Role Overview for SVP, Global Quality Engineering with an Automotive Supplier – Detroit, MI
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a premier, Tier-1 global automotive supplier in their search for a transformative Senior Vice President (SVP) of Global Quality Engineering. Based in the automotive heartland of Detroit, MI, this executive leadership role is a career-defining opportunity for a visionary quality leader to shape the future of product excellence and customer satisfaction on a global scale. Our client is a multi-billion dollar organization renowned for its innovation, advanced manufacturing capabilities, and commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions to the world’s leading automotive OEMs.
As the SVP of Global Quality Engineering, you will be the ultimate authority and strategic architect of the company’s global quality function. Reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer (COO), you will be entrusted with developing and executing a forward-thinking quality vision that not only meets but exceeds the rigorous demands of the modern automotive industry. This role requires a dynamic leader who can inspire a culture of zero-defects, continuous improvement, and proactive quality management across all global operations, from product conception to end-of-life.
You will lead a large, geographically dispersed team of quality professionals, providing the mentorship, direction, and resources necessary to build a world-class organization. Your influence will extend across the entire value chain, including R&D, engineering, procurement, manufacturing, and customer service. The ideal candidate will be a strategic thinker with a hands-on approach, capable of navigating complex challenges, driving data-informed decisions, and building robust relationships with key customers and internal stakeholders. This is more than a job; it is a chance to leave an indelible mark on a leading company and set new benchmarks for quality in the automotive sector.
Key Responsibilities of SVP, Global Quality Engineering with an Automotive Supplier – Detroit, MI
Global Quality Strategy & Vision
Develop, articulate, and implement a comprehensive global quality strategy that aligns with the company’s long-term business objectives. Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to drive performance, accountability, and a culture of excellence.
Executive Leadership & Team Development
Provide inspirational leadership and mentorship to a global team of quality directors, managers, and engineers. Foster a culture of collaboration, empowerment, and continuous learning. Attract, develop, and retain top-tier quality talent worldwide.
Quality Management System (QMS) Oversight
Champion the global QMS, ensuring its effectiveness, efficiency, and strict adherence to the highest industry standards. This includes ensuring all global sites maintain compliance with critical certifications such as IATF 16949, ISO 9001, and customer-specific requirements.
Customer Relationship Management
Serve as the primary executive point of contact for key global customers on all significant quality matters. Build and maintain strong, trust-based relationships, proactively addressing concerns and championing a customer-centric approach throughout the organization. Lead the resolution of major customer quality issues.
New Product Introduction (NPI) Excellence
Integrate quality as a core pillar of the NPI process. Ensure the rigorous application of Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) principles and Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) submissions to guarantee flawless product launches.
Supplier Quality Assurance
Partner with the Global Procurement organization to design and implement a world-class supplier quality development program. Oversee supplier audits, performance monitoring, and corrective action processes to ensure the integrity of the supply chain.
Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement
Drive a relentless pursuit of improvement across all manufacturing facilities. Champion the use of Lean, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement methodologies to reduce waste, minimize variation, and enhance product consistency and reliability.
Data-Driven Decision Making
Leverage advanced data analytics, Statistical Process Control (SPC), and predictive quality tools to monitor performance, identify emerging trends, and implement proactive measures. Translate complex data into actionable business insights for the executive team.
Risk Management & Compliance
Establish robust processes for identifying, assessing, and mitigating quality-related risks across the product lifecycle. Ensure full compliance with all applicable global safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.
Financial & Budgetary Oversight
Develop and manage the annual global quality budget. Drive cost-of-quality (CoQ) reduction initiatives and ensure the strategic allocation of resources to maximize return on investment and support key business priorities.
Requirements for the SVP, Global Quality Engineering with an Automotive Supplier – Detroit, MI
Educational Background
A Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field is required. A Master of Business Administration (MBA) or a Master of Science in Engineering or Quality Management is strongly preferred.
Executive Experience
A minimum of 15-20 years of progressive experience in quality assurance and engineering within the automotive manufacturing sector. Crucially, this must include at least 7-10 years in a senior leadership capacity (e.g., Vice President, Senior Director) with responsibility for multiple sites and global teams.
Industry Expertise
Deep, demonstrated experience working within a Tier-1 automotive supplier environment is essential. Must possess an expert-level understanding of OEM expectations, systems, and requirements.
Technical Proficiency
Mastery of automotive quality standards and core tools is non-negotiable. This includes comprehensive knowledge of IATF 16949, APQP, PPAP, FMEA, MSA, and SPC. Proven expertise in advanced problem-solving methodologies such as 8D, Six Sigma (Black Belt or Master Black Belt preferred), and Shainin/Red X is highly desirable.
Global Leadership Acumen
Proven track record of successfully leading and managing large, culturally diverse, and geographically dispersed teams. Must demonstrate the ability to set a clear vision, align global functions, and drive results across different regions.
Strategic & Business Mindset
Ability to think strategically and translate high-level business goals into tactical quality initiatives. Strong financial acumen with experience managing departmental budgets and demonstrating the financial impact of quality improvements.
Communication & Influence
Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills. Must possess executive presence and the ability to effectively influence and negotiate with senior executives, key customers, and other critical stakeholders.
Travel
Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 30-40% of the time to engage with global teams, customers, and suppliers.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top executive talent by offering a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package. This includes:
Executive Compensation
A competitive base salary, a significant annual performance-based bonus, and a long-term incentive plan (LTI) with equity components.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Premier medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your eligible dependents. Includes access to wellness programs and health savings accounts (HSA).
Retirement Savings
A robust 401(k) plan with a generous company match to help you plan for your future.
Executive Perquisites
Includes an executive car allowance, financial planning services, and other executive-level benefits.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package is available for the successful candidate and their family.
Paid Time Off
Generous paid time off (PTO), company holidays, and flexible work arrangements to support work-life balance.
Professional Growth
A commitment to your ongoing professional development through executive coaching, industry conferences, and continued education support.
Insurance & Security
Company-paid life insurance, short-term disability, and long-term disability coverage.
How to Apply
JRG Partners has been exclusively retained for this critical executive search. If you are a proven global quality leader with the experience and passion to drive excellence in the automotive industry, we invite you to apply.
To be considered for this confidential opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your qualifications. All inquiries and applications will be handled with the utmost discretion.
Explore more opportunities and learn about our dedicated approach by visiting our automotive and manufacturing executive search practice.
Our client is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.
