Quality Assurance Manager

Talently; Smithville (TN); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Talently is seeking a Quality Assurance Manager in Smithville, Tennessee, to lead quality initiatives in the automotive manufacturing sector. You will oversee quality control policies, drive improvements, and foster a culture of excellence and compliance. The ideal candidate has at least 5 years in automotive manufacturing with significant managerial experience. Familiarity with ISO 9001/IATF 16949 standards and expertise in core quality tools like APQP and PPAP is essential. The role emphasizes cross-functional collaboration and customer engagement to enhance product quality and satisfaction.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in automotive manufacturing, including 3+ years in a quality managerial role.
• Expertise in APQP, PPAP, FMEA, and other core quality tools used in automotive environments.
• Strong background in Toyota Production System (TPS) and lean manufacturing methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead internal defect reduction initiatives and champion zero-defect strategies.
• Direct strategic quality planning and monitor departmental performance against established KPIs.
• Oversee new product launch processes to ensure quality requirements are embedded.

Skills

Automotive Manufacturing

Quality Management Systems

Lean Manufacturing

APQP/PPAP/FMEA

Team Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Quality Management

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Advanced data analysis tools

Job description

Skills: Automotive Manufacturing, Quality Management Systems, Lean Manufacturing, APQP/PPAP/FMEA, Team Leadership

About the Motor Vehicle Manufacturing Company / The Opportunity

Join a dynamic leader in the motor vehicle manufacturing industry where relentless innovation and stringent quality standards set the benchmark for excellence. This opportunity places you at the heart of a high-impact, fast-paced environment focused on advancing operational quality, compliance, and customer satisfaction. As a Quality Assurance Manager, you will play a critical role in overseeing company-wide quality initiatives and driving continuous improvement in a well-established automotive setting.

Responsibilities

• Lead internal defect reduction initiatives and champion zero-defect strategies to improve overall product quality across all plants.
• Direct strategic quality planning and monitor departmental performance against established KPIs, taking corrective actions as necessary.
• Oversee new product launch processes to ensure quality requirements are embedded from the outset.
• Develop, implement, and audit robust quality control policies and procedures in compliance with IATF 16949 and industry standards.
• Conduct departmental performance reviews, analyze quality data, and drive data-based solutions to minimize risk and optimize profitability.
• Manage quality budgets, cost control, and drive scrap reduction and waste elimination programs.
• Act as the primary point of contact for customer visits, audits, and quality meetings to maintain strong client relationships.
• Train, mentor, and develop quality department personnel, instilling a culture of continuous improvement and Kaizen excellence.
• Collaborate with production teams on problem-solving initiatives to promptly resolve quality issues and prevent recurrence.

Must-Have Skills

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in automotive manufacturing, including 3+ years in a quality managerial role.
• Expertise in APQP, PPAP, FMEA, and other core quality tools used in automotive environments.
• Strong background in Toyota Production System (TPS) and lean manufacturing methodologies.
• In-depth knowledge of ISO 9001/IATF 16949 standards, audits, and compliance requirements.
• Track record of successful new product launches, documentation management, and continuous improvement leadership.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills for cross-functional leadership and customer engagement.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and advanced data analysis tools.

Nice-to-Have Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality Management, or a related discipline preferred.
• Experience with press/stamping operations and robotic welding systems in automotive manufacturing.
• Familiarity with Kaizen, Hoshin Kanri objectives, and daily quality management meeting facilitation.
• Proven ability to oversee budget planning and departmental goal setting.
• Willingness to travel as needed, typically twice weekly.