Role Overview for Director of Quality (IATF 16949)
JRG Partners, a premier HR recruiting firm specializing in executive placements, is actively seeking a highly strategic and results-oriented Director of Quality with deep expertise in IATF 16949 for one of our esteemed clients in the automotive manufacturing sector. This pivotal leadership role is based in the heart of the automotive industry, Detroit, MI, and offers an unparalleled opportunity to shape the quality landscape of a leading organization.
The successful candidate will be instrumental in driving a culture of excellence, ensuring stringent compliance with global automotive quality standards, and championing continuous improvement initiatives across all operational facets. This isn’t just a job; it’s a chance to leave a lasting legacy on product reliability, customer satisfaction, and operational efficiency within a dynamic and forward-thinking company.
As the Director of Quality, you will be the ultimate guardian of product integrity and process robustness. Your leadership will be critical in developing, implementing, and maintaining a world-class Quality Management System (QMS) that not only meets but exceeds the rigorous demands of IATF 16949 standard and specific customer requirements.
This role demands a visionary leader who can inspire teams, implement strategic quality initiatives, and effectively communicate complex quality metrics and strategies to executive leadership, cross-functional teams, and external stakeholders. You will be at the forefront of ensuring that every product leaving the facility embodies the highest standards of quality, safety, and performance, thereby solidifying our client’s reputation as an industry leader.
Your strategic oversight will encompass everything from raw material inspection to final product validation, ensuring a seamless and defect-free manufacturing lifecycle. This position requires a proactive approach to problem-solving, a commitment to data-driven decision-making, and an unwavering dedication to fostering a quality-first mindset throughout the entire organization.
If you are passionate about quality and possess the leadership acumen to drive transformative change within the automotive industry, we encourage you to explore this exceptional opportunity.
Key Responsibilities of Director of Quality (IATF 16949)
- Strategic Quality Leadership: Develop, implement, and maintain a comprehensive Quality Management System (QMS) in strict adherence to IATF 16949 standards, customer-specific requirements, and other relevant regulatory guidelines. Provide strategic direction and vision for all quality-related activities, ensuring alignment with overall business objectives and long-term growth strategies.
- IATF 16949 Compliance & Audit Management: Serve as the primary custodian of IATF 16949 certification. Lead all internal and external IATF 16949 audits, including planning, execution, corrective action follow-up, and continuous improvement of audit processes. Ensure all documentation, records, and processes are audit-ready and compliant at all times.
- Team Leadership & Development: Recruit, mentor, and lead a high-performing quality team, fostering a culture of accountability, continuous learning, and professional growth. Provide strong leadership, guidance, and support to quality engineers, technicians, and inspectors, ensuring they have the necessary resources and training to excel.
- Continuous Improvement & Root Cause Analysis: Drive a robust culture of continuous improvement utilizing methodologies such as Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, 8D problem-solving, and FMEA. Oversee the thorough investigation of internal and external quality issues, implementing effective corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) to eliminate recurrence and enhance overall product and process quality.
- Supplier Quality Management: Establish and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, ensuring their adherence to quality standards and specifications. Develop and implement robust supplier quality assurance programs, including audits, performance monitoring, and development initiatives, to minimize incoming material defects and optimize supply chain quality.
- Customer Satisfaction & Relations: Act as the primary point of contact for all major customer quality concerns. Collaborate closely with sales, engineering, and manufacturing teams to understand customer expectations, address feedback, and implement solutions that enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty. Lead initiatives to reduce customer complaints and warranty claims.
- Process Control & SPC: Implement and manage statistical process control (SPC) techniques to monitor and control key manufacturing processes, ensuring process stability and capability. Drive the use of data analytics to identify trends, predict potential quality issues, and proactively implement preventive measures.
- New Product Introduction (NPI) Support: Collaborate with R&D and engineering teams during the new product introduction phase, ensuring that quality requirements are integrated from design to launch. Oversee APQP (Advanced Product Quality Planning) activities, including PPAP (Production Part Approval Process) submissions, to ensure flawless product launches.
- Reporting & Metrics: Develop and present comprehensive quality performance reports, dashboards, and metrics to senior management, highlighting key trends, achievements, and areas for improvement. Utilize data to drive strategic decisions and allocate resources effectively.
Requirements for the Director of Quality (IATF 16949)
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, Electrical, or related field) is required. A Master’s degree or MBA is highly preferred.
- Experience: A minimum of 10-15 years of progressive experience in quality management roles within a high-volume automotive manufacturing environment, with at least 5-7 years in a senior leadership or Director-level capacity.
- IATF 16949 Expertise: Demonstrable, in-depth knowledge and hands-on experience with IATF 16949 standard implementation, maintenance, and auditing. Must have successfully led an organization through IATF 16949 certification or re-certification processes. Certified IATF 16949 Lead Auditor preferred.
- Technical Proficiency: Strong understanding of core quality tools and methodologies including APQP, PPAP, FMEA, SPC, MSA, 8D, 5 Whys, Lean Manufacturing, and Six Sigma. Green Belt or Black Belt Six Sigma certification is highly desirable.
- Leadership & Management Skills: Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop diverse teams. Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills with the ability to influence at all levels of the organization and with external stakeholders.
- Problem-Solving Acumen: Highly analytical with a strong aptitude for complex problem-solving and root cause analysis. Ability to make data-driven decisions under pressure.
- Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, capable of articulating complex technical information clearly and concisely to diverse audiences, from shop floor personnel to executive leadership and external customers.
- Strategic Thinking: Ability to develop and execute long-term quality strategies that align with business objectives and drive sustainable improvements.
- Adaptability: Demonstrated ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic manufacturing environment and manage multiple priorities effectively.
- Travel: Willingness to travel as required to supplier sites, customer locations, and other company facilities.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client understands the value of a strong leadership team and is committed to providing a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support your professional growth, personal well-being, and financial security. This includes:
- Competitive Compensation: An attractive base salary commensurate with experience and a performance-based bonus structure.
- Comprehensive Health & Wellness: Robust medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your family, along with wellness programs and initiatives.
- Retirement Savings: A generous 401(k) plan with company matching contributions to help you build a secure financial future.
- Paid Time Off: Ample vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays to ensure a healthy work-life balance.
- Professional Development: Opportunities for ongoing training, certifications, and executive education to foster continuous learning and career advancement.
- Life & Disability Insurance: Company-paid life insurance and short-term/long-term disability coverage for peace of mind.
- Relocation Assistance: For qualified candidates moving to the Detroit, MI area, relocation support may be provided.
- Dynamic Work Environment: Be part of a collaborative, innovative, and supportive culture where your contributions are valued and recognized.
- Impactful Role: The opportunity to make a significant impact on product quality, customer satisfaction, and the overall success of a leading automotive manufacturer.
How to Apply
If you are a highly experienced and driven Director of Quality with a proven track record in IATF 16949 within the automotive industry, we invite you to apply for this exceptional opportunity. JRG Partners is committed to connecting top-tier talent with leading organizations.
To express your interest and submit your qualifications, please apply directly through our website or send your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience to our executive search team.
We look forward to reviewing your application and discussing how your expertise can contribute to the success of our client. JRG Partners is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.
For more information on how JRG Partners helps automotive and manufacturing professionals achieve their career goals, please visit our dedicated practice area page: JRG Partners Automotive & Manufacturing Practice.
