Quality Manager

Rush Group Limited LLC; Chicago, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 119,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision benefits

401(k) plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Dakkota Integrated Systems is seeking a strategic Quality Manager to lead quality assurance and continuous improvement across plant and office environments. You will drive corrective actions, oversee supplier quality, and champion data-driven operational excellence.

The ideal candidate has 7–10 years in automotive quality management, Six Sigma, and AIAG Core Tools, with strong leadership and cross-functional collaboration capabilities. Excellent problem-solving and communication are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a manufacturing-related field is required; Master’s degree is preferred.
• Minimum 7–10 years of experience as a quality manager in automotive, including Tier 1 manufacturing, with 3+ years in supervision.
• Proven leadership in turnaround manufacturing and supplier quality assurance programs.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Quality Department and develop team capability through development plans.
• Oversee corrective actions and improve customer satisfaction metrics (PPMs, PRRs, NCTs, QRs).
• Update Core Tools (Control Plans, PFMEAs) following corrective actions and maintain documentation per AIAG requirements.
• Provide cross-functional leadership in root-cause analysis and data-driven reporting of product and process quality.
• Ensure products meet fit, finish, durability, and appearance specifications and monitor KPCs.
• Maintain compliance with internal/customer databases and certify status with relevant bodies.

Skills

Leadership

Six Sigma Belt

ASQ CQE

IATF 16949

ISO 9001

Ford Q1

Minitab

8D Problem Solving

AIAG Core Tools

Color testing

Education

Bachelor’s degree in manufacturing-related field

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

PFMEA

Control Plans

APQP

MS Excel / Word

Job description

For over 24 years, Dakkota Integrated Systems has delivered excellence through precision-engineered, build-to-order vehicle components from cockpits to fascia assemblies. Our award-winning team combines advanced lean manufacturing, strong product development, and a highly efficient supply chain to meet customer demands with reliability and innovation.

If you're looking for a company that empowers you to grow while driving excellence, collaboration, and innovation to create real impact, we’d love to meet you.

The role

We are seeking a strategic and dynamic Quality Manager to lead our quality assurance and continuous improvement initiatives across both plant and office environments. This role oversees all aspects of product and process quality, drives corrective actions, and ensures compliance with internal and external standards. The Quality Manager will lead and develop the Quality Department, serve as the primary liaison for customer quality concerns, and champion a data-driven approach to operational excellence. The ideal candidate is an innovative leader passionate about customer satisfaction, continuous improvement, and fostering a culture of growth and accountability.

What You’ll Do

• Leadership & Development: Lead, mentor, and manage the Quality Department team. Develop and implement individual development plans to enhance team capabilities. Monitor departmental performance and drive continuous improvement.
• Corrective Actions & Customer Satisfaction: Oversee the execution of all corrective actions. Track and improve customer satisfaction metrics (e.g., PPMs, PRRs, NCTs, QRs). Ensure timely and effective resolution of quality issues.
• Core Tools & Documentation: Ensure timely updates to Core Tools (Control Plans, PFMEAs, etc.), especially following corrective actions. Maintain accurate and organized documentation in alignment with internal, customer, and AIAG requirements.
• Problem Solving & Reporting: Provide cross-functional leadership in internal problem-solving activities. Implement and maintain data-driven systems for product and process reporting. Promote a culture of continuous improvement through root cause analysis and corrective action.
• Product & Process Quality: Ensure all product specifications are met regarding fit, finish, durability, and appearance. Monitor and report performance on key product and process characteristics (KPCs). Drive improvement plans for underperforming areas.
• Compliance & Certification: Maintain internal and customer databases to ensure accuracy and compliance. Ensure proper use and maintenance of Compulsory Certification Marks for finished, nonconforming, and changed products. Notify certification bodies of any product changes affecting certification status.
• Customer & Supplier Relations: Serve as the primary plant-level contact for customer quality concerns. Oversee supplier quality performance, including conducting audits and site visits as necessary. Lead supplier quality assurance efforts and manage incoming quality inspection activities to ensure compliance with standards.
• Operational Support: Support initiatives to reduce scrap, downtime, and improve efficiency and First Time Quality (FTQ). Document all quality-related activities as required.
• Safety & Other Duties: Adhere to company emergency evacuation procedures to ensure employee safety. Perform additional responsibilities as assigned by management.

Who you are

• Bachelor’s degree in a manufacturing-related field required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum 7–10 years of experience as a quality manager in the automotive industry, including Tier 1 manufacturing, with at least 3 years in a supervisory quality control or quality assurance role.
• Proven leadership experience in a turnaround manufacturing environment
• Extensive experience managing supplier quality assurance programs and overseeing incoming quality inspection processes to ensure compliance with established standards and specifications.
• Certifications & Technical Skills:
  • Six Sigma (Green/Black Belt) Certification
  • ASQ CQE preferred
  • Strong knowledge of IATF 16949, ISO 9001, and Ford Q1 standards
  • Proficient in Minitab and 8D problem-solving
  • Skilled in AIAG Core Tools (Control Plans, PFMEA, MSA, SPC, APQP, PPAP)
• Hands-on experience with color and appearance testing; familiar with Macbeth and other industry-standard equipment.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively across matrixed teams and cross-functional organizational structures
• Multilingual capabilities are a plus.

Health, Safety, Physical & Travel Requirements

• Typical physical demands include a combination of sitting, standing, and walking, with sufficient mobility to navigate both office and plant environments.
• Ability to perform standard computer-based tasks as part of daily responsibilities. Willingness and ability to travel up to 25% as required by the role.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license

Our success is rooted in meaningful relationships and a culture that feels like family. We champion compassion, respect, and work-life balance, while supporting each team member’s personal and professional growth. Through ongoing development, competitive pay, and a comprehensive benefits package, we empower our people to thrive both at work and in life.

The pay range for this role is $119,112.00 – $135,000.00 per year. This role is also eligible for bonus/incentive pay. The pay range listed for this position represents a good‑faith estimate of potential compensation at the time of posting. Actual pay may vary based on factors such as experience, skills, and location. This range is subject to change in the future and does not guarantee a specific salary.

Our benefits include paid time off, medical, dental, and vision coverage, and a 401(k) plan for eligible employees.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.