Manager, Quality Assurance

DENSO • Long Beach, CA

21d • $122,000 - $153,000

About The Position

The Manager, Quality Assurance for DENSO Products and Services Americas, Inc. leads the QC Group and Quality Lab Operations. The role directs a multidisciplinary team of Quality Engineers, Technicians, and Inspectors to safeguard product integrity through ISIR reviews, tear-down analysis, receiving inspections, field-claim monitoring, changepoint management, supplier coordination, cost charge-backs, and continuous improvement initiatives.

The manager oversees supplier quality and applicable ISO standards, develops and approves new suppliers, and works with suppliers to resolve quality issues and meet DENSO standards. The role collaborates with Procurement, Engineering, Receiving, Repack, Packaging, and senior management to resolve quality matters and establish goals, measures, and plans. It also directs staff work, monitors budgets, supports staffing and human-resources activities, and develops the skills and performance of the engineering team.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, quality management, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of experience in automotive quality assurance or manufacturing.
• Proven leadership experience managing cross-functional quality teams.
• Strong knowledge of engineering theories, processes, and terminology.
• Strong knowledge of ISO and other quality standards; familiarity with IATF 16949 and ISO/TS 16949.
• Strong knowledge of ISIR, tear-down analysis, and field-claim processes.
• Experience with supplier quality management and cost charge-back systems.
• Excellent problem-solving and root-cause analysis skills, including the ability to interpret potentially conflicting data.
• Effective written and verbal communication, presentation, customer-service, negotiation, and stakeholder-management abilities.
• Advanced experience using Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• Knowledge of database or analytical software such as Access.
• Familiarity with project management software.
• Proficiency with quality tools such as FMEA, SPC, 8D, and APQP.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to develop department and team goals and objectives.
• People-management skills.

Nice To Haves

• Previous automotive experience preferred.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or higher certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Supervise, develop, and manage Quality Engineers, Technicians, and Inspectors.
• Manage and maintain Supplier Quality and applicable ISO standards.
• Interact with suppliers to resolve quality issues, audit supplier processes as necessary, document improvement measures, and facilitate issue closure.
• Develop and manage processes for establishing and approving new suppliers, including readiness reviews, training on DENSO quality standards, and resolution of issues.
• Oversee Initial Sample Inspection Reports (ISIR) and ensure compliance.
• Lead tear-down analysis to identify root causes of defects.
• Manage receiving inspection processes for incoming components.
• Monitor field claims and coordinate corrective actions.
• Manage changepoint processes and supplier coordination.
• Collaborate with Procurement, Engineering, Receiving, Repack, and Packaging on internal and supplier quality issues and decisions.
• Develop goals, objectives, measures, and short- and long-range plans for the assigned area with senior management.
• Plan, assign, schedule, direct, review, and approve completed work by quality engineering staff; support supplier quality associates in meeting customer requirements.
• Administer cost charge-back programs related to quality failures.
• Drive continuous improvement and corrective/preventive action (CAPA) initiatives.
• Maintain departmental metrics and report performance to senior leadership.
• Assist in developing and monitoring the assigned area's budget and provide input into staffing proposals.
• Perform human-resources activities, including time and attendance tracking, counseling, scheduling, performance evaluation, and skill development.
• Foster morale and teamwork through daily interaction and one-on-one support.
• Coach and develop engineering staff to increase core competencies.
• Ensure adherence to automotive industry standards and regulatory requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans.
• 401(k) with 4% company match.
• Vacation/PTO and 13 paid holidays.
• Bonus program.
• FSA/HSA and dependent care programs.
• Company-provided life, disability, ADD, and business travel insurance.
• No-cost wellness and chronic condition management programs.
• Optional insurance programs, including legal, identity theft, and critical illness coverage.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Career development and ongoing training.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Employee Spotlight and Recognition Program.
• Volunteer opportunities.
• Onsite fitness center, varying by location.
• Cafeteria and food markets, varying by location.
• Onsite health clinic and pharmacy, varying by location.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager