Quality Manager

Laepple Automotive US Inc•Detroit, MI

10d•$110,000 - $140,000•Onsite

About The Position

LAEPPLE Automotive is seeking a results-oriented Quality Manager to lead, develop, and execute the company’s quality strategy in a Class A, Tier 1 automotive manufacturing environment producing Class A parts. The role leads the Quality Management System (QMS) and ensures compliance with customer, regulatory, and industry quality standards. It drives continuous improvement, customer satisfaction, defect prevention, and operational excellence through quality systems, audits, supplier and customer quality, and manufacturing process controls. The Quality Manager serves as the primary quality representative for customers, suppliers, and certification bodies and fosters a culture of quality throughout the organization. The role leads and develops quality staff; maintains the QMS and audit readiness; manages customer concerns, supplier quality, process controls, and improvement projects; and establishes quality goals and performance indicators. It works closely with Operations, Engineering, Program Management, Supply Chain, and other functions in a team-based lean manufacturing setting. The position is based in a manufacturing plant, with regular production-floor presence and flexibility to support multi-shift operations and customer demands.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality, Operations Management, or a related technical discipline.
7+ years of Quality experience in automotive manufacturing.
3+ years of leadership or management experience.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
Excellent communication, collaboration, and leadership skills.
Ability to develop positive relationships with suppliers, customers, and work teams to respond quickly to requests.
Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills.
Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
Collaborative mindset with cross-functional teams.
Strategic thinking abilities.
Self-motivated with a results-driven approach.
High level of integrity and ethical standards.
Knowledge of industry standards and regulations.
Ability to interpret technical drawings and specifications.
Working knowledge of Quality Systems and Core Tools, including IATF, ISO, AIAG, VDA, CSR, and APQP.
Ability and willingness to travel and work any shift as required to meet business objectives.

Nice To Haves

Quality Management certification, such as CMQ/OE, CQE, or CSQP.
Previous experience in an automotive Tier 1 manufacturing environment supporting major OEM customers.
Lead Auditor Certification (ISO 9001, IATF, or VDA) with working knowledge.

Responsibilities

Lead, mentor, and develop Quality Engineers, Quality Technicians, and associated staff.
Foster accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Develop, maintain, and implement the QMS in alignment with ISO 9001, IATF 16949, and VDA standards.
Lead internal, external, customer, and certification audits.
Ensure corrective and preventive actions are implemented and sustained.
Manage document control, procedures, work instructions, and quality records.
Serve as the primary customer contact for quality concerns and performance metrics.
Lead customer complaint investigations using structured problem-solving methods, including 8D, 5-Why, Fishbone/Ishikawa, and Fault Tree Analysis.
Coordinate containment, corrective actions, and customer communications.
Support customer audits and launch readiness reviews.
Monitor customer scorecards and drive improvement initiatives to meet or exceed targets.
Develop and maintain process control plans and inspection strategies.
Ensure implementation of APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, Control Plans, MSA, and SPC.
Monitor manufacturing processes for compliance and effectiveness.
Lead layered process audits and product audits.
Reduce scrap, rework, customer claims, and customer disruptions.
Partner with suppliers to ensure compliance with quality standards and customer requirements.
Support supplier qualification, development, and corrective action activities.
Review supplier performance metrics and lead supplier improvement initiatives.
Participate in supplier audits and escalation activities as necessary.
Lead quality improvement projects using Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, and Root Cause Analysis.
Establish and track key quality performance indicators.
Drive cost reduction through defect prevention and process improvement.
Establish departmental goals aligned with plant and corporate objectives.
Conduct performance evaluations and support employee development plans.
Promote cross-functional collaboration with Operations, Engineering, Program Management, Supply Chain, and other teams.
Participate in plant operational excellence initiatives and cost-reduction programs.
Work in a team-based lean manufacturing environment.
Adhere to procedures, regulatory requirements, and department and company policies.
Perform other duties and tasks as assigned.