Quality Specialist

West Coast Personnel; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading manufacturing firm in South Africa seeks a Quality Specialist for their facility in Port Elizabeth. The ideal candidate will ensure products meet IATF 16949 standards and assist in root cause analysis. Candidates should have experience in OEM environments, strong analytical skills, and the ability to lead teams. A Grade 12 Certificate and a Certificate or Diploma in Quality Assurance are required, along with Six Sigma certification preferred. This role emphasizes quality control in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years’ experience in an OEM manufacturing environment.
• Experience managing 1–2 direct reports.
• Good understanding of IATF 16949 and OEM-specific requirements.

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with Automotive Industry quality standards.
• Verify and validate implemented improvements.
• Conduct daily on-the-job observations for product compliance.

Skills

Proactive

Detail-oriented

Analytical skills

Problem-solving ability

Customer-focused

Team player

Education

Grade 12 Certificate with Mathematics and Science

Certificate in Quality Assurance

Diploma in Quality Assurance or Engineering

Yellow Belt Six Sigma

Tools

Statistical tools

Job description

My client is looking for a Quality Specialist for their manufacturing facility in Port Elizabeth.

The ideal candidate is proactive, detail-oriented, who thrives on ensuring products meet both internal specifications and OEM requirements. You are experienced in managing out-of-control conditions, leading root cause analysis, and coordinating cross-functional teams to maintain product quality and operational excellence. You enjoy driving continuous improvement and are comfortable supporting a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Purpose of the Role:

• Ensure products manufactured comply with internal specifications and OEM requirements.
• React effectively to out-of-control conditions and segregate nonconforming parts.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams to restore process control and achieve mean set points within control limits.
• Resolve product quality issues using root cause analysis tools and maintain high product standards.

Key Responsibilities:

• Ensure compliance with Automotive Industry quality standards, IATF 16949, and OEM-specific requirements (Q1, IQB).
• Verify and validate implemented improvements, change processes, and new product launches.
• Perform Layered Process Audits and support area audit findings through root cause identification and corrective actions.
• Enhance internal supplier performance to improve Work‑In‑Progress product quality.
• Attend daily area meetings and participate in the Fast Response Team to resolve defects.
• Develop and maintain Control Plans and participate in FMEA cross‑functional teams.
• Supervise Product/Process Inspectors and provide support in decision‑making on non‑conforming products.
• Review and sign off on inspection records, providing feedback to inspectors.
• Archive and retrieve records per company retention policies.
• Monitor significant characteristics using statistical tools and data acquisition software.
• Conduct Measurement System Analysis on devices listed in the Control Plan.
• Attend daily scrap meetings, capture defects, identify failure modes, and drive defect reduction plans.
• Provide weekly summary reports to the QC Manager.
• Serve as area custodian for Quality Control and Quality Assurance.
• Conduct daily on‑the‑job observations for product and record compliance.
• Support resolution of customer complaints and manage lessons learned, quality alerts, and training initiatives.

Health, Safety, and Environment:

• Comply with all legal HSE requirements and promote a positive safety culture.
• Ensure team members understand and abide by roles, OEM requirements, and HSE rules.
• Maintain discipline in the work environment and communicate team responsibilities clearly.

Minimum Experience and Qualifications:

• Grade 12 Certificate with Mathematics and Science.
• Certificate in Quality Assurance; Diploma in Quality Assurance or Engineering (preferred).
• Yellow Belt Six Sigma (Green Belt preferred).
• 3–5 years’ experience in an OEM manufacturing environment (Tier 1 or Chemistry Industry preferred).
• Experience managing 1–2 direct reports.
• Good understanding of IATF 16949, Automotive core tools, and OEM‑specific requirements.
• Proficient in statistical tools and indices.

Behavioural Competencies and Attributes:

• Proactive, action‑oriented, and flexible.
• Strong analytical, planning, and organisational skills.
• Customer‑focused and resilient under pressure.
• Attention to detail and strong problem‑solving ability.
• Effective verbal and written communication.
• Team player with strong relationship‑building skills.

To apply:

Please submit your detailed CV, proof of Matric & Tertiary qualifications, head & shoulder photo.

If you do not receive feedback within two weeks of the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.