New Model Quality Manager

Kasai North America, Inc; Murfreesboro (TN); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Kasai North America, Inc. seeks a New Model Quality Manager to supervise engineers and staff, directing quality programs for new model launches and ensuring conformity to strict standards.

This role requires leadership across suppliers, design, and internal teams, with emphasis on PPAP/PSW processes and risk mitigation. Experience in automotive quality engineering and program management is essential, along with strong analytical, communication, and organizational skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality Management, or related field.
• Minimum 6 years in Automotive Quality Engineering, quality management, and program management with focus on new product launches.

Responsibilities

• Develops and implements new model quality programs ensuring conformity of purchased material and final products to quality standards.
• Lead QA activities for new model launches aligning with quality standards and objectives.
• Outline and ensure completion of PPAP documentation for program launches.
• Facilitate meetings with Suppliers and QA Managers to discuss quality problems resolution and PPAP/PSW transitions.
• Coordinate with Project Managers to support 4M changes and launches of new products.
• Supervise Engineers and staff, conduct performance evaluations, and manage expenses and vacations.
• Identify risks and implement mitigation strategies to ensure program success.
• Monitor progress, track KPIs, and prepare status reports for senior management.
• Foster collaboration across departments and promote teamwork.
• Maintain audits to ensure quality and compliance in new model launches.
• Provide leadership to motivate the team and drive overall launch success.

Skills

Project management

Cross-functional leadership

Analytical thinking

Communication

Quality data analysis

Team supervision

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Quality Management

Job description

Description

Reporting to the Quality General Management, the New Model Quality Manager is responsible for the supervision and direction of the Engineers and staff as assigned within the Organization chart for the area within their control. In the absence of the Quality General Management, the New Model Quality Manager will assume duties for their areas and communicate concerns to the assigned or acting General Manager or above.

REPORTS TO:

Quality General Manager

Description

Reporting to the Quality General Management, the New Model Quality Manager is responsible for the supervision and direction of the Engineers and staff as assigned within the Organization chart for the area within their control. In the absence of the Quality General Management, the New Model Quality Manager will assume duties for their areas and communicate concerns to the assigned or acting General Manager or above.

Responsibilities

• Develops and implements new model quality programs/ projects which insures conformity of purchased material and final products to strict quality standards; while maintaining business volumes to our customer.


• Lead and manage the quality assurance activities for new model launches, ensuring alignment with company quality standards and objectives.


• Outline and ensure completion of PPAP documentation to meet the timing and goals of program launch activities.


• Facilitates and conducts meetings with Supplier and/or Quality Assurance Managers at divisional locations to discuss and support quality problems resolution, PRODUCTION PREPARATION APPROVAL PROCESS (PPAP)/PART SUBMISSION WARRANT (PSW) transition.


• Coordinates and works closely with Project Managers in support of 4M Change and launch of new products


• Supervises and directs the work of Engineers or staff assigned within his area of control. Conducts and reviews job performance evaluation, and disciplinary actions, if needed. Approves expense reports and vacations.


• Identify and manage potential risks and issues that could impact program success, implementing mitigation strategies as needed.


• Monitor account program progress, track key performance indicators, and prepare regular status reports for senior management.


• Foster a collaborative work environment, encouraging teamwork and synergy among the team.


• Continuously evaluate program launch effectiveness and identify opportunities for process enhancements and optimization.


• Provide leadership and guidance to the team, motivating them to excel and contribute to the overall success of new model launches.


• Interact with External Customers, Suppliers, Design, and Internal Customers as required to promote overall conformity to processes, procedures, quality, and direction indicated for Quality by management.


• Maintain general housekeeping and safe work practices.


• Establish systems and/ or conduct regular audits as needed to maintain the quality of new model launches to ensure integrity and compliance.


• Support the management and maintenance of production and customer target requirements.


• Support the implementation, achievement, and maintenance of the Quality and Environmental Policies and Procedures


• Authorities for an employee are granted by means of work instructions, policies and procedures, and/or direction provided by management to meet the requirements of the customer


• Complete Technical Quality Engineer training matrix and execution (AIAG core tools primarily, but could include others)

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality Management, or a related field is required.

Experience

• 6 years experience in the Automotive Quality Engineering field, quality management, and program management, with a focus on new product launches.

Skills

• Strong project management and program management skills, including the ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage complex projects.


• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a data-driven approach to decision-making.


• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate across different departments and levels of the organization.


• Proficiency in quality management software, data analysis tools, and Microsoft Office Suite.


• Relevant certifications (e.g., Six Sigma, APQP) are a plus.


• Strong interpersonal and supervisory skills.


• Good organizational skills.


• Capable of overall professionalism in a business environment

TRAINING SPECIFIC To POSITION

• Computer literate.


• Ability to interpret blueprints, drawings, schematics, etc.


• Completed Lead Auditor Training, and VW Supplier Audit Training

Other

• Ability to travel for extended periods of time with limited prior notice


• Must be able to work any assigned shift

Work Environment

This job operates in an office/home office and manufacturing environment and routinely uses standard office equipment. The noise level in the work environment and job sites can be loud.

Physical Demands

The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. The employee may also be required to work in hot temperatures.

This job description should not be construed to imply that these requirements are exclusive standards of the position Incumbents will follow any other instruction, and perform any other related duties, as may be required by their supervisor