Quality Manager

EPITEC; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 130,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

EPITEC is seeking a strategic Quality Manager to lead QA and continuous improvement across plant and office environments in Chicago, IL. The role drives corrective actions, data-driven quality initiatives, and compliance with AIAG/IATF standards, including Ford Q1.

You will mentor the Quality Department and oversee supplier quality performance to achieve First Time Quality and customer satisfaction. The ideal candidate has 7–10 years in automotive quality leadership, Tier 1 exposure, and strong

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in manufacturing or related field.
• 7–10 years in Quality Manager roles within automotive.
• Tier 1 automotive manufacturing experience.
• 3+ years supervisory experience in quality control/QA.
• Leadership in turnaround manufacturing environments.
• Strong supplier QA and incoming inspection experience.
• Knowledge of IATF 16949, ISO 9001, and Ford Q1.
• Proficient in AIAG Core Tools: Control Plans, PFMEA, MSA, SPC, APQP, PPAP.
• Experience with 8D problem-solving and root cause analysis.
• Minitab for quality analysis.
• Color and appearance testing experience.
• Strong cross-functional leadership and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop Quality Department team and performance improvement.
• Oversee corrective actions and resolve customer quality issues.
• Track and improve customer satisfaction metrics.
• Maintain Core Tools docs: Control Plans, PFMEA, and related records.
• Lead internal root cause analysis and CAPA activities.
• Maintain data-driven reporting for product and process quality.
• Ensure products meet specs for fit, finish, durability and appearance.
• Ensure compliance with AIAG, IATF 16949, ISO 9001 and Ford Q1.
• Serve as plant contact for customer quality concerns.
• Oversee supplier quality audits, visits, and IQC activities.
• Support scrap reduction, downtime reduction, and FTY improvements.
• Maintain quality databases and documentation.
• Document all quality-related activities as required.

Skills

Quality management

Automotive industry

Leadership

Supplier quality assurance

8D problem solving

Root cause analysis

Data-driven decision making

Minitab

Education

Bachelor’s degree in manufacturing-related field

Tools

Minitab

AIAG Core Tools

Job description

Position Summary

We are seeking a strategic and dynamic Quality Manager to lead quality assurance and continuous improvement initiatives across both plant and office environments. This role is responsible for overseeing product and process quality, driving corrective actions, ensuring compliance with internal and external standards, and leading the Quality Department. The ideal candidate is an innovative leader with strong automotive manufacturing experience, a passion for customer satisfaction, and a data-driven approach to operational excellence.

Job Title: Quality Manager

Location: Chicago, IL
Pay Range: $130,000 annually + 12% bonus
Job Type: Direct Hire
Expected Hours per Week: 40 hours per week
Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8 AM - 5 PM

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and manage the Quality Department team, including individual development plans and departmental performance improvement.
• Oversee corrective actions and drive timely resolution of customer quality issues.
• Track and improve customer satisfaction metrics, including PPMs, PRRs, NCTs, and QRs.
• Ensure Core Tools documentation is updated, including Control Plans, PFMEAs, and related quality records.
• Lead internal problem-solving activities using root cause analysis and corrective action methods.
• Maintain data-driven reporting systems for product and process quality performance.
• Ensure products meet specifications related to fit, finish, durability, appearance, and key process characteristics.
• Maintain compliance with internal, customer, AIAG, IATF 16949, ISO 9001, and Ford Q1 standards.
• Serve as the primary plant-level contact for customer quality concerns.
• Oversee supplier quality performance, audits, site visits, and incoming quality inspection activities.
• Support initiatives to reduce scrap, downtime, and improve efficiency and First Time Quality.
• Maintain internal and customer databases to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Document all quality-related activities as required.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a manufacturing-related field required.
• 7–10 years of Quality Manager experience in the automotive industry.
• Tier 1 automotive manufacturing experience required.
• Minimum 3 years of supervisory experience in quality control or quality assurance.
• Proven leadership experience in a turnaround manufacturing environment.
• Strong supplier quality assurance and incoming inspection experience.
• Strong knowledge of IATF 16949, ISO 9001, and Ford Q1 standards.
• Skilled in AIAG Core Tools, including Control Plans, PFMEA, MSA, SPC, APQP, and PPAP.
• Proficient in 8D problem-solving and root cause analysis.
• Experience using Minitab for quality analysis.
• Hands-on experience with color and appearance testing, including Macbeth or similar equipment.
• Strong cross-functional leadership and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree preferred.
• Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification preferred.
• ASQ CQE certification preferred.
• Multilingual capabilities are a plus.