Quality Manager

6 Degrees Search; Holland (MI); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

6 Degrees Search seeks a Quality Manager to lead plant quality operations at a high-volume automotive manufacturing facility. The role focuses on driving continuous improvement and building customer relationships while ensuring IATF 16949 compliance.

You will oversee the Quality Engineering team, lead APQP activities including PPAP and PFMEA, and support successful product launches with cross-functional teams. A Bachelor’s degree and proven leadership in automotive quality are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Recent leadership experience within automotive manufacturing is required.
• Demonstrated success managing quality in a large, complex automotive manufacturing operation.
• Strong working knowledge of IATF 16949, APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, Control Plans, SPC, MSA, DOE.
• Experience leading and developing Quality Engineers.
• Excellent customer-facing communication and relationship-building skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead all plant quality activities and oversee the Quality Engineering team.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on quality performance and customer satisfaction.
• Develop and execute annual quality improvement plans while supporting overall plant operational objectives.
• Lead APQP activities, including PPAP, PFMEA, Control Plans, MSA, and DOE.
• Ensure customer PPAP submissions are completed accurately and on schedule.
• Build strong relationships with customers and serve as the primary quality contact.
• Support successful product launches by working with Operations, Engineering, and Manufacturing teams.
• Maintain IATF 16949 compliance and company quality systems.
• Promote a safe work environment and mentor Quality Engineers.

Skills

Leadership

Quality management

Customer relationships

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

IATF 16949

APQP

PPAP

PFMEA

Control Plans

MSA

DOE

SPC

Job description

Quality Manager – Automotive Manufacturing

Must have recent experience leading Quality within a large, complex automotive manufacturing environment.

Our client, a well-established automotive manufacturer, is seeking an experienced Quality Manager to lead plant quality operations at a high-volume manufacturing facility. This is an outstanding opportunity for a proven quality leader who enjoys driving continuous improvement, developing high-performing teams, and building strong customer relationships.

In this role, you will have a significant impact on plant performance by leading quality initiatives, supporting new product launches, ensuring compliance with IATF 16949 standards, and driving customer satisfaction.

What You'll Do

• Lead all plant quality activities and oversee the Quality Engineering team.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on quality performance and customer satisfaction.
• Develop and execute annual quality improvement plans while supporting overall plant operational objectives.
• Lead Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) activities, including:
• PPAP
• PFMEA
• Control Plans
• Measurement System Analysis (MSA)
• Capability Studies
• Dimensional Layouts
• Gage & Fixture Design
• Performance and Material Testing
• Ensure customer PPAP submissions are completed accurately and on schedule.
• Build strong relationships with customers and serve as the primary quality contact.
• Support successful product launches by working closely with Operations, Engineering, and Manufacturing teams.
• Maintain compliance with IATF 16949 quality standards and company quality systems.
• Utilize SPC, Design of Experiments (DOE), and structured problem-solving methodologies to improve manufacturing performance.
• Recruit, mentor, develop, and evaluate Quality Engineers while building a high-performing team.
• Monitor quality metrics and develop action plans to improve performance.
• Promote a safe work environment while ensuring compliance with all company safety policies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Recent leadership experience within automotive manufacturing is required.
• Demonstrated success managing quality in a large, complex automotive manufacturing operation.
• Strong working knowledge of:
• IATF 16949
• APQP
• PPAP
• PFMEA
• Control Plans
• SPC
• MSA
• DOE
• Experience leading and developing Quality Engineers.
• Excellent customer-facing communication and relationship-building skills.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
• High level of integrity and professionalism.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

• High-impact leadership role with significant influence on plant performance.
• Opportunity to lead quality strategy and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Work closely with customers and executive leadership.
• Join a respected automotive manufacturer committed to operational excellence.

All inquiries will be handled with the strictest confidentiality.