Quality Manager

LAEPPLE AUTOMOTIVE US; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Laepple Automotive US, Inc. is seeking a results-oriented Quality Manager to lead, develop, and execute the company’s quality strategy in a Tier 1 automotive manufacturing environment.

You will drive the QMS, audits, supplier and customer quality, and process controls while fostering a culture of quality across functions and shifts.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of quality experience in automotive manufacturing.
• 3+ years of leadership or management experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality, Operations Management, or a related technical discipline.
• Quality management certifications strongly preferred (CMQ/OE, CQE, CSQP).
• Lead Auditor Certification (ISO9001, IATF, VDA) with working knowledge preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor and develop team of Quality Engineers, Technicians, and staff.
• Develop, maintain, and implement QMS aligned with ISO 9001, IATF 16949, and VDA.
• Lead internal, external, customer, and certification audits.
• Drive corrective and preventive actions and sustain them.
• Manage document control, procedures, and quality records.
• Serve as primary customer contact for quality-related concerns and metrics.
• Lead customer complaint investigations using structured problem-solving methods.
• Coordinate containment, corrective actions, and customer communications.
• Support supplier qualification, development, and corrective actions.
• Establish and track quality KPIs and drive continuous improvement.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Decision making

Communication skills

Leadership

Supplier relations

Team collaboration

Detail oriented

Strategic thinking

Integrity

Industry standards knowledge

Technical drawings interpretation

Quality systems knowledge

Core tools knowledge

Travel flexibility

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering/Quality/Operations Management

7+ years quality experience in automotive manufacturing

3+ years leadership/management experience

Quality management certification preferred

Lead Auditor Certification (ISO9001/IATF/VDA) preferred

Tools

Audits (ISO 9001, IATF 16949)

Job description

About us

LAEPPLE Automotive is a leading supplier in the automotive industry, specializing in high-quality components and systems for body components manufacturing. Our innovative technologies and efficient production processes set benchmarks in the industry. We are seeking a results-oriented Quality Manager responsible for leading, developing, and executing LAEPPLE’s quality strategy within a Class A manufacturing environment. The Quality Manager is responsible for leading the Quality Management System (QMS) and ensuring compliance with customer, regulatory, and industry quality standards within a Tier 1 Automotive manufacturing environment producing Class A parts. This role drives continuous improvement initiatives, customer satisfaction, defect prevention, and operational excellence through effective management of quality systems, audits, supplier quality, customer quality, and manufacturing process controls. The Quality Manager serves as the primary quality representative for customers, suppliers, and certification bodies while fostering a culture of quality through the organization. The ideal candidate combines strong technical expertise with leadership, process discipline, and a collaborative mindset.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor and develop team of Quality Engineers, Quality Technicians, and associated staff.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Develop, maintain, and implement LAEPPLE’s Quality Management System (QMS) in alignment with ISO 9001, IATF 16949, and VDA standards.
• Lead internal, external, customer, and certification audits.
• Ensure corrective and preventive actions are implemented and sustained.
• Manage document control, procedures, work instructions, and quality records.
• Serve as primary customer contact for quality-related concerns and performance metrics.
• Lead customer complaint investigations using structured problem-solving methodologies (8D, 5-Why, Fishbone/Ishikawa, Fault Tree Analysis, etc.).
• Coordinate containment, corrective actions, and customer communications.
• Support customer audits and launch readiness reviews.
• Monitor customer scorecards and drive improvement initiatives to meet or exceed performance targets.
• Develop and maintain process control plans and inspection strategies.
• Ensure implementation of APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, Control Plans, MSA, SPC, etc.
• Monitor manufacturing processes for compliance and effectiveness.
• Lead layered process audits and product audits.
• Drive reduction of scrap, rework, customer claims, and customer disruptions.
• Partner with suppliers to ensure compliance with quality standards and customer requirements.
• Support supplier qualification, development, and corrective action activities.
• Review supplier performance metrics and lead supplier improvement initiatives.
• Participate in supplier audits and escalation activities as necessary.
• Lead quality improvement projects utilizing Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, and Root Cause Analysis.
• Establish and track key quality performance indicators.
• Drive cost reduction through defect prevention and process improvement.
• Establish departmental goals aligned with plant and corporate objectives.
• Conduct performance evaluations and support employee development plans.
• Promote cross-functional collaboration with Operations, Engineering, Program Management, Supply Chain, etc.
• Participate in plant operational excellence initiatives and cost-reduction programs.
• Desire to work in a team-based, lean manufacturing environment.
• Adhere to all procedures, regulatory requirements, and department/company policies.
• Other duties and tasks as assigned.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality, Operations Management, or a related technical discipline.
• 7+ years of Quality experience in automotive manufacturing.
• 3+ years of leadership or management experience.
• Quality Management certification strongly preferred (CMQ/OE, CQE, CSQP, etc.).
• Previous experience within an automotive Tier 1 manufacturing environment, supporting major OEM customers.
• Lead Auditor Certification (ISO9001, IATF, VDA) with working knowledge strongly preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and leadership skills.
• Ability to develop strong positive relationships with suppliers, customers, and work teams to ensure quick response to requests.
• Detail oriented with strong organizational skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Collaborative mindset with cross-functional teams.
• Strategic thinking abilities.
• Self-motivated with a results-driven approach.
• High level of integrity and ethical standards.
• Knowledge of industry standards and regulations.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings and specifications.
• Working knowledge of Quality Systems and Core Tools (IATF, ISO, AIAG, VDA, CSR, APQP, etc.)
• Ability and willingness to travel and work any shift as may be required to meet business objectives.

Work Environment

• Manufacturing plant environment with regular presence on production floor.
• Requires flexibility to support multi-shift operations and customer demands typical of an automotive OEM supplier.