Quality Lead

Headhunters; Gqeberha; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 800,000; Full time

Job summary

A manufacturing firm is seeking a Quality Lead based in Gqeberha. The candidate will manage customer quality concerns, implement corrective actions, and lead cross-functional teams. A degree in engineering and 5–7 years of quality experience in automotive manufacturing are required. Proficiency with quality tools and strong communication skills are essential for success in this role.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5–7 years of quality experience in an automotive manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of precision manufacturing and quality standards.
• In-depth understanding of IATF 16949, ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and OEM standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead the resolution of quality concerns within the manufacturing process.
• Implement root cause analysis and drive corrective actions.
• Monitor and analyze product quality performance and customer complaints.

Skills

Problem-solving methodologies

Communication skills

Customer-facing skills

Quality tools proficiency

Education

Degree/Diploma in Quality, Industrial, Mechanical, or Metallurgical Engineering

Tools

CMM

Statistical analysis software

Job description

Overview

Our Client in the Manufacturing Industry is seeking to employ a Quality Lead to their team based in Port Elizabeth.

Qualifications

• Degree/Diploma in Quality, Industrial, Mechanical, or Metallurgical Engineering.
• Minimum 5–7 years’ quality experience in an automotive manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of precision manufacturing, machining and finishing quality standards.
• Proven experience in resolving customer complaints and implementing effective corrective actions.
• In-depth understanding of IATF 16949, ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and OEM quality standards.
• Skilled in problem-solving methodologies (8D, 5-Why, FMEA, SPC, APQP, PPAP, MSA).
• Proficiency with quality tools such as CMM, gauges, and statistical analysis software.
• Strong communication and customer-facing skills, especially with automotive OEMs.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams under pressure and deliver results within strict timelines.

Responsibilities

• Lead the resolution of customer and internal quality concerns within the manufacturing process.
• Implement root cause analysis (5-Why, Ishikawa, DMAIC, 8D) and drive corrective & preventive actions.
• Monitor and analyze product quality performance, scrap rates, rework, and customer complaints.
• Manage and oversee sorting, rework, and containment activities to ensure only conforming products are supplied to OEM customers.
• Support process audits, product audits, and layered process audits in compliance with IATF 16949 and ISO 9001.
• Collaborate with engineering, production, and maintenance teams to implement process improvements and prevent recurrence of quality issues.
• Communicate directly with OEM customers on quality matters, ensuring professional problem reporting and timely feedback.
• Maintain quality documentation, including control plans, FMEAs, PPAP submissions, and inspection standards.
• Train and guide shop-floor personnel on quality standards, inspection methods, and defect identification.
• Lead continuous improvement projects aimed at defect reduction, cost of quality improvement, and customer satisfaction.