Group Leader - Quality

Schaeffler; Fort Mill (SC); On-site; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare coverage

401(k) matching up to 6%

Schaeffler Academy training

Wellness programs

Job summary

Schaeffler Group USA Inc. in Fort Mill, SC, seeks a quality professional to implement and maintain manufacturing quality standards and drive continual improvement. You will lead audits, manage corrective actions, and mentor teams to ensure QMS compliance while advancing productivity and cost-efficiency.

Qualifications include a Bachelor’s in Engineering, strong audit experience in ISO 9001/IATF 16949, and expertise in AIAG methods. Travel and effective communication are essential in this role.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline.
• Proven audit experience with ISO 9001, IATF 16949, or VDA 6.3 standards; certified auditor preferred.
• Strong problem-solving abilities with root cause analysis methods (8D, 5-Why, Ishikawa).
• Know-how of AIAG manuals (PPAP, APQP, MSA, SPC, FMEA) and applicable standards.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks with deadlines and minimal supervision.
• Willingness to travel as required.
• Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills.
• Experience supervising teams to achieve goals.
• Authorized to work in the US without sponsorship.

Responsibilities

• Implement and maintain quality standards at manufacturing to ensure effectiveness and compliance to QMS.
• Serve as primary escalation point for local quality issues and collaborate with local management.
• Support and lead internal and external quality audits and drive corrective actions.
• Oversee operational quality control, including inbound/outbound inspections.
• Initiate and monitor lessons learned, preventive actions, and disposition decisions.
• Manage internal and external quality issues with timely resolution and cross-team communication.
• Lead cross-functional teams in qualifying and improving processes to meet quality/productivity goals.
• Facilitate 5S and lead studies to improve quality, productivity, and cost efficiency.
• Develop and deliver training to enhance team qualifications and promote quality culture.
• Prepare quality management reports and monitor KPIs like internal failure costs and complaints.

Skills

ISO 9001

IATF 16949

VDA 6.3

Audit leadership

Root cause analysis

8D

5-Why

Ishikawa diagrams

AIAG PPAP/APQP/MSA/SPC/FMEA

Travel flexible

Communication skills

Team supervision

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Job description

Schaeffler is a dynamic global technology company and its success has been a result of its entrepreneurial spirit and long history of private ownership. As a partner to all of the major automobile manufacturers, as well as key players in the aerospace and industrial sectors, we offer you many development opportunities.

Your Key Responsibilities

• Implement and maintain quality standards at manufacturing to ensure their effectiveness and compliance to internal and external QMS.
• Serve as the primary escalation point for local quality issues, collaborating closely with local management to resolve Quality-related concerns.
• Support and lead internal and external quality audits, driving corrective actions and continuous improvement initiatives based on audit findings.
• Oversee operational quality control processes, including inbound and outbound inspections, ensuring adherence to quality requirements.
• Initiate, monitor, and verify lessons learned, preventive actions, and disposition decisions related to part/process deviations within the area of responsibility.
• Manage internal and external quality issues proactively, ensuring timely resolution and communication across teams.
• Lead cross-functional teams in qualifying and continuously improving manufacturing processes to meet quality and productivity goals.
• Facilitate and promote 5S methodology and lead studies aimed at enhancing quality, productivity, and cost efficiency.
• Develop and deliver training programs to enhance team qualifications and promote a culture of quality excellence.
• Prepare quality management reports, communicate effectively per company protocols, comply with work standards, and identify opportunities for ongoing quality improvements.
• Monitor Quality KPIs such as internal failure cost and number of customer complaints and implement corrective measures in case of deviations.

Your Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline
• Proven audit experience with ISO 9001, IATF 16949, or VDA 6.3 standards; certified auditor credentials preferred
• Strong problem-solving abilities with in-depth knowledge of root cause analysis methodologies and techniques, including 8D, 5-Why, and Ishikawa diagrams
• Comprehensive understanding of AIAG manuals (PPAP, APQP, MSA, SPC, FMEA) and applicable industry standards
• Demonstrated capability to effectively prioritize and manage multiple tasks while meeting deadlines within tight timeframes and minimal supervision
• Willingness and ability to travel as required to fulfill job responsibilities
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written
• Experience in supervising and leading teams to achieve organizational goals
• Applicants must be authorized to work in the US without employment visa or other sponsorship

Our Offering

At Schaeffler, our success is driven by our employees. We value what you bring to our business, which is why we are committed to providing you with a competitive, comprehensive benefits program that gives you and your family the care you need to lead healthy, productive lives. This includes amongst others the following:

• Comprehensive healthcare coverage: Employees receive access to a range of medical, dental, and vision insurance plans, ensuring their well‑being and peace of mind.
• Generous retirement savings options: The company provides competitive 401(k) matching contributions (up to 6%), empowering employees to build a secure financial future.
• Professional development opportunities: The company invests in its employees’ growth by offering skill development workshops, and ongoing learning and developmentprograms. Through our Schaeffler Academy you will have access to a state-of-the‑art and comprehensive learning and training offering.
• Wellness initiatives: Employees have access to wellness programs and resources aimed at promoting physical, mental, and emotional health, fostering a supportive and thriving work environment.

See all of our benefits at: Schaeffler Benefits

As a global company with employees around the world, it is important to us that we treat each other with respect and value all ideas and perspectives. By appreciating our differences, we inspire creativity and drive innovation. In this way, we contribute to sustainable value creation for our stakeholders and society as a whole. Together, we advance how the world moves.

Exciting assignments and outstanding development opportunities await you because we impact the future with innovation. We look forward to your application.

Information on our understanding of leadership can be found here: www.schaeffler.com/leadership.

www.schaeffler.com/careers

Your contact

Schaeffler Group USA Inc.

Jason Gould

Schaeffler is an equal employment opportunity / affirmative action employer. All qualified candidates will receive equal employment opportunities and consideration for employment without regard to unlawful consideration of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.

Keywords: Quality;