Director of Advance Quality Management Region Head

General Responsibilities:

In cooperation with the Global and Regional executive management team, this position exercises responsibility to oversee the Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) process, ensuring that new products and engineering changes meet quality standards and are successfully launched, this position will also be responsible for execution of Advance Quality Assurance strategies and tactical plans at all sites within the Americas Region.  This position also develops priorities and objectives for regional advance quality initiatives, and works with site management teams to implement such initiatives throughout the region; serves as a corporate resource to all Quality staff and management teams at all sites, and; determines needs and coordinates additional support for sites and/or Regional Corporate Quality group from Global Functions as required. 

Key Activities:

Advance Quality Management: 

Management:

• Supports proactive health & safety behavior within the region.
• Serves as a resource for all Regional Quality staff and management teams in all functions and at all sites.
• Responsible for creating, validating and deploying quality targets for the region.
• Define Quality Standards in accordance with industry regulations and customer expectations.
• Actively participates in preparing detail responses to RFI´s including relevant plant capabilities, quality processes and adherence to standards.
• Conclude contractual arrangements with customers, detailing quality agreements, specifications, and delivery timelines
• Collaborate with sales and customer service teams to exceed customer expectations and enhance loyalty.
• Proactively engage with customers to understand their quality expectations and ensure they are met

Product Launch Oversight

• Manage the launch of new parts from customer purchase order (PO) through production ramp-up.
• Participate in developing project feasibility studies with CFT Team
• Ensure successful timing, quantity, and quality of product launches.
• Support Plant Quality team to Coordinate activities related to Engineering changes implementation (both customer-driven and internal).
• Facilitate smooth transitions from old revisions to new ones, minimizing obsolescence.
• Integrate CSR and benchmark process as part of developing phases of the project
• Support CFT team to validate capacity to fulfill customer requirements (such as resources, staffing, machinery, etc.)
• Develop and distribute customer quality agreements specifying quality control measures, inspection, testing and non-conformance criteria, and corrective action processes.

Transfer of parts

• Oversee the transfer of parts between plants.

• Collaborate with local managers from each plant to coordinate necessary activities for transferring lines/equipment.

Lauch Requirement and Documentation

• Manage and track launch requirements such as EDI, packaging instructions, and product standards for new customers.
• Support Local Quality Managers in solving quality concerns and inquiries during launch phases of the projects and engineering changes.
• Identify bottlenecks and roadblocks early in the APQP value stream.
• Collaborate with Local Quality Management to develop and implement a robust Safe launch plan.

New Product Development

• Be involved in the early stages of new product development to ensure readiness for launch.
• Lead cross-functional teams to identify Risk opportunities for process improvement and efficiency gains during Project development.
• Including Past problem history data.

Project Management

• Create project timelines in cooperation with Sales, Engineering, and Operations.
• Identify critical paths and work with local management to execute plans.

Quality Systems and Tools

• Apply deep knowledge of Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) principles.
• Proficiency with AIAG or VDA manuals.
• Familiarity with ISO/IATF Quality Systems.
• Utilize quality management tools such as FMEA, PPAP, MSA, control plans, Statistical Process Control (SPC), and 8Ds.
• Read engineering drawings and possess technical/mechanical skills

People Training

• Monitors the training and development of personnel involved in APQP activities to ensure they possess the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively execute their roles.

Candidate Profile:

Key Professional Competencies

• Strong business and financial acumen include the ability to develop and implement strategic business plans to support the attainment of Advance Quality Function targets.
• Expert capability, understanding and knowledge of Advance Quality Management and new product introduction processes and procedures.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes in the automotive sector.
• Project and/or program management experience.
• Proficiency in Problem Solving techniques.
• Ability to work and collaborate with cross functional teams, locally and globally, to meet customer requirements.
• Fluent English level

Key Personal Competencies

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
• Implementation & Result Orientation
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to leverage data to drive informed decision-making and process improvements.
• Relationship Building & Networking
• Strategy Understanding & Roll-out

Education:  Bachelor or Master’s degree in Quality Management, Engineering, or related fields.

Experience:  Minimum of 10 years in a senior management (including people management)

Other:   Successful background in leading Quality Assurance Function in the Automotive sector, preferably with a Tier 1 supplier or OEM. Understanding and knowledge of Advance Quality Management and new product introduction

Working conditions:

Physical Demands: Required to sit or stand for long periods of time. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Travel: Domestic and international required as needed. The candidate will occasionally need to travel to multiple global locations to support project development.