Lead Automotive Quality Assurance Specialist

Placements24; Kempton Park; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance bonuses

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 is assisting a leading automotive manufacturer in Gauteng to recruit a Lead Automotive Quality Assurance Specialist for their Tembisa operations. You will lead QA strategies, mentor inspectors, conduct audits, and drive CAPA to uphold IATF 16949 and ISO 9001 standards.

Collaborate with production, engineering and supply chain, analyze quality data, report to senior management, and drive Six Sigma and Lean initiatives to ensure defect-free components and vehicles.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related discipline.
• 7+ years in Quality Assurance within automotive manufacturing.
• Proven leadership of QA teams and QMS implementation.
• Strong knowledge of IATF 16949 and ISO 9001, plus APQP/PPAP.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and manage QA strategies for automotive manufacturing.
• Lead and mentor QA team, ensure adherence to quality protocols.
• Conduct regular audits; implement CAPA.
• Analyze quality data; report trends and risk mitigation to senior management.
• Collaborate with engineering, production and supply chain to resolve issues.
• Ensure compliance with IATF 16949 and ISO 9001; manage external audits and certifications.
• Oversee inspection and testing of materials and finished goods.
• Champion Six Sigma and Lean initiatives to improve quality and efficiency.

Skills

QA Leadership

QMS

IATF 16949

CAPA

Six Sigma

Audits

PPAP

APQP

ISO 9001

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

QMS software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a distinguished player in the automotive manufacturing industry, is actively seeking a highly experienced Lead Automotive Quality Assurance Specialist to join their operations in Tembisa, Gauteng . This pivotal role is responsible for upholding and enhancing the stringent quality standards that our client is renowned for. The successful candidate will lead initiatives aimed at ensuring the defect-free production of automotive components and vehicles, working closely with production, engineering, and supply chain teams. This position demands a rigorous approach to quality control, a deep understanding of automotive manufacturing processes, and exceptional leadership capabilities. You will be at the forefront of identifying potential quality risks, implementing robust preventative measures, and driving continuous improvement throughout the organization. This is an excellent opportunity for a seasoned QA professional to make a significant impact in a key industrial hub within Tembisa, Gauteng .

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and manage comprehensive quality assurance strategies and procedures for automotive manufacturing.
• Lead and mentor a team of QA inspectors and technicians, ensuring adherence to quality protocols and fostering a culture of quality excellence.
• Conduct regular audits of production processes, identify non-conformities, and implement corrective and preventative actions (CAPA).
• Analyze quality data, identify trends, and generate detailed reports for senior management, highlighting areas for improvement and risk mitigation.
• Collaborate with the engineering and production departments to resolve quality-related issues during development and mass production phases.
• Ensure compliance with relevant automotive quality standards, such as IATF 16949, and manage external audits and certifications.
• Oversee the inspection and testing of incoming materials, in-process components, and finished goods to guarantee they meet specifications.
• Champion continuous improvement initiatives, leveraging methodologies like Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing to enhance product quality and process efficiency.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality Management, or a related discipline.
• A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in Quality Assurance within the automotive manufacturing sector.
• Proven experience in leading and managing QA teams and implementing quality management systems (QMS).
• In-depth knowledge of automotive quality standards (e.g., IATF 16949, ISO 9001) and quality tools (e.g., APQP, PPAP, FMEA, SPC).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a meticulous attention to detail.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, capable of influencing stakeholders at all levels.
• Experience with root cause analysis and the implementation of effective CAPA plans.

Benefits

Our client provides a competitive remuneration package, including an attractive salary, performance bonuses, comprehensive medical aid, and retirement fund contributions. This role is based in a modern facility in Tembisa, Gauteng , and offers opportunities for professional development and career advancement within a respected automotive enterprise. We also offer paid time off and other standard employee benefits. The company is dedicated to fostering a safe and productive work environment.