Quality Manager

Guided Search Partners; Covington (GA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Guided Search Partners is seeking a hands-on automotive quality leader for a growing automotive manufacturer in Covington, GA. This role involves leading the plant quality function, managing customer quality requirements, and ensuring strong performance during product launches.

The ideal candidate will have strong experience in injection molding and assembly, as well as a proven track record in managing APQP and PPAP processes. This position provides an excellent opportunity to make a significant impact in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Hands-on automotive quality leader with experience in manufacturing environments.
• Proven track record in APQP, PPAP, and Control Plans.
• Strong communication and leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the plant quality function and support internal and customer-facing quality requirements.
• Manage launch quality activities and drive APQP and PPAP.
• Partner with leadership to ensure alignment and operational progress.

Skills

Injection molding experience

Strong launch quality experience

Customer-facing quality leadership

Strong understanding of quality metrics

Job description

Guided Search Partners

Guided Search Partners is an Executive Search firm built on Trust, Transparency, Specialization, and Long-term Relationships. We connect high-performing professionals with organizations that value people, performance, and growth—helping leaders find roles where they can make an impact and build meaningful careers.

About the Opportunity

We’re partnering with a growing automotive manufacturer with a well-performing plant in Covington, GA. This facility supports Tier 1 customers and focuses on injection molding and assembly of exterior components. With a new Zoox program and a major BMW launch ahead, this role offers strong visibility and the chance to help shape the quality function in an exciting growth environment. This is a great fit for a hands‑on quality leader who understands launches, customer quality, and plant‑level execution.

What You’ll Do

Lead the plant quality function and support both internal quality systems and customer‑facing quality requirements. You’ll manage launch quality activity, help drive APQP, PPAP, and Control Plans, and support strong audit and scorecard performance. You’ll also lead the team, improve documentation and process discipline, and partner with plant leadership and corporate quality to keep the operation aligned and moving forward.

Who You Are

You are a hands‑on automotive quality leader who knows how to work well with both customers and internal teams. You bring strong technical knowledge, clear communication, and the ability to lead with accountability. You are comfortable in a plant environment, confident during launches, and able to balance day‑to‑day quality needs with bigger‑picture improvement efforts.

Preferred Experience & Attributes

• Injection molding experience preferred, or strong advanced assembly experience.
• Strong launch quality experience, including APQP, PPAP, and Control Plans.
• IATF and VDA experience required.
• Customer‑facing quality leadership experience required.
• Ford experience highly preferred.
• Strong understanding of scorecards, control plans, and customer response.

Why This Role Matters

This role plays a key part in maintaining strong customer performance while helping the plant continue to improve. You’ll support important launches, strengthen internal processes, and help lead quality in a plant with a strong customer base and solid foundation. It is a strong opportunity for someone who wants leadership visibility, meaningful responsibility, and the chance to make a lasting impact.