Role Overview for SVP, Global Quality & Compliance with an Automotive OEM – Detroit, MI
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a globally recognized and highly respected Automotive Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) in their search for a transformative Senior Vice President (SVP) of Global Quality & Compliance. This executive leadership position, based in the automotive heartland of Detroit, MI, is a career-defining opportunity for a seasoned professional to shape the future of quality for an iconic brand. The successful candidate will be the ultimate authority and advocate for quality across the entire enterprise, ensuring that every vehicle produced not only meets but exceeds the highest standards of safety, reliability, and customer satisfaction.
Reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer, the SVP will serve as a key member of the executive leadership team, providing the strategic vision and operational direction for all quality and compliance functions worldwide. This role is not merely about oversight; it is about embedding a pervasive, proactive, and data-driven quality culture that permeates every aspect of the organization—from initial design and engineering, through the complexities of a global supply chain, to state-of-the-art manufacturing processes and post-sale customer support. You will be responsible for safeguarding the company’s brand reputation, mitigating risk, and driving manufacturing excellence in an era of rapid technological advancement, including electric vehicles (EVs), autonomous systems, and connected car technologies. This leader will champion a zero-defect mindset and spearhead the digital transformation of quality systems, leveraging predictive analytics and Industry 4.0 principles to anticipate issues before they arise. This is a pivotal role that requires a leader who can balance strategic foresight with hands-on operational discipline, inspire a global team of thousands, and navigate the intricate landscape of international regulations and standards.
Key Responsibilities of SVP, Global Quality & Compliance with an Automotive OEM – Detroit, MI
Strategic Quality Leadership
Develop, articulate, and execute a comprehensive global quality and compliance vision and strategy that aligns with the company’s long-term business objectives. Champion initiatives that position the company as a benchmark for quality and reliability in the automotive industry.
Global Quality Management System (QMS) Oversight
Direct the continuous improvement and global standardization of the company’s QMS. Ensure robust compliance with and certification to critical automotive standards, most notably IATF 16949, as well as ISO 9001 and other relevant international standards. Drive process simplification and effectiveness across all plants and business units.
Regulatory & Product Compliance
Serve as the company’s chief expert on global automotive safety, environmental, and emissions regulations. Proactively monitor the evolving regulatory landscape and ensure all products meet or exceed compliance requirements in all markets. Act as the primary liaison with governmental agencies such as NHTSA, EPA, and their international counterparts.
Supplier Quality Assurance & Development
Architect and lead a world-class supplier quality program. Establish rigorous standards for supplier selection, auditing, and performance management. Collaborate with procurement and engineering to build a resilient and high-performing supply base, driving corrective and preventive actions deep into the supply chain.
Product Lifecycle Quality
Implement and enforce rigorous quality gates and best practices throughout the entire product lifecycle. This includes leading Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP), Production Part Approval Process (PPAP), Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), and Statistical Process Control (SPC) initiatives to ensure quality is designed-in from the earliest stages.
Customer-Centric Quality Culture
Foster an unwavering focus on the customer experience. Oversee global systems for warranty analysis, field performance monitoring, and rapid resolution of customer issues. Translate customer feedback and field data into actionable product and process improvements.
Team Leadership and Global Talent Development
Lead, mentor, and inspire a large, geographically dispersed organization of quality and compliance professionals. Cultivate a pipeline of future quality leaders and foster a culture of accountability, continuous learning, and operational excellence.
Data-Driven Decision Making
Champion the use of advanced data analytics, predictive modeling, and statistical methods to monitor performance, identify trends, and drive proactive quality improvements. Establish and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) to the executive team and Board of Directors, providing clear insights into quality performance and risk.
Crisis and Recall Management
Develop and lead the company’s crisis response protocol for significant quality or safety incidents. Direct all activities related to potential product recalls, ensuring swift, transparent, and effective execution to protect customer safety and brand integrity.
Continuous Improvement Leadership
Drive a relentless pursuit of perfection by embedding continuous improvement methodologies such as Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and Kaizen into the DNA of the quality organization and the broader manufacturing operations.
Requirements for the SVP, Global Quality & Compliance with an Automotive OEM – Detroit, MI
Educational Background
A Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a closely related technical field is required. An advanced degree, such as an MBA or a Master of Science in Engineering or Quality Management, is strongly preferred.
Executive Experience
A minimum of 20 years of progressive experience in quality assurance, quality engineering, and manufacturing operations within the automotive industry. This must include at least 7-10 years in a senior executive leadership role (e.g., Vice President, Senior Director) with responsibility for a global, multi-plant quality organization.
Technical Expertise
Demonstrated, expert-level mastery of automotive quality systems, standards, and core tools. Deep fluency in IATF 16949, APQP, PPAP, FMEA, SPC, and 8D problem-solving methodologies is essential. Experience with quality in the context of EV powertrains, battery systems, and software is highly desirable.
Global Regulatory Acumen
Extensive, hands-on experience navigating the complex web of global automotive safety and environmental regulations (e.g., FMVSS, ECE regulations). Proven experience interacting with regulatory bodies on a global scale.
Transformational Leadership
A proven track record of transforming a quality organization from a reactive, compliance-focused function to a proactive, strategic business partner. Must possess exceptional leadership, communication, and influencing skills, with the ability to inspire change and build consensus across all levels of a complex, matrixed organization.
Business and Financial Acumen
Strong understanding of the financial implications of quality. Ability to develop and present a compelling business case for quality investments and clearly articulate the link between quality performance and key business outcomes like profitability, warranty costs, and customer loyalty.
Personal Attributes
Unimpeachable ethics and integrity. A commanding executive presence, resilience under pressure, a bias for action, and a deep-seated passion for building world-class products and processes.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client offers a comprehensive and highly competitive executive compensation and benefits package designed to attract and retain top-tier talent, including:
Executive Compensation
A highly competitive base salary, a significant annual performance-based bonus, and a compelling long-term incentive plan (e.g., stock options, restricted stock units).
Health & Wellness
Premier medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your dependents, along with executive wellness programs and health savings accounts.
Retirement & Financial Planning
A generous 401(k) retirement plan with a substantial company match, complemented by access to an executive deferred compensation plan and financial planning services.
Relocation
A comprehensive, white-glove executive relocation package is available for the successful candidate and their family.
Perks
An executive vehicle allowance or company car program, generous paid time off (PTO) and company holidays, and executive life and disability insurance.
Professional Growth
A dedicated budget for executive coaching, attendance at key industry conferences, and ongoing professional development to ensure you remain at the forefront of the industry.
How to Apply
This is a confidential search being conducted exclusively by JRG Partners. If you are a visionary quality leader with the experience and drive to make a lasting impact on a global automotive leader, we encourage you to apply. To express your interest, please submit your resume and a cover letter for confidential review. JRG Partners is committed to diversity and inclusion and is an equal opportunity employer. To learn more about our recruitment expertise in this space, please explore our work in the Industrial & Manufacturing sector.
