Global Quality Manager

ALKEGEN•Detroit, MI

2d•$137,912 - $172,390•Hybrid

About The Position

The Global Quality Manager is responsible for leading and standardizing quality strategy, systems, and performance across 12 global manufacturing locations. This role ensures consistent adherence to automotive quality standards (e.g., IATF 16949), drives continuous improvement, and develops embedded site-level quality managers, engineers, and technicians into a cohesive, high-performing global quality organization. The position requires strong leadership across geographically dispersed teams, with a focus on customer satisfaction, defect prevention, and operational excellence.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, or related field (Master’s preferred)
10+ years of experience in automotive quality
5+ years in a multi-site or global leadership role
Strong background in manufacturing quality systems and customer-facing roles
Proven experience managing distributed teams and influencing across regions
Deep knowledge of IATF 16949, APQP, PPAP, FMEA, SPC, MSA
Experience with CI and Lean methodologies, ideally Six Sigma Black Belt
Strong leadership and matrix management skills
Excellent problem-solving and analytical abilities
Ability to influence and drive change across cultures and regions
Strong communication skills (executive-level presentations, customer interaction)
Experience with quality data systems and reporting tools

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree

Responsibilities

Define and deploy the global quality strategy aligned with business objectives and customer expectations.
Establish standardized quality systems, processes, and metrics across all manufacturing sites.
Ensure compliance with automotive standards including IATF 16949, ISO 9001, and customer-specific requirements.
Serve as the escalation point for critical quality issues impacting customers or multiple sites.
Provide direct line leadership to quality managers and quality engineers embedded in 12 manufacturing locations.
Direct line management of Lead Process Specialist(s) responsible for customer specific quality requirements, PPAP coordination and tracking.
Ensure consistency in quality practices, reporting, and problem-solving methodologies across all sites.
Conduct monthly global quality reviews and regular site performance assessments.
Drive alignment between regional/site leadership and corporate quality priorities.
Lead global customer quality strategy, including complaint resolution, warranty reduction, and scorecard performance.
Ensure robust root cause analysis (8D, A3, DMAIC) and timely corrective actions.
Act as key interface for major OEM customers on quality-related topics.
Improve customer satisfaction metrics (PPM, warranty claims, audit scores).
Establish KPIs and dashboards (e.g., PPM, scrap, rework, cost of poor quality).
Drive defect prevention through APQP, PPAP, FMEA, Control Plans, and SPC.
Lead initiatives to reduce variation, improve process capability, and eliminate waste.
Oversee internal and external audit programs.
Build and mentor a global network of site quality managers, quality engineers and plant leadership.
Define competency models and training plans for quality personnel.
Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and technical excellence.
Promote best practice sharing across sites.
Lead global initiatives focused on quality excellence, digitalization, and standardization.
Implement advanced quality tools and data analytics.
Drive Lean Six Sigma projects to improve quality and reduce cost.