Director of Quality & Technical Services

NMLP•East Chicago, IN

About The Position

The Director of Quality & Technical Services leads enterprise quality strategy and technical support across NMC operations. This role owns the Quality Management System (QMS), customer quality performance, and continuous improvement of manufacturing capability through data-driven problem solving, disciplined corrective action, and strong cross-functional leadership.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Metallurgy, Materials Engineering, Quality Management, or a related discipline (required).
5+ years of progressive quality leadership experience in a manufacturing environment (multi-site/multi-location experience preferred).
Hands-on experience with core automotive quality tools and methods: APQP, PFMEA/FMEA, Control Plans, PPAP, SPC, sampling plans, and layered/process audits.
Strong background in root cause analysis and corrective action (8D, 5-Why, Ishikawa or equivalent), with demonstrated results reducing defects and customer complaints.
Experience leading and sustaining IATF 16949 systems and external certification audits.
Metallurgical or materials engineering experience supporting manufacturing and customers; experience with advanced high-strength steels preferred.
Strong knowledge of automotive customer requirements and supplier/manufacturing quality expectations (OEM and/or Tier 1 experience preferred).
Proven ability to lead through influence across Operations, Engineering, Sales, and Supply Chain to deliver measurable quality and delivery improvements.
Excellent analytical skills with the ability to turn data into action (trend analysis, capability, COPQ, Pareto, control charts).
Strong customer-facing communication skills; able to present technical content clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
Working knowledge of inspection and test methods, metrology, and interpretation of drawings/specifications.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office (especially Excel) and comfort working in ERP/QMS systems; able to build simple dashboards and standard reporting.
Collaborative, hands-on leadership style; able to operate effectively in a fast-paced, continuous-improvement culture.

Nice To Haves

Lean/Six Sigma experience strongly preferred; Black Belt certification is a plus.

Responsibilities

Own and continuously improve the Quality Management System (procedures, work instructions, document control, training effectiveness), ensuring compliance and audit readiness.
Lead and develop the Quality & Technical Services team (quality inspectors, lab/testing personnel, and engineering support), setting clear expectations, coaching performance, and building bench strength.
Maintain and strengthen IATF 16949 certification, including internal audit programs, management review, and closure of findings with effective countermeasures.
Drive structured problem solving and corrective action (8D, 5-Why, defect prevention, statistical tools), reducing internal/external defects and eliminating recurring issues.
Lead customer quality engagement: manage claims/complaints, communicate containment and corrective action plans, and improve customer scorecards and satisfaction.
Partner with Operations, Maintenance, and Engineering to improve process capability, control plans, and inspection/testing strategies across production.
Provide metallurgical and technical support for product/process issues, including evaluation of nonconformances, material behavior, and manufacturing performance.
Strengthen supplier quality performance by setting expectations, reviewing supplier metrics, driving corrective actions, and improving quality and on-time delivery.
Own key quality metrics and reporting (scrap/rework, customer returns, COPQ, audit results), delivering clear insights and recommendations to leadership.
Ensure effective product and process quality planning activities as applicable (APQP, FMEA, PPAP, SPC, sampling plans, and control plans), aligned to customer and internal requirements.
Translate blueprints/specifications into practical inspection and test methods; validate measurement systems and ensure consistent application on the floor and in the lab.