production, Engineering, Tooling, Purchasing, and other departments to improve manufacturing quality and process controls.
• Monitor quality performance, analyze KPIs, and implement corrective and preventive measures.
• Train and support employees in quality procedures, documentation, and automotive quality requirements.
• Collaborate with the German headquarters to align global quality standards with U.S. manufacturing operations and customer expectations.
• Serve as the primary local quality contact for management, customers, and external stakeholders.

Skills

Quality leadership

Manufacturing operations

Problem solving

Process improvement

Tools

APQP

PPAP

FMEA

MSA

SPC

Control Plans

Job description

GACC Midwest is recruiting a Quality Manager for its U.S. manufacturing operation to lead day-to-day quality activities, maintain ISO 9001 standards, and drive IATF 16949 readiness for newly awarded automotive programs.

The role requires a hands-on approach and close collaboration with cross-functional teams in the United States and Germany. The ideal candidate will have automotive QA experience, the ability to implement core tools, and a track record of leading audits and continuous improvement