Quality Manager – Automotive Manufacturing
About The Position
GACC Midwest is supporting an established international manufacturer in recruiting a hands-on Quality Manager for its U.S. manufacturing operation. The role leads day-to-day quality operations and prepares the facility for automotive growth, including new automotive program launches and IATF 16949 certification readiness. Reporting directly to the President, the Quality Manager owns the site's Quality Management System, maintains ISO 9001 standards, and leads the implementation of automotive quality processes. The position works closely with Production, Engineering, and leadership in the United States and Germany in a smaller manufacturing environment. The first-year focus includes supporting new automotive program launches and customer-specific requirements; assessing the existing ISO 9001 system and addressing gaps toward IATF 16949 certification; preparing for customer audits; strengthening automotive quality documentation; maintaining effective daily quality processes; and building sustainable systems in collaboration with operational teams and international leadership. The employer is an established, privately held manufacturer specializing in precision metal stamping and deep drawing. Its U.S. operation is part of an international organization headquartered in Germany and is entering a growth phase following newly awarded automotive business. The role offers responsibility for quality systems and continuous improvement, direct access to leadership, and collaboration with U.S. and international leadership.
Requirements
- Several years of progressive quality experience in an automotive manufacturing environment.
- Strong working knowledge of IATF 16949, including practical experience implementing, maintaining, or improving automotive quality processes.
- Hands-on experience with Automotive Core Tools, including APQP, PPAP, FMEA, MSA, SPC, and Control Plans.
- Working knowledge of ISO 9001 and Quality Management Systems.
- Experience preparing for or participating in internal, customer, or third-party quality audits.
- Experience supporting automotive customer requirements, new product launches, or production quality.
- Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, quality documentation, and inspection procedures.
- Experience with root cause analysis, corrective actions, and structured problem-solving methodologies.
- Ability to work effectively with Manufacturing, Engineering, Production, and other operational teams.
- Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities.
Nice To Haves
- Direct involvement in IATF 16949 implementation, certification, recertification, gap assessments, or audit-readiness initiatives.
- Previous quality management, supervisory, or project leadership experience.
- Experience in precision metal stamping, deep drawing, metal forming, tool & die, or related manufacturing processes.
- Experience managing automotive customer audits and customer-specific requirements.
- Experience working in a smaller manufacturing facility with broad quality responsibilities.
- Experience collaborating with international teams or a foreign parent company.
- Spanish language skills, particularly for employee training and communication.
Responsibilities
- Lead, maintain, and continuously improve the site's Quality Management System, ensuring ongoing ISO 9001 compliance.
- Drive IATF 16949 readiness, including gap assessments, documentation improvements, process development, and audit preparation.
- Develop, review, and maintain quality procedures, work instructions, Process Flows, PFMEAs, Control Plans, and inspection plans.
- Apply Automotive Core Tools, including APQP, PPAP, FMEA, MSA, SPC, and Control Plans.
- Support new product introductions, production launches, and automotive customer-specific requirements.
- Coordinate internal and customer quality audits, corrective actions, and follow-up activities.
- Lead root cause analysis, problem-solving, and continuous improvement initiatives to reduce defects, scrap, and quality-related issues.
- Work with Production, Engineering, Tooling, Purchasing, and other departments to improve manufacturing quality and process controls.
- Monitor quality performance, analyze KPIs, and implement corrective and preventive measures.
- Train and support employees in quality procedures, documentation, and automotive quality requirements.
- Collaborate with German headquarters to align global quality standards with U.S. manufacturing operations and customer expectations.
- Serve as the primary local quality contact for management, customers, and external stakeholders.
Benefits
- Medical insurance with multiple plan options.
- 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
- Paid Time Off increasing with tenure, up to 20 days annually.
- 8 paid company holidays.
- Opportunity to lead the development of automotive quality systems and support newly awarded customer programs.
- Direct collaboration with U.S. and international leadership.
- Significant ownership and visibility within a growing manufacturing operation.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
No Education Listed
