Head of Quality

Freudenberg Sealing Technologies S.a.s. di Externa Italia S.r.l.u.; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

Freudenberg Group in Durham/NC is seeking a seasoned Quality leader to unite cross-functional teams, coach the Quality group, and drive performance improvements across processes and products. You will help maintain the QMS and apply Lean/Six Sigma methods while partnering with development and operations to embed quality throughout the business.

Based in Durham or Asheville with travel to the sister location once per month, this role requires strong communication, decisive leadership, and a

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; Engineering or Business preferred.
• 3+ years of quality experience, including hands-on quality and quality systems management.
• 3+ years of people leadership experience.
• Experience in nonwovens/textiles, medical, pharmaceutical, or automotive manufacturing preferred.
• IATF experience/certification and Lead Auditor qualification are strong pluses.
• Strong communicator with confidence, urgency, and the ability to influence others.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and develop the Quality team.
• Maintain the QMS and ensure ISO and IATF compliance.
• Drive continuous improvement using Lean, Six Sigma, and quality tools to improve product and process performance.
• Partner cross-functionally to integrate quality standards across product development and operations.
• Identify and mitigate quality risks while ensuring regulatory and internal compliance.
• Serve as the key quality contact for customers and internal stakeholders, resolving concerns and supporting customer satisfaction.
• Monitor quality KPIs and performance metrics, providing insights and recommendations to leadership.

Skills

Leadership

Quality management

Lean Six Sigma

Quality tools

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree (Engineering/Business)

Job description

Working at Freudenberg: We will wow your world!

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and develop the Quality team, fostering accountability and continuous improvement.
• Maintain the Quality Management System (QMS) and ensure compliance with ISO and IATF standards .
• Drive continuous improvement using Lean, Six Sigma, and quality tools to improve product and process performance.
• Partner cross-functionally to integrate quality standards across product development and operations.
• Identify and mitigate quality risks while ensuring regulatory and internal compliance.
• Serve as the key quality contact for customers and internal stakeholders, resolving concerns and supporting customer satisfaction.
• Monitor quality KPIs and performance metrics , providing insights and recommendations to leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; Engineering or Business preferred .
• 3+ years of quality experience , including hands‑on technical quality and quality systems management.
• 3+ years of people leadership experience .
• Experience in nonwovens/textiles, medical, pharmaceutical, or automotive manufacturing preferred.
• IATF experience/certification and Lead Auditor qualification are strong pluses.
• Strong communicator with confidence, urgency, and the ability to influence others .
• Based in Durham or Asheville, NC , with ability to travel to the sister location one week per month .

The Freudenberg Group is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion. Employment opportunities are available to all applicants and associates without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, mental or physical disability, genetic information, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, protected military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Freudenberg Performance Materials LP (USA)