POSITION SUMMARY
The incumbent in this position is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing the quality control system designed to ensure continuous improvement consistent with established standards, customer specifications and production goals. This position supervises a team of quality engineers, technicians and inspectors.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Formulate, document and maintain quality control standards and on-going quality control objectives to ensure the quality control system meets the requirements of IATF16949 and customers’ specifications.
- Work collaboratively with the design and planning team to ensure product and customer requirements are met. This includes critical dimension and capability review, customer Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) requirements, and actual or potential field failure analysis and discussion.
- Provide support to Program management utilizing APQP for new program launches and ECR implementations.
- Participate in the development of product specifications, new design and technology activities.
- Collect and analyze production samples and internal/external defects to evaluate quality.
- Analyze quality control test results and provide feedback and interpretation to production management or staff.
- Produce reports regarding non-conformance of products or processes, daily production, quality root causes analyses, or quality trends.
- Oversee employees engaged in testing activities.
- Identify quality problems or areas for improvement; recommend solutions and develop improvement plans.
- Ensure the completion of internal process and product audits in accordance with specified schedule(s).
- Ensure compliance of calibration schedule and system.
- Monitor performance of quality control systems to ensure effectiveness and efficiency.
- Verify that raw materials, purchased parts or components, in-process samples, and finished products meet established testing and inspection standards.
- Create, review, and update standard operating procedures or quality assurance manuals. Create, document and implement inspection and testing criteria or procedures.
- Ensure a high level of internal and external customer service. Promptly investigate and correct customer issues and complaints relating to quality; arrange for customer support to protect supply pipeline and OEM.
- Assist suppliers with questions and concerns; supply PPAP and product information to customers within the program timing; assist global sales and engineering staff with product information and testing.
- Review and monitor quality performance of all company suppliers.
- Facilitate management review meetings and report the company’s quality performance.
- Review all customer quality contracts and quality agreements.
- Act as liaison for intellectual property (IP) consisting of communication of all IP and trademark business through legal offices, maintenance of IP, and monitoring of IP competitors. Forward communications to appropriate personnel and file notices of new IP with legal offices as required.
- Ensure compliance with IATF16949 registration status with current versions of automotive and quality standards; and maintain audit program with registrars.
- Participate in customer on-site visits, reviews and audits.
- Review all customer quality contracts and quality agreements.
- Review statistical studies, technological advances, or regulatory standards and trends to stay abreast of issues in the field of quality control.
- Problem solve using PDCA/8D/QRQC methodology to identify proper root cause and effective countermeasures actions and/or activities.
- Drive continuous improvement through effective read across for products and processes.
- Adhere to EMS and IATF 16949 Policies and Procedures.
- Perform all other related duties as assigned by the manager.
RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT
- Work as part of the management team to share ideas and improve operations. Recommend, support, and implement continuous and process improvement activities to optimize results and improve safety, quality and other KPIs.
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to ensure optimal performance.
- Stay current on changes that may affect our ability to comply with industry standards.
PEOPLE MANAGEMENT
- Manage, coach, motivate and develop a high performing team that meets agreed objectives, and delivers best practice results and added value continuous improvements.
- Communicate KPIs to direct reports based on the strategic annual plan. Develop, set and monitor department objectives and KPIs for each production area.
- Report on achievement of targets and identify any actions required.
- Provide continuous feedback and perform annual reviews of direct reports.
- Provide technical expertise to the team.
- Consistently promote high standards and lead by example.
- Ensure that employees adhere to safety, health and environmental policies and procedures.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Ability to read and write technical specifications and reports.
- Ability to proficiently use various company-related and external systems and databases.
- Ability to proficiently use computer programs such as Microsoft Office applications.
- Ability to work effectively with internal/external personnel, customers, vendors, and outside agencies.
- Ability to proficiently operate office technology and equipment (e.g., computer systems).
- Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
- Ability to multi-task and prioritize work to meet time sensitive deadlines.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or closely related field; or the equivalent work-related experience in Quality Management.
- Minimum of five (5) to seven (7) years of demonstrated Quality Management experience in a manufacturing environment preferably in the automotive industry.
- Must have a background and expertise in recordkeeping, reporting, and compliance (IATF 16949 highly preferred).
- Demonstrated leadership skills and managerial experience.
- Must be an exceptional communicator with the ability to interact with all levels of the organization.
- Must be customer-focused with the ability to build strong business relationships.
- Must be a strategic thinker, foster innovation, and perform functions with integrity.
- Must have the ability to write technical reports and programs.
- Must have an understanding of manufacturing technologies and processes.
- Must be able to read, write, and speak English proficiently.
- Must be proficient with computers and demonstrated skills in office applications such as MS Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Certified Quality Manager (CQM).
- Certification in IATF16949 highly preferred.
- Six Sigma and root cause analysis corrective action training preferred.
TRAVEL
- Overnight domestic travel based on customer need (25%).
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee must be able to work in a variety of physical positions, including sitting, bending, reaching, walking, and stretching. The employee is regularly required to talk and/or hear.
The employee is frequently required to use hands, handle or feel. The employee must be able to perform physical activities such as, but not limited to, lifting and/or moving light objects up to ten (10) pounds, and occasionally lift items up to twenty-five (25) pounds. Specific vision abilities include close vision. Employee may be exposed to hazardous materials and chemicals.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee typically works in an office environment with adequate lighting and ventilation and a normal range of temperature and noise level. Although the incumbent primarily works in an office environment, while performing the duties of this job the employee is exposed to an industrial manufacturing environment. The employee may work near moving mechanical machinery and/or vehicles, and the noise level in the work environment may range from moderate to loud.
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Aptiv is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.