Assistant Quality Manager

North American Stamping•Portland, TN

16h

About The Position

The Assistant Quality Manager reports to the General Manager and provides daily leadership for the plant Quality department. The role supports the operation and improvement of the Quality Management System, maintains customer and NASG quality standards, and works closely with Production and Engineering to resolve quality concerns. It includes customer communication, corrective action, quality performance improvement, audit readiness, and development of Quality engineers and technicians. Based on demonstrated performance and business needs, the role may assume broader Quality management responsibilities.

Requirements

At least five years of manufacturing quality experience, including three years in automotive manufacturing.
Demonstrated experience leading Quality associates, coordinating department activities, and managing customer quality concerns.
Experience with automotive quality systems, customer audits, corrective action, containment, and new product launches.
Strong working knowledge of control plans, PFMEAs, process flow diagrams, and in-process inspection.
Proficiency in GD&T, SPC, measurement systems analysis, gauge R&R, and inspection methods.
Working knowledge of APQP, PPAP, automotive Core Tools, IATF 16949, and customer-specific requirements.
Ability to lead root cause investigations and implement effective corrective actions using structured problem-solving methods.
Ability to interpret quality data, establish priorities, and hold teams accountable for completing actions.
Strong leadership, organization, and interpersonal skills, including the ability to address concerns directly and professionally.
Hands-on problem-solving approach, including observing processes on the floor and working directly with associates.
Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and adapt to changing production and customer priorities.
Flexibility to support multiple shifts and work additional hours when required to resolve quality concerns or meet deadlines.
Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with customers, management, and associates.
Ability to explain technical quality requirements in practical terms and coordinate effective communication between Production and Quality.
Ability to read, write, and communicate in the primary language of the facility.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
Experience with quality reporting systems and customer portals.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, quality, manufacturing, or a related technical field; equivalent relevant education and experience will be considered.
Six Sigma Black Belt or comparable quality certification.
Prior supervisory or management experience.
Experience with Minitab.

Responsibilities

Lead daily Quality department activities, establish priorities, and follow through on customer and plant quality concerns.
Evaluate Quality engineers’ and technicians’ capabilities and coordinate their training, coaching, and development.
Serve as a primary customer contact for assigned quality issues, coordinate responses, and represent NASG in customer meetings as required.
Monitor and report plant quality performance, identify recurring concerns, and drive actions to reduce defects, scrap, rework, and customer complaints.
Ensure control plans, PFMEAs, process flow diagrams, and inspection instructions are accurate, current, and aligned with production processes and customer requirements.
Guide Production on part inspection, SPC, measurement methods, gauge use, and interpretation of quality requirements.
Coordinate material review and containment activities so suspect product is identified, segregated, evaluated, and dispositioned through approved procedures.
Lead corrective and preventive action activities, including root cause analysis, timely customer responses, and verification that actions prevent recurrence.
Participate in layered process audits and follow up on findings to confirm effective resolution.
Support new product launches and engineering changes through APQP, PPAP, process validation, and completion of assigned plant quality deliverables.
Provide leadership and technical support to the Early Production Containment team to verify launch quality requirements are met.
Work with Operations, Manufacturing Engineering, Tooling, and Maintenance to resolve process and product quality concerns.
Coordinate preparation for internal, external, and customer audits; track findings and ensure corrective actions are completed.
Support administration of the plant Quality Management System and serve as the designated QMS representative when assigned.
Help develop and execute the department’s annual improvement plan, with measurable objectives and clear accountability.
Assist with department budgeting, staffing, equipment needs, and resource planning; manage assigned expenditures.
Evaluate department processes for compliance, efficiency, and effectiveness, and implement improvements that strengthen execution and accountability.
Maintain a visible, hands-on presence on the manufacturing floor and coach associates in consistent application of quality standards.
Provide additional leadership and support as assigned by the General Manager.